Total: 3277 posts
Support the OSINT Ukraine Archive the 🇷🇺 War against Ukraine 🇺🇦
Posts in: USA
Photos
USA
Trump hosts Syria’s al-Sharaa at the White House for the first time, Washington extends sanctions relief

Total: 3277 posts


In an interview with Russian state agency RIA Novosti, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed that shortly before a meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska, the United States allegedly assured Moscow it could ensure that …
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned Russian President Vladimir Putin against any nuclear strike on Western countries. He made the remarks in an interview with the German outlet WELT.
Rutte said Russia’s president must understand that a nuclear …
At a recent meeting of Russia’s Security Council - where President Vladimir Putin tasked top officials with preparing proposals for possible nuclear weapons tests—one development caught the eye of political analysts.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, …


Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke at an awards ceremony honoring the developers of the “Burevestnik,” a nuclear-powered, unlimited-range strategic cruise missile, and the “Poseidon” unmanned underwater vehicle. The transcript was published on …




Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, entrenched in a long-standing brawl with Brussels and Kyiv, found an unexpected obstacle — U.S. President Donald Trump's U-turns.
Trump's expected Budapest summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin — which was …



Since U.S. President Donald Trump took office in January, Russia has used a wide range of tools to sway him to its side.
"It's a mixture of flattery (Trump deserved the Nobel Prize), threats (Tomahawks will mean a new level of escalation and do …



Key developments on Oct. 26-25:



Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, is actively engaging with the U.S. press during a visit to the United States, seeking to lay out Russia’s perspective on ending the war in Ukraine.
In two interviews with major networks - …
Ukraine’s Defense Forces have focused their strikes inside Russia on two fronts: paralyzing oil refining and extraction, and targeting the defense industry and companies producing weapons for Russia’s military, Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s …

Russian President Vladimir Putin says he interprets Donald Trump’s remarks about their planned meeting in Budapest as a postponement, not a cancellation. The comments were made in Moscow on Thursday and published on the Kremlin’s website.
“I am …


Days after U.S. President Donald Trump frustrated Ukrainians by retreating from plans to supply Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, officials in Kyiv are welcoming new U.S. sanctions on Moscow as a sign Washington may be ready to put real pressure on the …

U.S. President Donald Trump's role in mediating Russia's war against Ukraine appears to be stuck in a loop — one defined by reversals, contradictions, and shifts in tone between Kyiv and Moscow.
After meeting President Volodymyr Zelensky in September, …

In a surprising move, U.S. President Donald Trump announced his administration's first sanctions on Moscow since taking office — a step analysts say could create new hurdles for Russia's oil sector.
The U.S. imposed sanctions on Russia's two largest …



BRUSSELS, Belgium — On short notice, the upcoming EU Council meeting is set to become a scramble to contain and counter U.S. President Donald Trump's renewed pressure on Ukraine.
Since the start of the week, European diplomats have been searching for …





Russian President Vladimir Putin is once again trying to seize through political backchanneling what he has failed to capture by force.
According to the Financial Times (FT), Putin once again is trying to entice U.S. President Donald Trump to …



President Volodymyr Zelensky, his team, and allies have been working for months to bring U.S. President Donald Trump into Ukraine's corner.
Days before Zelensky arrived in Washington to meet with Trump on Oct. 17, the two leaders spoke twice by phone, …

Russian President Vladimir Putin told US President Donald Trump during an October 16 phone call that he was prepared to drop claims to the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions—areas partially controlled by Russia—in return for Ukraine ceding the entire …
Russia’s president will have to fly to nearby Hungary by a circuitous route, analysts say, following an agreement for a meeting between Putin and Trump. By experts’ estimates, the presidential Il-96 will cover about 5,000 kilometers instead of 1,500. …


On October 17 at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Commenting on his October 17 meeting with Trump, Zelensky said a ceasefire is needed before any direct talks with Russian President …
In an interview with “Meet the Press” with Kristen Welker, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he did not receive a definitive no from President Donald Trump during their meeting in the United States on Kyiv’s request for long-range Tomahawk …
Ukraine’s forces could go on the offensive if they had the resources (illustrative photo). Photo: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU).
Ukraine’s military will decide on its own whether to launch a new offensive and won’t be guided by …

Russia is pitching a plan to build a tunnel connecting Russia and the United States beneath the Bering Strait in less than eight years, with an estimated price tag of about $8 billion (347 billion hryvnia). Moscow is proposing that Elon Musk’s The …
Vladimir Putin’s call with U.S. President Donald Trump lasted two and a half hours and was substantive, “extremely frank and confidential,” Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said.
He noted that the conversation placed “special emphasis on the Ukrainian …

Wojciech Tochman is a Polish reporter, writer, and volunteer whose books, translated into many languages, examine post-genocide societies in the former Yugoslavia, Rwanda, and Cambodia etc.
Gwara met with Wojciech Tochman in late August during his …

We've been here before. Multiple times. Not even that long ago.
President Donald Trump has appeared to be on the verge of taking a decisive step that could genuinely put pressure on Russia to make it end its full-scale invasion of Ukraine and then the …

BRUSSELS, Belgium — A general sense of skepticism prevails among European officials and diplomats over U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of planned Ukraine peace talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Hungary.
"We can only commend all …











NATO officials predict Russia will step up irresponsible nuclear rhetoric and could resort to “punitive strikes” if Ukraine receives long-range Tomahawk missiles, but they do not expect a substantial military response.
Supplying U.S. cruise missiles …
Finland will join the PURL mechanism under which Ukraine’s allies purchase weapons from the United States for transfer to Kyiv. Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen announced the decision as he arrived for a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels …


