The fate of the 148th Artillery Brigade has now been officially decided.

Source

This case study was first presented at the FIC Cyber conference on April 1st 2025

This investigation uncovers the shadowy gold trails linking Russia to the Central African Republic, the DRC and the UAE. Since arriving in CAR, the Wagner group has acted like a predatory state within a state – seizing power and plundering resources. INPACT/AEOW has repeatedly exposed their network of front companies running gold and diamond operations, with companies like Lobaye Invest, Midas Resources (N’dassima mine) or Diamville, as well as shady deals in timber and beverages. After the death of Prigozhin, Wagner has been remaining in CAR and Russia has been more and more present in the region. Dig Dig Baby is a raw exposé of the mines, the gold routes and the Russian grip tightening across Central Africa.

An artisanal gold mine under the control of Russia in CAR

Yidere Artisanal gold mine

In May 2023, Heavy Industrial sarl, a company with no existing track records and  created in March 2023, signs a 25 years mining convention with very favorable terms with the Central African Republic. This convention describes a long term role for Heavy Industrial in the country operating a gold mine and selling its proceeds abroad.

On January 4^th 2024, Heavy Industrial is awarded a 100km2 mining permit for 10 years enabling the company to start exploiting this small mine located in YIdere/Baboua in the region of Nana-Mambere in the North West of the country known for its gold and diamond artisal mines.

Unstable region with Wagner presence

As of 2022, Wagner is in the area. The North-Western part of CAR is facing a renewed wave of instability with an increase of insecurity in the Nana-Mambere region with the presence of 3R armed group. Several incidents perpetrated by armed groups are reported to the United Nation panel of experts. On 21 January 2023, armed elements attacked the main customs post of Beloko, on the Cameroonian border. Two FACA soldiers and one member of the Wagner group were reported killed. In March, in Ndiba, three Chinese workers were taken hostage and released following the payment of a ransom at a gold mine. Bouar remains prone to criminality despite the presence of the FACA and the Wagner group.  In September 2023, confrontations are said to take place between the Wagner and rebellious groups. At the same time, Wagner combatants are said to be posted in the region on mining sites in Irdéré, Lamy-Pont,  Kpandé,  Nguia-Bouar, Abba, Sagaini, etc.  In January 2022, around 20 bodies are found in Yidéré and were allegedly killed by Wagner fighters. As of 2024, Wagner forces appear on official photos during ceremonies.

An Active Site as of December 2023

Based on satellite images, it is possible to see the site is in operation since at least December 2023. This mine has substantial facilities, including construction equipment and worker housing. Between December 2023 and February 2025, the development of the area designated in the operating permit under the “Point G” stamp will be observed. This includes a significant expansion of the site and the creation of a basic airfield runway.

Satellite image series showing the expansion of the Idere mine area in CAR – Source: Copernicus.eu

Series of satellite images of the IRDERE mining site in the Central African Republic showing the different industrial zones and the military cantonment. – Sources: Image: GoogleMaps / SentinelHub – Analysis: Inpact

A Russian Front?

Based on open source research, Heavy Industrial is directed by a Central African national,  Murielle Gaombalet Binguiremo Jossyca.

INPACT/AEOW has reached out Heavy Industrial and Murielle Gaombalet Binguiremo Jossyca for comment but they did not answer our calls.

According to INPACT’s own sources and local media, she would be a straw person in charge of Heavy Industrial but also another company created a week before and called General Ressource allegedly owned by Russian nationals.

What is done with the gold produced by Heavy Industrial and where is it exported? These questions remain unknown so far. INPACT/ AEOW has also not been able to find more information about General Ressource in CAR at this stage but it appears to be a popular name to create discreet companies linked to Russian beneficiaries in the region.

A Russian Artisanal Gold Trading Office in DRC

General Ressource sarl  appears on Linkedin on the profiles of two Russian nationals, Daniil Karpievich and Yuriy Adamian.

Both claim General Ressource sarl is a company “rehabilitating the coffee industry in DRC in partnership with the Coffee National Office» (now ONAPAC). There is no trace of any partnership with DRC agencies or export of coffee abroad, but we do know that in December 2023, Generale Ressource sarl imports cereals from Georgia. Based on an email recovered and belonging to Generale Ressource sarl, the company may have been set up in 2017. INPACT/AEOW has not had access to the commercial registry to check whether the company has any legal existence in DRC.  According to Russian databases, Karpievich has been working as the director of two Russian companies specialised in importing food stuff and coffee, Kinik Ltd and Rusexport Ltd since he is 19 years old.

The two men are indicating another company on their Linkedin profile: Oxor Capital. The company was created on June 11^th 2021 and operates as an artisanal gold trading office in DRC. According to official statistics from the government, in 2024, this office positions Kinshasa region as the fourth exporter of gold from DRC artisal gold mines after South Kivu, Ituri and North Kivu.

Since 2022, Oxor Capital has sent to the UAE for 1,385,900 USD of gold to a company we have not been able to identify called Ayou Metals Trading FZCO in the United Arab Emirates.

 In addition, Oxor Capital seems to be in partnership with a newly created company in Kyrgyzstan called A-Invest LLC and which is promoting gold and diamond trading with Congolese partners, namely Societe Miniere de Bakwanga (MIBA), O.D.MINIER SARL and Oxor Capital sarl.

Oxor Capital is also in partnership with Regolith, an alternative finance platform created by Russian nationals, Den Kerzhemen, Egor Kerzheman and Antonon Zinoviev. The company is incorporated in St Vincent and the Grenadines since April 2023 but allegedlyhas offices in the US and in the UAE. According to its website, Regolith offers many solutions to support businesses but also propose alternative financing solutions including a commodity fund: people purchase a gold equivalent amount and get a return on their investment.

In August/September 2024, the Russian government authorised and encouraged the use of alternative financing for companies in order to circumvent international sanctions and access financing.

While INPACT/AEOW could not link formerly the two stories, we thought it was important to report on them together showing how the Wagner group keeps capturing gold mines in CAR to finance its organisation and how Russia keeps investing in the gold/precious minerals in conflict torn countries using companies with similar names. The UAE remains the focal points for gold.

Did The Sun publish a video claiming Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle sold Princess Diana's iconic revenge dress to Ukraine's first lady Olena Zelenska for $2.9 million in April 2025? No, that's not true: There is no such story or video on The Sun's website or social media. The quote from "Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams" in the video was cut from a 2022 interview and he told Lead Stories the video was "a particularly horrible forgery".

The video appeared in a post on X (archived here) published on April 24 with a comment that read:

Dear American taxpayers. You just purchased Zelensky's wife a Princess Diana dress for $2.9 million. Despicable!!

This is the post in question:

Dear American taxpayers. You just purchased Zelensky's wife a Princess Diana dress for $2.9 million. Despicable!! pic.twitter.com/nyCvf4X9pZ

-- Juanita Broaddrick (@atensnut) April 24, 2025

A transcript of the video read:

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, made an unannounced visit to Ukraine earlier this month. A move that has not only surprised the public, but also frustrated members of the British royal family. His visit was initially framed as a humanitarian effort to support war victims and advocate for wounded veterans. However, recent discoveries prompted speculation that Harry's trip had a secondary, more private purpose.

According to sources close to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle recently sold Princess Diana's iconic revenge dress to Ukraine's first lady, Alina Zelenska, for a staggering $2.9 million. The black silk cocktail dress worn by Diana in 1994 in the same evening Prince Charles admitted to infidelity is among the most recognizable symbols of royal defiance and personal reinvention. Insiders claimed the sale was partially motivated by financial concerns.

Meghan Markle's Netflix deal is set to expire in 2025 and bosses at the streaming giant are worried by less than glowing reviews of her new cooking show. And Prince Harry has recently stepped down from his charity Sentebale due to its declining financial health.

Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams suggests that the sale of Princess Diana's dress could be yet another explicit attack by Meghan on her husband's relatives. "What this is, of course, is obviously revenge and it's very nasty, especially towards William, towards King Charles."