U.S. President Donald Trump's success in brokering the Oct. 9 ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas has been praised worldwide.
What seems to be a diplomatic victory in the Middle East stands in sharp contrast with Trump's failure to negotiate a …
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed he will meet this week in Washington with U.S. President Donald Trump.
He made the announcement on Monday, October 13, in Kyiv at a joint news conference with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
A …












Did the chair of the Nobel committee that chose the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize say that Donald Trump was not chosen because they only "give the award to people of courage and integrity?" No, that's not true: A reporter asked Nobel Committee chair Jørgen …
Russian President Vladimir Putin said he views his Aug. 15 meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska positively. According to him, Russia will rely on the “principles” discussed in Anchorage to “settle the conflict” in Ukraine.
Putin spoke …






As U.S. President Donald Trump dreams of receiving the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, his track record as a peacemaker in the world's largest ongoing war remains questionable.
Despite high-profile meetings and Trump's flamboyant rhetoric, progress in peace …



U.S. President Donald Trump should already know which targets in Russia could be struck by Tomahawk missiles, a military analyst said. Ukraine handed over a list of potential targets a year ago, in the fall of 2024, shortly before the U.S. …

Since September, talk has been growing about whether the U.S. might finally supply Ukraine with the long-requested Tomahawk cruise missiles — and on Oct. 6, Donald Trump said he had "kind of made the decision."
"I think I want to find out what they're …

Olena Blyednova moved with her daughter from Kharkiv to New York seven years ago. Then, the Russian full-scale invasion started. Olena started volunteering in the USA, and her daughter returned to Ukraine and started managing memberships for …



Serbia’s president, Aleksandar Vucic, who has issued dire warnings about Europe’s security in the past, says a major global conflict is “inevitable.”
Speaking on the sidelines of the European Political Community summit, Vucic said the world is on the …
Russian president Vladimir Putin commented on the possible delivery of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine. Speaking to Russian state media correspondent Pavel Zarubin, he said such a move could destroy U.S.-Russia relations.
“You were talking about the …


Key developments on Oct. 3:


Key developments on Oct. 2:


After fighting for almost three years in Ukraine, Nate Vance, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and cousin of U.S. Vice President JD Vance, has some strong opinions about the ongoing, but faltering peace process.
"(Russian President) Vladimir Putin is just …

HELSINKI, Finland — Finland's President Alexander Stubb says he believes Donald Trump is shifting from persuasion to pressure in his effort to end the war in Ukraine.
"(U.S.) President Trump is working, if not around the clock, at least every day, …

US President Donald Trump was right in assessing Russia’s prospects in the war against Ukraine, convicted in Russia as a terrorist and war criminal Igor Girkin (also known as Strelkov) wrote on Telegram, in a post published by his wife, Miroslava …
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Russian drones that violate his country’s airspace will be shot down. He also believes Russia has already “won” the war against Ukraine.
Viktor Orban said in an interview with the YouTube channel Harcosok …



The rapid thawing of long-frozen U.S.-Belarusian diplomatic relations continues to make the headlines, with U.S. President Donald Trump’s Envoy John Coale making another trip to Belarus on Sept. 11.
This visit secured the release of 52 prisoners and …

Ukraine “must be forced into peace,” and the situation for Kyiv at the front — as well as its negotiating position — “is relentlessly deteriorating by the day,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said in comments to state TV channel Rossiya 1. …

On Saturday morning, September 27, drones struck an oil pumping station in Russia’s Chuvash Republic, halting operations at the energy facility, according to regional authorities.
The strike hit a site near the settlement of Konar in the Tsivilsky …





U.S. President Donald Trump's statements and public posts following his latest meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky have been… different.
Kyiv can "fight and win all of Ukraine back in its original form," Trump wrote on Sept. 23, followed by a post by the …






Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused China of refusing to help end Russia’s war against his country.
"If China truly wanted this war to end, it could force Moscow to stop this invasion. Without China, Putin’s Russia is nothing, yet China …




Nova Ukraine enthusiastically welcomes the official meeting between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Donald J. Trump at the White House. President Trump’s strong words in support of Ukraine, and his recognition of the determination and …



Key developments on Sept. 23:



Ukrainian and U.S. delegations held talks on purchasing American weapons and launching joint drone programs, National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov said in a Facebook post on Tuesday, September 23.
He noted the meeting followed …

Does a viral video show two military pilots arrested for refusing to fly armed planes to Israel? No, that's not true: A video with a false caption has gone viral more than two weeks after it was filmed. The chaotic scene was filmed on Sept. 3, 2025 …




It was just a puppet show. What was there to fear?
For eight years, the Russian television program ‘Kukly’ mocked politicians of all stripes, Western and Russian.
By the time Vladimir Putin became president around the turn of the millennium, the show …



Top European officials are paying increasing attention to Ukraine’s future defense capabilities and, in particular, have compared the country to a “steel porcupine” as they talk about modernizing its arsenal.
One EU country poised to help is …




Territorial swaps or attempts to “tempt” Russian President Vladimir Putin by restoring trade with the United States on the Ukraine issue won’t work. That’s according to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Russian state media reported.
According …
Lavrov says the US administration recognizes the “need to eliminate the root causes” of the war in Ukraine to end it
According to Russia’s foreign minister, that understanding emerged after the summit in Alaska.
The administration of US President …




US President Donald Trump could meet with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky next week in New York, said Secretary of State Marco Rubio during his visit to Israel.
“Trump is trying to do everything possible to end the war,” Rubio said.
“The …
The United States and Russia are discussing the possibility of another meeting between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Moscow and Washington are holding quiet, behind-the-scenes consultations as they prepare a new round …





Today’s Provocation: On 10 September 2025, Poland’s air defenses were scrambled as swarms of drones breached its airspace from the east. Polish forces, backed by NATO allies’ jets, shot down nearly two dozen Russian drones – marking the first time …