The Duchess of Sussex previously claimed there was a long-lasting conspiracy to attack her from within Buckingham Palace and that she felt like a scapegoat. Princess Diana's revenge dress was originally sold at a charity the auction in 1997. It was purchased by a Scottish couple and was kept in a bank vault for years until around 2019 when it was gifted to Meghan Markle as a symbolic gesture given Meghan's frequent comparisons to Diana in the press.

A replica of the dress remains on public display at the Museum of Style Icons in Ireland. Although Olena Zelenska's motivation to purchase Princess Diana's revenge dress remains unclear, it could be seen as part of her strategy to become closer to the British royal family. In 20..

The quote attributed to "Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams" in the video was cut from a 2022 interview he gave to GB News (archived here) where he was commenting on Harry & Meghan's Netflix series, not on any supposed sale of a dress:

Contacted by Lead Stories by email, Fitzwilliams commented:

It's a particularly horrible forgery. The Sun never put this out. Please make this clear.

He further added:

It is a particularly horrible feature of today's world that a disgusting forgery like this, featuring a video which The Sun never put out and a comment from me taken from another source can appear online.

The tastelessness of its content speaks for itself. It is a great pity legal action cannot be taken against the perpetrators of something so outrageous.

Google searches for pages containing both the phrases "revenge dress" and "ukraine", limited to links on thesun.com and thesun.co.uk (using the "site:" search operator) returned no relevant results (archived here and here). According to a search, the last time The Sun's account on X spoke about the "revenge dress" was in 2019 (archived here).

Lead Stories reached out by email to The Sun and we will update this story when a reply is received.

Similar stories

Lead Stories previously debunked similar stories falsely claiming Zelenskyy or his wife purchased expensive things which were also spread using videos or websites spoofing well known media brands, for example here, here, here, here and here.

Russian troops attacked the city of Pavlohrad in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast with drones on April 25, killing three people, including a child, and injuring at least 10 others, Governor Serhii Lysak said.

A five-story building in Pavlohrad came under attack and several fires were reported in the city.

A 17-year-old boy is among the injured, Lysak said. Eight people were hospitalized.

The number of casualties could increase as the search and rescue operation is ongoing.

Pavlohrad, a city with a population of over 100,000, lies roughly 70 kilometers (over 40 miles) east of the regional center, Dnipro, and over 110 kilometers (70 miles) west of the front line.

Dnipropetrovsk Oblast in central-eastern Ukraine is a regular target of Russian missiles, drones, and artillery strikes. A Russian missile attack on Kryvyi Rih in early April killed 20 people, including nine children, and injured over 70.

Recent weeks saw Russia intensify its strikes against Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure and residential areas as Moscow continues to reject a full ceasefire backed by Washington and Kyiv.

‘No point in negotiating:’ Russia’s deadly attack on Kyiv sows distrust in Trump peace plan

Liudmyla Kapatsii, 75, and her daughter lingered in their apartment for a couple of extra minutes, doubting whether to go to the shelter after the air raid alarm woke them up around 1 a.m. on April 24, warning of a potential Russian missile attack. Though they were tired of

The Kyiv IndependentNatalia Yermak

Ukraine may be forced to temporarily give up some territories to Russia, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said in an interview with BBC published on April 25, as U.S. pressure mounts for a peace deal with Moscow.

“Right now (there are) a lot of conversations about a possible solution. One of the scenarios is… to give up territory. It’s not fair. But for peace, temporary peace, maybe it can be a solution. Temporary,” Klitschko said in a released excerpt of the interview.

He added that Ukrainians would “never accept occupation” by Russia.

Klitschko’s remarks come amid renewed diplomatic activity following a deadly Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv that killed 12 people and injured almost 90 on April 24. The strike took place just a day after the Kremlin reiterated its demands that Ukraine cede occupied territory and that the West end its military aid to Kyiv.

The Trump administration’s latest proposal for ending Russia’s all-out war against Ukraine reportedly includes U.S. de jure recognition of Moscow’s control over Crimea, along with de facto recognition of its partial occupation of other Ukrainian regions — Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts.

Klitschko appears to be the first senior Ukrainian politician to suggest that Ukraine may need to consider temporary territorial compromises.

Earlier this week, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine has not received any official proposals for territorial concessions as part of potential peace talks with Russia from the U.S. or other partners. He has also repeatedly said that Kyiv won’t recognize occupied territories as Russian.

Despite his popularity abroad, Klitschko faces criticism in Ukraine for his handling of the capital. The Kyiv mayor has had a long-standing conflict with Zelensky. He claims ongoing pressure from government authorities.

Asked whether Zelensky had talked to him about any possible war settlement details, the Kyiv mayor said, “No."

‘No point in negotiating:’ Russia’s deadly attack on Kyiv sows distrust in Trump peace plan

Liudmyla Kapatsii, 75, and her daughter lingered in their apartment for a couple of extra minutes, doubting whether to go to the shelter after the air raid alarm woke them up around 1 a.m. on April 24, warning of a potential Russian missile attack. Though they were tired of

The Kyiv IndependentNatalia Yermak

Russia has lost 946,500 troops in Ukraine since the beginning of its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces reported on April 25.

The number includes 1,170 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.

According to the report, Russia has also lost 10,703 tanks, 22,315 armored fighting vehicles, 45,906 vehicles and fuel tanks, 26,895 artillery systems, 1,372 multiple launch rocket systems, 1,144 air defense systems, 370 airplanes, 335 helicopters, 33,779 drones, 28 ships and boats, and one submarine.

‘No point in negotiating:’ Russia’s deadly attack on Kyiv sows distrust in Trump peace plan

Liudmyla Kapatsii, 75, and her daughter lingered in their apartment for a couple of extra minutes, doubting whether to go to the shelter after the air raid alarm woke them up around 1 a.m. on April 24, warning of a potential Russian missile attack. Though they were tired of

The Kyiv IndependentNatalia Yermak

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the alliance agrees that Russia is a “long-term threat” to Euro-Atlantic security following his visit to the White House on April 24.

Rutte met with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on April 24 amid intensified efforts by the U.S. to reach a peace deal to end Russia’s war against Ukraine. Rutte was reportedly expected to use his visit to urge the U.S. not to pressure Ukraine into accepting a peace agreement that favors Moscow.

Rutte emphasized that all NATO members agree that Russia threatens regional security.

On April 24, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu threatened that Russia could use “asymmetrical measures,” including nuclear weapons, against Europe in response to “unfriendly actions."

“We all agree, in NATO, that Russia is the long-term threat to NATO territory, to the whole of the Euro-Atlantic territory,” Rutte said.

Rutte recognized Ukraine’s efforts to reach a peace deal and called for Moscow to make an effort to come to an agreement.

“Ukrainians are really playing ball, and I think the ball is clearly in the Russian court now."

After speaking to Trump, Rutte said “something is on the table for Russia” in a potential peace deal.

The U.S. could reportedly de jure recognize Russian control over Crimea and de facto recognize Moscow’s illegal occupation of Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts as part of a peace deal.

Ukraine would be prohibited from joining NATO, but would remain permitted to pursue EU membership. Sanctions imposed on Russia since 2014 would be lifted, and the U.S. and Russia would pursue deeper energy and economic cooperation.

Moscow has shown signs it is unwilling to move forward on a peace deal with Ukraine. Russian authorities have listed maximalist demands in ceasefire negotiations with Ukraine and the U.S.

Ukraine has already agreed to a U.S.-proposed full 30-day ceasefire, saying on March 11 that Kyiv is ready if Russia also agrees to the terms. So far, Moscow has refused.

On April 23, Zelensky reaffirmed that Ukraine insists on an “immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire."

“That was the proposal put forward by the United States on March 11 of this year — and it was absolutely reasonable,” Zelensky said.

On April 23, U.S. Vice President JD Vance said that the U.S. presented a “very explicit proposal” to Ukraine and Russia on a peace deal.