Key developments on Sept. 10:

Poland said Wednesday, September 10, that its armed forces for the first time opened fire on hostile drones that violated the country’s airspace during Russian strikes on western Ukraine. According to the Polish military command, more than a dozen …



At a “Coalition of the Willing” meeting in Paris, which the U.S. president joined by video, leaders discussed not only Ukraine’s postwar future but also attempts to forge a unified Western sanctions policy against Russia. The New York Times reported …
Russian President Vladimir Putin has made it clear that even if he believes a recession has begun, talking about it in public is off-limits.
His early-September clash with Sberbank chief Herman Gref, Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov …
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has made another controversial claim about Ukraine, speculating that the country will be split into three parts after the war, according to the pro-government Hungarian newspaper Magyar Nemzet.
Ukraine would be …





Key developments on Sept. 6-7:

Uzbekistan’s President held a substantive conversation with his American counterpart, Donald Trump, agreeing to closer cooperation.
Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and US President Donald Trump held a phone call to discuss expanding …


Russian President Vladimir Putin said he sees little point in direct negotiations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, while arguing that the best venue for such talks would be Moscow, according to Russian state media.
“I have repeatedly said …

Russian President Vladimir Putin said he sees no point in negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok.
“Why? Because reaching agreement with the Ukrainian side on the key issues is practically …
If foreign military personnel appear in Ukraine before the end of hostilities there, Moscow will consider them “legitimate targets.” Russian President Vladimir Putin made the statement at a plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in …



Russia has signed a legally binding memorandum to build the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline to China and the Soyuz-Vostok transit pipeline through Mongolia, Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller said Tuesday after talks among the leaders of the three countries …


At the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, Russian president Vladimir Putin said the “West” is to blame for everything happening in Ukraine. Photo: TASS
According to Putin, an understanding was reached with US President Donald Trump at …

Key developments on Aug. 30-31:

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told Russian media that Vladimir Putin “does not rule out” a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. However, he said top-level talks would require serious preparations that are largely absent right …






A face-to-face meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin won't happen unless the U.S. ups pressure on the Russian leader, a source in Ukraine's President's Office has told the Kyiv Independent.
Nearly two weeks after U.S. …
Questions about Trump’s possibly shady relationship with Russia and the country’s security services have long swirled/

“This strike clearly shows that Russia’s goals have not changed. They want war — and they are striking not only our people, not only our cities and communities. Russia is now striking at everyone in the world who seeks peace,” President …
Danish public broadcaster DR, citing its sources, reported that the Danish government believes at least three U.S. citizens with ties to the Trump administration have been attempting to influence opinion through covert operations on the island to …
It has been over seven months since U.S. President Trump took office, vowing to end Russia’s war in Ukraine within 24 hours. The Kyiv Independent’s Francis Farrell explains why Trump’s peace effort has failed so far — and what could …
Among supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump from the Republican Party, 76% backed sanctions against Russia’s trading partners, while Democrats shared this position at 58%.

Brian Dooley is a Senior Advisor at Washington-based NGO Human Rights First and Honorary Professor of Practice at Queen’s University, Belfast. He specializes in working with human rights activists in war and other conflict zones and is a regular …
“It doesn’t matter what they say. Everybody’s posturing,” U.S. President Donald Trump said during a Cabinet Meeting on Aug. 26.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban says he plans to write a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump over Ukraine’s strikes on the Druzhba oil pipeline, which carries Russian crude to Hungary and Slovakia.
Ukraine continues to target infrastructure …
“Russia is willing to do it, and I think China is going to be willing to do it. We can’t let nuclear weapons proliferate,” U.S. President Donald Trump said.

“Maybe just treat them like you’re treating Washington, D.C., or how you treated Greenland when you came into office, or how you treated Canada when you came into office,” Florida House Democrat Jared Moskowitz said.

The potential move comes amid ongoing U.S. complaints that the law censors American voices and places an unfair burden on U.S. tech companies.

Did Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy react to his August 2025 meeting at the White House by suggesting that Donald Trump rejects a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, believing it would hurt his chances of winning the Nobel Peace Prize? No, …
Key developments on Aug. 25:
Russia’s Pacific Fleet held drills in the Sea of Japan, during which the Project 1155M frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov successfully launched precision Kalibr-NK and Uran missiles. The maneuvers were supported by naval aviation and unmanned systems.
“The …
During his Aug. 25 speech, Trump made contradictory statements about the possibility of ending Russia’s war against Ukraine. He said he intends to arrange a meeting between the leaders of Ukraine and Russia but then added that it might not …
The Russian push near Dobropillya that alarmed many two weeks ago was contained last week. Summing up the developments, military analyst Dmytro Snegiryov highlights a political angle: he argues Moscow aimed to impress Trump and gain leverage for …
On Sunday, a Russian Il-20 surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft approached U.S. airspace. These “visits” have increased following the summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Anchorage.
Fighters from the North American Aerospace Defense …
In an exclusive interview with NBC News' “Meet the Press,” on Aug. 24, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance expressed optimism about diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine and claimed that Russia has made “significant …
“As you mark this important day, know the United States respects your fight, honors your sacrifices, and believes in your future as an independent nation,” U.S. President Donald Trump said in a letter of support to Ukraine.

In the latest episode of Ukraine This Week, the Kyiv Independent’s Anna Belokur breaks down Monday’s meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which came just a few days after Trump’s Aug. 15 meeting with …
In a statement published by Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry, officials reminded that Alexander Lukashenko’s regime is complicit in Russia’s crimes in Ukraine: at the start of the full-scale war, it allowed Russian forces to use Belarusian territory to …
Key developments on Aug. 22:
“I told (Putin) I’m not happy about it,” Trump claimed a day after a Russian missile hit an American electronics plant in western Ukraine.