Ukraine has no great options if Trump recognizes Crimea as Russian

Ukraine is facing a crossroads in its fight against Russia’s full-scale invasion, with the possibility of being forced to reject an unfavorable peace deal being imposed under huge pressure from the U.S.

The Kyiv IndependentChris York

Ukraine would like to have a “common understanding that Russia is the aggressor,” President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a wide-ranging interview with American commentator Ben Shapiro released on April 24.

“We would like… to have this common understanding that Russia is the aggressor,” Zelensky said.

"(Y)ou shouldn’t be saying that Ukraine and Russia started this war, I believe that it’s painful for our people to hear," Zelensky added.

U.S. President Donald Trump and the White House have made inflammatory comments, claiming Ukraine shares the blame for Russia’s war. On Feb. 18, Trump said Ukraine “should have never started” Russia’s war.

Zelensky said that Ukraine is defending against Russia’s war and did not start it, comparing Ukraine’s relations with Russia and the U.S. as opposite of one another.

“You have to understand Ukraine, that we are defending against Russia’s offense and we believe Russia is an enemy, we believe (the) United States is a true and real friend,” Zelensky said.

Zelensky thanked the U.S. for its role as a mediator to stop Russia’s war, but emphasized that Ukraine views the U.S. as an ally.

“We know that (the) United States has a position to serve as the mediator in this conflict, that is the choice made by the United States, but we consider (the) United States as a strong, strategic partner,” Zelensky said.

“We would really like to have peace through strength that would be used towards Russia… because they are the one who is the aggressor,” Zelensky said.

Zelensky said he expects to hold more meaningful conversations with Trump and noted Ukraine counts on its “strategic partnership” with the U.S.

“I think that we will have more fruitful meetings with President Trump,” he said.

Zelensky noted the U.S. plays a key role in Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s war through materiel support, but has not paid for pensions or salaries in Ukraine.

"(T)he United States (has) to know that they were not feeding our pensioners and our soldiers with regards to the salary or the compensation, surely you’ve provided the most important aspect, that is the weapons," he said.

Far-right American commentator Tucker Carlson claimed the U.S. funds Ukraine’s “retirement accounts” in an interview with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, released on April 4.

On April 23, Zelensky reaffirmed that Ukraine insists on an “immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire."

“That was the proposal put forward by the United States on March 11 of this year — and it was absolutely reasonable,” Zelensky said.

So far, Russia has not agreed to an unconditional ceasefire and continues its war against Ukraine.

Twelve people were killed and 90 civilians, including six children, were injured in a large-scale Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv overnight on April 24.

Crimean Tatar freed from Russian captivity: ‘Recognizing Russia’s control of Crimea would legitimize crime’

For nearly two years in Russian captivity, Leniye Umerova clung to a single hope: that one day, she would return home — to Crimea. “I thought about Crimea all the time,” Umerova told the Kyiv Independent. “I dreamed of going there without the permission of the occupying forces, without going through

The Kyiv IndependentDaria Shulzhenko

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed peace talks are “moving in the right direction,” but noted “specific points… need to be defined” in an interview with CBS News released on April 24.

“Well, the president of the United States believes — and I believe rightly so — that we are moving in the right direction,” Lavrov said.

“The statement by the (U.S.) president mentions a deal, and we are ready to reach a deal, but there are some specific points, elements of this deal, which need to be defined,” Lavrov added.

U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly weighing de jure recognizing Russia’s illegal occupation of Crimea and barring Ukraine from joining NATO as part of a potential peace deal. “I think we have a deal with both (Russia and Ukraine), I hope they do it,” Trump said on April 23.

Lavrov noted that a peace deal is still being negotiated, but that it is “moving in the right direction."

“(W)e are busy with this exact process and the United States did not spell out the elements of the deal,” he claimed.

“Well, you don’t trust the word of the president of the United States?” Lavrov said when pressed by journalists to confirm if Russian President Vladimir Putin is meeting U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow on April 25.

Lavrov expressed that peace talks are going in the right direction.

“We continue our contacts with the American side with the deal with Ukraine. There are several signs that we are moving in the right direction,” he said.

The U.S. could reportedly de jure recognize Russian control over Crimea and de facto recognize Moscow’s illegal occupation of Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts.

Ukraine would be prohibited from joining NATO, but would remain permitted to pursue EU membership. Sanctions imposed on Russia since 2014 would be lifted, and the U.S. and Russia would pursue deeper energy and economic cooperation.

“President Trump is probably the only leader on Earth who recognizes the need to address the root causes of this situation. This was a mistake by the Biden administration, and he wants to rectify this, Lavrov said.

On April 23, U.S. Vice President JD Vance said that the U.S. presented a “very explicit proposal” to Ukraine and Russia on a peace deal.

Vance repeated warnings that the U.S. might drop its peace efforts if both sides refuse to settle a peace deal. White House officials have warned that Washington would abandon the peace efforts if a deal is not reached soon.

‘No point in negotiating:’ Russia’s deadly attack on Kyiv sows distrust in Trump peace plan

Liudmyla Kapatsii, 75, and her daughter lingered in their apartment for a couple of extra minutes, doubting whether to go to the shelter after the air raid alarm woke them up around 1 a.m. on April 24, warning of a potential Russian missile attack. Though they were tired of

The Kyiv IndependentNatalia Yermak

U.S. allies are voicing growing alarm over the Trump administration’s proposed framework to end the war in Ukraine, which would allow Russia to retain large areas of seized Ukrainian territory.

Multiple diplomatic sources told CNN that officials in Europe and Asia are bracing for the outcome of renewed U.S.-Russia talks and fear the plan sends a dangerous message. The proposal, presented in Paris last week, includes potential U.S. recognition of Crimea as Russian territory and Ukrainian territorial concessions. Vice President JD Vance reinforced this stance, saying on April 23, there’s a need “to freeze the territorial lines at some level close to where they are today."

Trump, when asked what Russia would give up in exchange, responded: “Stopping the war, stopping [from] taking the whole country, pretty big concession.”

The remark has unsettled many diplomats, with one Eastern European official warning that the framework threatens the integrity of international law: “This is very much about our own existence and the weakening of any safeguards that my or other countries have for our own independence.”

‘Vladimir, stop!’ — Trump ‘not happy’ with Russia’s deadly attack on Kyiv

“I am not happy with the Russian strikes on Kyiv. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, Stop!” U.S. President Donald Trump said on the Truth Social platform.

The Kyiv IndependentMartin Fornusek

“If one country in Europe is forced to give up parts of its legal territory… no country in Europe or elsewhere can feel safe, NATO or no NATO,” the diplomat told CNN.

In high-level meetings held in London on April 23, U.S., European, and Ukrainian officials reportedly made progress in narrowing differences. U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg called the talks “candid, positive and productive.” At the same time, a European official said negotiators had “managed to convince the Ukrainians to convince themselves to get in a more U.S. administration-friendly position.” Still, the core issue—territorial concessions—remains fraught. A German official acknowledged that “the Ukrainians are coming around,” but emphasized they “have red lines they cannot cross."

One Ukrainian lawmaker described any deal requiring major territorial losses as “political suicide,” warning it would not be approved by parliament. European diplomats admitted that any agreement acceptable to Moscow would appear “unfavorable to the Ukrainians,” but noted that “within reason, the Ukrainians will have to come to terms with something that may be second best to a deal they would have wanted two years ago.”

Questions remain about how the U.S. intends to implement the plan, with one American official describing the administration’s approach as “somewhat directionless, rudderless, confused.”  

‘No point in negotiating:’ Russia’s deadly attack on Kyiv sows distrust in Trump peace plan

Liudmyla Kapatsii, 75, and her daughter lingered in their apartment for a couple of extra minutes, doubting whether to go to the shelter after the air raid alarm woke them up around 1 a.m. on April 24, warning of a potential Russian missile attack. Though they were tired of

The Kyiv IndependentNatalia Yermak

The U.K. is expected to scale back earlier proposals to deploy thousands of ground troops to Ukraine, as officials warn the risks are now considered “too high” for such a mission.