Russia’s top military and political officials joined Putin in the closed city of Sarov, which houses the Russian Federal Nuclear Center, on Aug. 22.

Ukrainian President Zelensky is pushing a massive deal for U.S. weapons funded by Europe in what observers call a bid to buy the flighty U.S. President Donald Trump’s dedication.
Zelensky wants Europe to pay the U.S. $90 billion for weapons to …
“How can we meet with a person who is pretending to be a leader?” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told NBC News on Aug. 22.

“Viktor, I do not like hearing about this — I am very angry about it. Tell Slovakia you are my great friend,” Trump wrote in response to a complaint about the strikes from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

The officer, who served as the CIA’s top Russia and Eurasia analyst during the 2016 election and helped produce the report detailing Moscow’s interference on behalf of Donald Trump, was among the most senior career officials targeted.

U.S. intelligence sources told CBS News that Gabbard signed a directive barring the sharing of information with the Five Eye alliance, which includes the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, and New Zealand.

U.S. President Donald Trump referred to Crimea as a piece of land "right in the ocean" that is "the size of Texas" while talking on the Mark Levin Show, a right-wing talk radio program, on Aug. 20.
"It's beautiful. It's,
We will know in within two weeks whether there will be peace in Ukraine. After that we will have to maybe take a different tact," U.S. President Donald Trump told conservative commentator Todd Starnes.

Sending European troops to Ukraine as part of security guarantees would amount to “foreign military intervention,” which Moscow won’t support, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Aug. 21.
“We are ready for the bilateral meeting. If the Russians are not, then we would like to see a strong response from the United States,” Zelensky said, adding that he asked Trump to impose additional sanctions on Moscow if it rejects talks …
Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula, illegally occupied by Russia since 2014, is roughly 26 times smaller than Texas.

Key developments on Aug. 20:
Russia agrees that security guarantees for Ukraine should be provided on an equal basis with the participation of countries such as China, the United States, the United Kingdom and France, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on August 20.
He added …
“When it comes to security, (European allies) are willing to put people on the ground. We’re willing to help them with things, especially, probably, by air,” U.S. President Donald Trump said.

“If I can save 7,000 people a week from being killed, I think that’s a pretty… I want to try to get to heaven if possible, I’m hearing that I’m not doing well,” Trump said on Aug. 19.

According to sources cited by Bloomberg, European leaders urged U.S. President Donald Trump to pressure Orban into dropping his opposition to Ukraine’s EU accession talks.

U.S. President Donald Trump has walked away from his ceasefire demand, saying that he supports its “concept” but can push for a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine without one.
Ignoring Ukraine and Europe’s repeated calls that a peace deal be …
Key developments on Aug. 19:
The Kyiv Independent’s deputy chief editor, Toma Istomina, sits down with Gabrielius Landsbergis, Lithuania’s former foreign minister, to discuss why the White House meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, U.S. President Donald Trump, …
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said ceasefire agreements in Ukraine will not be reached unless Ukrainian authorities “fully respect” the rights of Russians and Russian-speaking people.
He outlined the conditions in an interview with state-run …
Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov said Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump discussed raising the rank of the Russian and Ukrainian representatives who take part in direct talks:
“In a subsequent phone call, Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump voiced …
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Aug. 19 that U.S. soldiers will not be on the ground in Ukraine to ensure security guarantees are upheld, deflecting the responsibility to European allies.

When President Volodymyr Zelensky joined U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Aug. 18, the positive mood between the leaders stood in stark contrast to their disastrous encounter in February in the same spot.
This shift alone was seen as …
Five people were killed and 11 injured on Aug. 17, followed by eight killed and 35 injured on Aug. 18, and at least eight killed and 53 injured on Aug. 19.

BRUSSELS, Belgium — European leaders are set to meet to coordinate the next steps on security guarantees for Ukraine after high-level talks in Washington, as diplomatic efforts intensify ahead of a possible trilateral summit involving Kyiv and …
According to Russian foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov, the call took place after midnight Moscow time. Trump reportedly briefed Putin on his negotiations with Zelensky and the European leaders.

Key developments on Aug. 18:
“And we will come to a resolution today, I think, on almost everything, including probably the security,” Trump said in the East Room, speaking alongside Zelensky and European leaders.

The post Trump to meet with Zelenskyy, European leaders at White House appeared first on Nova Ukraine.
President Volodymyr Zelensky is in Washington alongside a delegation of European leaders, including the presidents of France and Finland; the prime ministers of Italy and the United Kingdom; and the German chancellor. European Commission President …
Russian President Vladimir Putin has laid out a number of demands that he would require to stop his country's war against Ukraine.
Most of these demands are non-starters for Ukraine, analysts say.
Russia has demanded a full Ukrainian withdrawal from …
TORONTO — In the ancient world, people spoke of "Ultima Thule," a mythical land in the extreme north, at the end of the earth. By venturing north to Alaska to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, U.S. President Donald Trump reached his own Ultima …
According to CNN, European officials privately voiced concern about his absence in Alaska, calling him the American figure with the deepest understanding of what terms Ukraine might consider in a deal.

The strikes come as Moscow continues rejecting calls for an unconditional ceasefire, instead intensifying its use of drones and missiles against Ukraine.

Zelensky cautioned that any new deal must prevent Russian President Vladimir Putin from using concessions as a “springboard” for another attack, citing Russia’s seizure of Crimea in 2014.

“Oh, this is such a stupid media narrative that they’re coming here tomorrow because Trump is going to bully Zelensky into a bad deal,” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told CBS.

“I don’t believe (Russian President Vladimir) Putin wants peace, Macron told reporters after co-chairing a meeting of the coalition of the willing. “I believe he wants Ukraine’s surrender."