The original plan, which included protecting Ukrainian cities, ports, and nuclear power plants, is being reconsidered in favor of a more limited and strategic presence. A source involved in the discussions told the Times, “The risks are too high and the forces inadequate for such a task. This was always the U.K.’s thought. It was France who wanted a more muscular approach."

On March 15, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer presented plans to send 10,000 peacekeeping troops to Ukraine at a high-level virtual summit in London. The peacekeeping mission would be “a significant force with a significant number of countries providing troops and a much larger group contributing in other ways,”  a senior government source told the Sunday Times.

Instead of placing troops near the front lines, the U.K. and France now aim to send military trainers to western Ukraine, fulfilling a commitment to deploy personnel without engaging in direct defense roles.

“The trainers ‘reassure’ by being there but aren’t a deterrence or protection force,” the source added, expressing concern that any breakdown in a ceasefire could escalate into a broader conflict. The revised approach would shift focus toward rebuilding and equipping Ukraine’s military, with continued weapons deliveries and air and sea protection measures forming the backbone of future support.

Ukraine has no great options if Trump recognizes Crimea as Russian

Ukraine is facing a crossroads in its fight against Russia’s full-scale invasion, with the possibility of being forced to reject an unfavorable peace deal being imposed under huge pressure from the U.S.

The Kyiv IndependentChris York

Operation Interflex, the U.K.’s domestic training mission for Ukrainian troops, is expected to wind down by the end of the year, with operations relocating to a base near Lviv. However, Ukrainian officials remain cautious, recalling how Western trainers withdrew just before Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.

“Our problem now is to try and find a landing zone where Ukraine doesn’t have to break all its red lines,” said a diplomatic source.

European and British officials are also working behind the scenes to advance peace talks, hoping to arrange a meeting between President Donald Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky in Rome following the Pope’s funeral. “We will move our position but we want Moscow to break their red lines,” one diplomatic source explained.

The push comes amid growing fears that U.S. support could waver if Ukraine refuses to make concessions, particularly as Trump maintains a tougher stance on Zelensky than on Putin, according to British officials.

Ukraine remains under pressure to respond to a broader U.S. peace plan first presented in Paris on April 17. According to the Wall Street Journal, that plan includes U.S. recognition of Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea and a ban on Ukraine joining NATO — two long-standing Kremlin demands.

Despite the revised strategy, the U.K. insists it remains committed to Ukraine’s defense, according to the Times. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense responded to reports of the plan change by saying, “This is speculation. Advanced operational planning within the coalition of the willing remains ongoing for options across land, sea and air, and to regenerate the Ukrainian armed forces. In the meantime, we’re continuing to support efforts for peace, while stepping up the military support for Ukraine as Putin’s illegal invasion continues."

Trump says Russia has shown willingness for peace by not taking over all of Ukraine, calls it ‘pretty big concession’

“Stopping the war, stopping from taking the whole country, pretty big concession,” Donald Trump said on April 24 when asked what Russia has offered as part of a potential peace deal.

The Kyiv IndependentOlena Goncharova

Ukraine has urged the U.S. Treasury to find a mechanism to use $300 billion in frozen Russian assets for reconstruction and defense, Andriy Pyshnyy, head of the National Bank of Ukraine, said on April 24, Reuters reported.

The Ukrainian delegation raised the issue with U.S. Treasury officials during negotiations on April 23, according to Reuters. Ukraine intends to continue lobbying for the initiative at an upcoming meeting with the International Monetary Fund, Pyshnyy said.

“Is there a mechanism to get access to these assets, to turn them into the source to cover the losses and damages of Ukraine and to fuel its resilience? The answer is very simple,  yes,” Pyshnyy said at the 2025 Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group.

In October 2024, the Group of Seven (G7) approved nearly $50 billion in loans for Ukraine that will be repaid by interest generated from frozen Russian assets.