Key developments on Aug. 16-17:
President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Aug. 17 that negotiations to end the war in Ukraine should begin at the current front line, amid questions surrounding proposals of land swaps to end the war.
"We need real negotiations, and that means they can …
In comments to various media networks on Aug. 17, Russia envoy Steve Witkoff and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the outcomes stemming from the Trump-Putin meeting, providing differing accounts of the progress made towards providing …
First face-to-face meeting between Russian President Putin and U.S. President Trump since the latter’s second term to the major push of Russian forces in the embattled Donetsk Oblast.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also backed “Article 5-like security guarantees” for Ukraine, saying the country must become “a steel porcupine, indigestible for potential invaders."

According to Politico, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, a trusted Trump interlocutor, may accompany President Volodymyr Zelensky to Washington.
Ukraine’s military has reportedly advanced about two kilometers in Sumy oblast, just a day after Putin and Trump discussed a deal that would give unoccupied Ukrainian territories to Russia.
Nova Ukraine welcomes the increasing diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a just and lasting peace
for Ukraine. We recognize the importance of negotiations at the highest level, including the recent exchanges between President Trump, President …
The post Bay Area Ukrainians, Russians react to high-stakes Trump-Putin summit appeared first on Nova Ukraine.
In an Aug. 16 video, Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico praised the recent Putin-Trump summit in Alaska and repeated Kremlin propaganda about the “root causes” of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The documents disclose the exact locations and meeting times of the summit and phone numbers of U.S. government staff. They also reveal other sensitive details, such as a menu for a luncheon in honor of “His Excellency Vladimir Putin.”
Trump appeared to endorse Russia’s plan as the fastest way to a peace deal, abandoning the demand for a ceasefire and threats of sanctions agains Moscow, officials told the NYT.
Following a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, U.S. President Donald Trump has dropped demands for a ceasefire in favor of a comprehensive peace deal that would include giving up unoccupied Ukrainian territories to Russia — but …
In Ukraine, the morning of Aug. 16 began in suspense. Soon after waking, many rushed to anxiously check the outcome of the Alaska summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, which had unfolded overnight in …
The summit restored a “full-fledged mechanism for meetings” between the two presidents, without “ultimatums and threats,” Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council Dmitry Medvedev wrote on his Telegram channel on Aug. 16.
The joint statement by several European leaders was published on Aug. 16, shortly after their phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Zelensky said he supports Trump’s proposal for a trilateral meeting between Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia, noting that the three leaders can cover the “key issues.”
Trump handed the letter to Putin during their nearly three-hour meeting on Aug. 15, two White House officials told Reuters.
“I think we’re pretty close to a deal,” Trump told Fox News, adding: “Ukraine has to agree to it. Maybe they’ll say no.”
Key developments on Aug. 15:
“Putin got his red carpet treatment with Trump, Trump got nothing. … For the Ukrainians: nothing. For Europe: deeply disappointing.”
After speaking with Putin, Trump said he didn’t think sanctions on Russia were a necessary measure — despite the lack of ceasefire.
Editor’s Note:
Events related to the war in Ukraine are once again taking a new direction.
Our publication keeps a close eye on every twist and turn, even when breaking news happens at 3 a.m.
Support independent journalism. Upgrade now!
“We didn’t get there, but we have a very good chance of getting there,” Trump said during a press conference after his meeting with Putin. “A couple of big ones that we haven’t quite gotten there, but we’ve made some headway. …
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to take seriously U.S. President Donald Trump’s offer to launch negotiations on Ukraine, his office said in an official statement.
“Russia today has an opportunity to agree …
Oksana Berezina stood holding a Ukrainian flag with a photo of her husband, Oleh, who went missing in Russia’s Kursk Oblast late last year and is believed to be a prisoner of war.
Like others gathered in protest, she is pinning her hopes on a meeting …
The Kyiv Independent visited the front-line city of Kramatorsk in Donetsk Oblast to hear from its residents what they think about the prospects of land swaps between Ukraine and Russia ahead of the Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska.

“The enemy struck civilian infrastructure in the central part of Sumy,” Governor Oleh Hryhorov said.

U.S. President Donald Trump is meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in America — their first encounter since Trump’s return to the White House and Putin’s first visit to the U.S. in a decade.
Overall, this will be the seventh in-person meeting of …
Russia’s top general has prepared a map showing routes for sabotage-and-reconnaissance teams that Moscow intends to portray as proof its army can rupture Ukraine’s defenses and make a rapid push toward Donetsk, according to Ukraine’s Center for …
The event will mark their first face-to-face talks of Trump’s second term and their first meeting in six years, as well as Putin’s first visit to U.S. soil in a decade.

“We must always seek a ceasefire. The violence, the many deaths, must stop. Let’s see how they can come to an agreement,” Leo XIV said.

Russia launched 97 Shahed-type drones and decoys against Ukraine overnight, as well as two Iskander-M ballistic missiles, the Air Force reported. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 63 drones, while 34 drones struck 13 locations.

Pro-Ukrainian demonstrators took to the streets in Anchorage, Alaska, on Aug. 14 ahead of a planned summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin the next day.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Russian Ambassador to the U.S. Alexander Darchiev have arrived in Alaska ahead of a planned Trump-Putin summit, Russian state media reported on Aug. 15.

Security arrangements follow strict reciprocity protocols, with each side matching the other’s personnel and resources — from motorcade composition to the number of translators and secure waiting rooms.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's first trip to the United States in a decade signals a break from the diplomatic isolation that followed his 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The visit comes as U.S. President Donald Trump pushes for a ceasefire …
The U.S. Treasury Department has re-designated the Russian-linked cryptocurrency exchange Garantex Europe OU, accusing it of directly enabling ransomware gangs and other cybercriminals by processing over $100 million in illicit transactions since …
Key developments on Aug. 14:
Editor’s Note: Some of the service members interviewed for this story are introduced by callsign or first name only due to security reasons.
As U.S. President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin prepare for talks on ending the war …
President Donald Trump is reportedly considering offering Moscow access to Ukraine’s natural minerals in the Russian-occupied territories, a move Ukrainians say would be illegal and damaging to Washington’s reputation.
The news comes as Trump is set …
“I believe now he’s convinced that he’s going to make a deal. He’s going to make a deal. I think he’s going to,” U.S. President Donald Trump said.

The package includes geographical maps intended to justify Russia’s territorial claims and ongoing military aggression, Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation claimed.

“What comes after that meeting is up to President Trump,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News. “He wants to sit down and look the Russian president in the eyes and see what progress can be made."

This week, state companies Indian Oil Corp. and Bharat Petroleum Corp. secured supplies from the United States, Brazil, and Middle Eastern producers for September-October delivery, Bloomberg reported.

Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to broaden the scope of upcoming talks with the U.S. beyond the war in Ukraine, Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk said.
Tusk told reporters that Moscow intends to raise the reduction of NATO troop presence in …
Planet Labs imagery showed stacks of shipping containers, cranes, and a helicopter at the launch site, as well as two radar-equipped aircraft parked at Rogachevo military airfield since mid-July, Reuters reported.

“Only the first three months after the Russian Federation launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine saw more killed and injured than in this past month,” said Danielle Bell, head of the U.N. human rights monitoring mission in Ukraine.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will accompany President Vladimir Putin to Alaska for a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, Alexey Fadeev, deputy director of the Information and Press Department at Russia’s Foreign Ministry, said at a …
The Russian delegation will include Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, presidential aide Yuri Ushakov, Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, and Russian Direct Investment Fund head Kirill Dmitriev.

President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the latter’s residence in Downing Street on Aug. 14, Sky News reported, citing Starmer’s office.

Trump told Zelensky and European leaders that “NATO should not be part of these security guarantees” for postwar Ukraine, according to French President Emmanuel Macron.

U.S. President Donald Trump is preparing to offer Russian President Vladimir Putin access to rare earth minerals in Ukraine and natural resources in Alaska in an effort to secure a ceasefire, The Telegraph reported on Aug. 13.

KRAMATORSK, Donetsk Oblast — U.S. President Donald Trump began to actively push Ukraine to accept losing its land and people to Russia, following years of brutal, all-out war.
People in Kramatorsk, the largest Ukrainian-held city in Donetsk Oblast — a …
Key developments on Aug. 13:
Russian president Vladimir Putin is preparing to fly to Alaska for a meeting with Donald Trump and is calling allies ahead of the Aug. 15 summit. The Kremlin reported he spoke with Kim Jong Un.
According to the Kremlin, Putin thanked his counterpart …
Ukraine is prepared to consider an “air ceasefire” with Russia, Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to the head of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s office, said in an interview with Italy’s Corriere della Sera published Wednesday, August 13.
He said the …
President Donald Trump’s policies on Ukraine follow not an overarching strategy but a single question: Can he sell them? President Volodymyr Zelensky knows this, presenting Trump with a generous deal for critical minerals and partnerships with …
“We talked about a ceasefire today. President Trump said this is one of his priorities in conversation with President Putin,” President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
The Kyiv Independent’s Kollen Post sits down with Michael McFaul, former U.S. ambassador to Russia and political scientist, to discuss the upcoming high-level talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, …
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is heading to Berlin on an unannounced visit. He will sit alongside Friedrich Merz at the Federal Chancellery, taking part in a videoconference with U.S. President Donald Trump. Bild reports that Merz cut short …
Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un on Aug. 12, the Kremlin announced, just days before Putin is set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska.

Russian hackers are suspected of breaching a U.S. federal court filing system, just days before a meeting between Trump and Putin, the New York Times reported Aug. 12.

A potential peace deal on Ukraine could include the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the Donbas, while Russia, in return, would pull its forces out of the Sumy, Dnipropetrovsk and Kharkiv regions, Kremlin adviser Dmitry Suslov said.
A preliminary …
After months of failed peace talks and extensive diplomatic efforts seeing minerals and weapons deals reached, the eyes of the world will be on the remote shores of Alaska on Aug. 15, as U.S. President Donald Trump meets with his Russian counterpart, …
As Russia prepares for a diplomatic push to pressure Kyiv into withdrawing from the Ukrainian-controlled parts of Donetsk Oblast during negotiations with the U.S. this week, its forces have pierced through Ukrainian lines in a dramatic advance that …
As U.S. President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, prepare to meet face-to-face in Alaska on Aug. 15, Ukraine is left to watch the talks that could shape its future.
"It's not entirely clear what happens next," a source in the …
The scene of the planned Aug. 15 meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin — the U.S. state of Alaska — has played an outsized role in Russian propaganda and mythology.
The choice of Alaska for the summit …
“This is a listening exercise for President (Donald Trump),” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

BRUSSELS, Belgium — The European Union said it was preparing the next sanctions package on Moscow ahead of looming US-Russia peace talks.
The last-minute virtual talks came just ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s Alaska meeting with Russian …
During Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine, European countries have outpaced the United States in delivering military aid to Kyiv through defense industry contracts. According to the Ukraine Support Tracker project, released by the Kiel Institute …
The rally, scheduled for Aug. 14 in Anchorage, is being held to protest the “presence of an international war criminal” and as a show of solidarity with Ukraine, Stand Up Alaska said.