On April 10, the European Union announced it would allocate €2.1 billion ($2.4 billion) in revenue generated from frozen Russian Central Bank assets to support Ukraine’s defense industry.  EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Mathernova said the funds would help provide air defenses and ammunition.

US senators push Trump administration to seize Russian assets for Ukraine, Reuters reports

In a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio seen by Reuters on March 24, senators questioned the administration’s willingness to use all available financial tools to pressure Russia into ending its war against Ukraine.

The Kyiv IndependentOlena Goncharova

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has named Ukraine's readiness to negotiate with what he calls a "terrorist state" as a significant compromise. According to Zelensky, while Kyiv shows goodwill, Russia continues its missile strikes, painting a grim picture on the ground.

During a joint press conference with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on April 24, Zelensky stated that any peace talks must begin with a complete and unconditional ceasefire, a position Russia has yet to accept.

Emphasizing Ukraine’s vested interest in ending the war due to immense aggressions suffered—occupied territories, tens of thousands killed, even children buried alive, President Zelensky highlighted that sitting at the negotiating table with adversaries responsible for such devastation is already a massive concession. "The attack on us, the occupation, the killing, and yet our willingness to talk with those who orchestrated this, that is the compromise," said Zelensky.

Zelensky stressed that no negotiations can proceed without addressing the return of deported children and a comprehensive exchange of all detained individuals. Until a ceasefire is realized, discussions about any "red lines" are merely prolonging the conflict.

Reflecting on a recent meeting in London involving Ukrainian, American, and European representatives, Zelensky described it as constructive yet pointed out a new amended document "currently on President Trump's desk." Ukraine stands firm that any proposal conflicting with its constitution or values is non-negotiable, hinting at suggested territorial concessions.

Zelensky underlined that despite Russia's verbal readiness for a ceasefire, it continues its aggressive strikes, with another wave of attacks recorded on the morning of April 24. Ukrainian authorities view this as more of an attempt to pressure Washington than Kyiv.

Previously, the U.S. had vowed stringent actions, including new sanctions, should any party refuse a ceasefire. Zelensky remarked, "I don't see strong pressure on Russia right now," expressing concerns in Kyiv.

The EU prepares a roadmap to fully phase out Russian fossil fuel imports, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on April 24 during the Summit on the Future of Energy Security.

Von der Leyen emphasized that the roadmap, set to be announced in two weeks, will lay out concrete steps to eliminate the bloc’s reliance on energy supplies from Russia.

The strategy was originally planned for publication in March, but was postponed due to rising uncertainty over U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs.

“For decades, I must say, we failed to recognize the costs that came with this dependence,” she said, referencing Europe’s former overreliance on Russia, which once supplied 45% of the EU’s gas, half of its coal, and nearly a third of its oil.

“That reality was exposed after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russia tried to exploit our overdependence by cutting us off from gas. They failed,” von der Leyen said.

The European Commission President credited the EU’s REPowerEU initiative for accelerating the clean energy transition and lowering Russian gas imports from 45% to 18% in 2024. The strategy, she said, not only strengthened Europe’s energy security but also deprived Moscow of critical funding “for its war economy.”

The EU committed in 2022 to fully ending Russian fossil fuel imports by 2027, but the process has faced political and logistical problems.

While pipeline gas from Russia has largely been cut off, most recently following Ukraine’s decision not to renew its transit deal with Gazprom in December 2024, the bloc remains dependent on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG), which made up 19% of EU gas and LNG supplies in 2024.

Unlike crude oil and coal, Russian gas has not been sanctioned due to internal divisions within the 27-member bloc. On April 17, Reuters reported that restrictions on LNG are unlikely to be part of the EU’s upcoming 17th sanctions package.

Czechia independent of Russian oil for first time in history

Prague cast off its dependence on Russia’s Druzhba oil pipeline for the first time in over 60 years, securing alternative supplies thanks to the expansion of the western Transalpine Pipeline (TAL).

The Kyiv IndependentMartin Fornusek