When Russia launched its invasion into Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts in 2014, the battle was not only over territory but also historical memory.
In the city of Kostiantynivka, the struggle played out not just with weapons, but with …
“The only sensible action for EU leaders is to initiate an EU-Russia summit, based on the example of the U.S.-Russia meeting,” Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said.

“There is no sign that the Russians have received signals to prepare for the post-war situation … On the contrary, they are moving their troops and forces in such a way as to launch new offensive operations."

According to a statement released by the Canadian Prime Minister’s Office, the discussion concluded that Ukraine’s allies must maintain pressure on Russia to end its aggression and that any peace deal requires a “robust and …
Key developments on Aug. 11:
As U.S. President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, prepare for a bilateral meeting on Aug. 15 in Alaska, the aims of the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine appear to contradict each other.
"At the end of that meeting, probably in the …
U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to meet in Alaska on Aug. 15 to discuss a peace plan for Ukraine — most likely without Ukraine’s participation.
Trump announced the meeting on Aug. 8, saying the talks could …
“He wasn’t part of it,” Donald Trump told reporters.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has organized an online meeting between Volodymyr Zelensky and key European leaders.

We asked Ukrainians on the streets of Kyiv how they feel about Trump’s plan to negotiate a peace agreement with Putin without Ukraine’s involvement, and what they think about such a territorial exchange.

“This is what the situation in the war looks like. And the situation in diplomacy must correspond accordingly,” President Volodymyr Zelensky said on X.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said he holds “lots of fears and lots of hope” about the planned summit.

A planned meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will be a test for the Kremlin leader, and Ukraine will be involved in upcoming peace efforts if the summit goes well, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said.

As part of ongoing U.S.-Russia discussions, Putin told special envoy Steve Wikoff during an Aug. 6 meeting that Russia would agree to a full ceasefire if Kyiv withdrew its forces from Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, granting Moscow full control of those …
“We understand the Russians' intention to try to deceive America — we will not allow this,” President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his evening address on Aug. 10.

“Maybe this works out, maybe it doesn’t, but it’s worth the effort,” Vance said Trump told him ahead of the president’s Aug. 15 meeting with Russia’s Vladimir Putin.
“No matter how the elephants' negotiations on Aug. 15 turn out, the grass will suffer - in this case, Ukraine,” the Slovak Prime Minister said.
A high-profile meeting in Moscow between U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin, a burgeoning humanitarian crisis in the battered Ukrainian city of Kherson and U.S President Trump and Putin to meet in Alaska to discuss …
The White House is considering inviting President Volodymyr Zelensky to peace talks in Alaska on Aug. 15, the same day U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to meet.

President Volodymyr Zelensky in his evening address on Aug. 9 rebuked Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal for Kyiv to cede Ukrainian territory to end Russia’s war, warning that a lack of a “genuine peace” may give …
European leaders reiterated their support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity on Aug. 9 after Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed to the U.S. a ceasefire plan that involves halting hostilities in exchange for Kyiv ceding its eastern …
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that the territorial issues are already enshrined in the Ukrainian Constitution, making it impossible to concede, as Russia's attempts to claim the land will not be entertained.
In a move to address the …
Ukrainian and European officials rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal for a ceasefire in exchange for Kyiv to cede its eastern territories to Russia, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on Aug. 9.

At their meeting next week, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will discuss a peace plan that would see Ukraine surrendering new territories to Russia.
Putin passed the plan to special envoy Steve Witkoff during their …
At their meeting next week, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will discuss a peace plan that would see Ukraine surrendering new territories to Russia.
Putin passed the plan to special envoy Steve Witkoff during their …
The day before, Donald Trump claimed that peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv would likely involve “some swapping of territories."

The day before, Donald Trump claimed that peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv would likely involve “some swapping of territories.”
Ukrainian, U.S., and European senior officials are set to meet in the U.K. ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s planned summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin next week, Axios reported on Aug. 8, citing three sources with knowledge of …
The news comes as the U.S. president is set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin for a high-level summit on Aug. 15 in Alaska to discuss ways toward ending the war in Ukraine.
“For more than 35 years, Armenia and Azerbaijan have fought a bitter conflict that resulted in tremendous suffering for both nations… Many tried to find a resolution… and they were unsuccessful. With this accord, we’ve finally succeeded in …
“It is legitimate and lawful for China to conduct normal economic, trade and energy cooperation with all countries around the world, including Russia,” China’s Foreign Ministry said in response to question about Russian oil …
“The highly anticipated meeting between myself, as President of the United States of America, and President Vladimir Putin, of Russia, will take place next Friday, August 15, 2025, in the Great State of Alaska,” Trump wrote on Truth …
U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters on Aug. 8 that a potential peace deal between Moscow and Kyiv would likely include “some swapping of territories,” as Trump prepares to hold a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin next …
A summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin is tentatively scheduled to occur late next week, NBC News reported on Aug. 8, citing a senior White House official.

On the day a ceasefire ultimatum set by U.S. President Donald Trump for his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin was due to expire, Russia launched a massive drone assault on Ukraine.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, the overnight attack on …
Both Chinese President Xi Jinping and Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko are among Russian President Vladimir Putin’s closest international allies.
Barrels of Russia’s Urals oil are now being offered at a discount to both state-owned and private Chinese refineries, Bloomberg reported.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev are scheduled to join U.S. President Donald Trump for an “official Peace Signing Ceremony” on Aug. 8.

U.S. President Donald Trump said the ceasefire deadline he set for Russia — scheduled for Aug. 8 — now depends on Vladimir Putin. “We’re going to see what he has to say. It’s going to be up to him,” Trump told reporters on Aug. 7.

In response to Russia's latest barbaric attack on July 30, which killed at least 32 civilians in Kyiv, President Donald Trump again threatened to extend sanctions to those who enable the war effort.
This is undoubtedly one way to ramp up pressure on …
Key developments on Aug. 7:
Ukraine’s debt securities, sensitive to prospects of an end to the Russia-Ukraine war, hit their highest levels in four months.

The comments reportedly came during a phone call on Aug. 6, just two days before U.S. President Donald Trump’s deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire or face harsher U.S. penalties.

Preparations for the meeting are underway, and the venue has already been agreed upon, Russian foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov said.

“President (Donald) Trump has made it clear that he’s willing and capable of moving forward on some economic actions, secondary sanctions, or other direct sanctions as well,” U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said.

U.S. President Donald Trump noted additional secondary sanctions will be imposed on Russia’s trading partners, saying that “You are going to see a lot more… you are going to see so much secondary sanctions."

U.S. President Donald Trump will decide whether to impose secondary sanctions on Russia’s trading partners within the next 24 to 36 hours, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters on Aug. 6.

U.S. President Donald Trump plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin as early as next week and intends to hold a trilateral meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky and Putin shortly after, the New York Times (NYT) reported on Aug. 6.
Key developments on Aug. 6:
“Our joint position with our partners is absolutely clear – the war must end. And it must be done honestly,” President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
President Trump announced on July 14 that he was finally ready to provide additional weapons to Ukraine and impose new tariffs on Russia within 50 days – by Sept. 2 – if Russian President Vladimir Putin did not cease his illegal war of aggression and …
The order, which takes effect in 21 days, states that India’s ongoing direct or indirect importation of Russian crude poses an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to U.S. national security and foreign policy.
As Trump’s deadline for additional sanctions on Russia looms, Robert Person, a professor of international relations specializing in Russian and post-Soviet politics, discusses why Russian President Vladimir Putin is unlikely to end the war against …
The meeting, expected to take place on Aug. 8, comes as part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s broader push to assert the U.S. role in resolving global conflicts.

President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, who had no diplomatic experience before joining the current administration, is seen as more sympathetic to Moscow than many other members of Trump’s team.

If enacted, the measures would represent the first U.S. sanctions targeting Moscow since Donald Trump returned to the presidency in January.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly unwilling to end the war during the summer offensive, despite an "ultimatum" from Washington. According to sources close to the Kremlin, who spoke to Reuters, Russia sees no reason to stop until it …
Key developments on Aug. 5:
According to Bloomberg, Russian officials are exploring options ahead of a visit by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow this week.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine has already prepared a draft agreement on drones and is ready to finalize what he called “one of the strongest agreements this could be."

As U.S. President Donald Trump trades barbs with Russian officials amid growing tensions, he has announced he may send his special envoy Steve Witkoff to Russia this week.
The visit, which Russia has yet to confirm, would likely take place on Aug. 6 …
“(Russian President Vladimir) Putin will stop killing people if you get (the price of) energy down another $10 a barrel. He’s going to have no choice, because his economy stinks,” U.S. President Donald Trump said.

Putin is reluctant to provoke Trump and recognizes that pressing ahead with the war could jeopardize a potential thaw in relations with Washington and the West, but his military objectives remain the top priority, two sources told Reuters.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov noted that U.S. submarines “are always on alert,” claiming that Russia is not interested in escalating tension between the two nations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly prepared to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for talks, subject to certain conditions that necessitate preliminary work at the expert level, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. …
U.S. President Donald Trump said that his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, may travel to Russia on Aug. 6 or 7 — just days before a deadline for Moscow to reach a peace deal with Ukraine or face secondary tariffs targeting its oil exports.
The Russian and Chinese navies are conducting joint military exercises in the Sea of Japan, the Kremlin said Aug. 3, just days after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of nuclear submarines in a show of force toward Moscow.
In an Aug. 3 Fox News interview, senior Trump aide Stephen Miller accused India of helping fund Russia’s war in Ukraine by continuing to import oil from Moscow.
Key anti-corruption agencies restored after controversial vote, as well as Trump shortens deadline for Russia peace deal.
Republican senators left Washington for their August recess without passing a major Russia sanctions bill, effectively handing Donald Trump full authority to decide whether to follow through on his threat to penalize Moscow.

The Indian government has “not given any direction to oil companies” to reduce Russian imports, one senior official told the New York Times.

“I just want to make sure that his (Dmitry Medvedev’s) words are only words and nothing more than that,” U.S. President Donald Trump said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed on August 1 the creation of three working groups for new online peace talks with Ukraine — but insisted the format would remain behind closed doors.

“Based on the highly provocative statements of the Former President of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev, who is now the Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, I have ordered two Nuclear Submarines to be positioned in the …
U.S. President Donald Trump India tariffs have shown Moscow's allies that he will follow through with his threat to impose secondary tariffs on countries who purchase Russian oil, though doubts remain about the practicalities of implementing them, …
The U.S. president added that Ukraine has suffered an estimated 8,000 military deaths since January, not including missing personnel.
The news coincides with Donald Trump’s announcement of a 25% tariff on India starting on Aug. 1.

Trump said he found Russia’s latest attacks against Ukraine “disgusting,” though he was vague about the nature of the penalties Washington would impose if Moscow failed to reach a peace settlement.

A U.S. Senate committee approved a spending bill that includes $1 billion in support of Ukraine on July 31, despite the Trump administration’s previous pledge to reduce funding allocated for military assistance to Ukraine in its upcoming …
Key developments on July 31:
An international war of words erupted on July 30 when U.S. President Donald Trump squared up on social media to former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.
"(...)Tell Medvedev, the failed former president of Russia, who thinks he's still president, to …
“President Trump has made clear this must be done by Aug. 8. The United States is prepared to implement additional measures to secure peace,” senior American diplomat John Kelley told the United Nations Security Council.

The remarks follow former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev’s July 28 statement that U.S. President Donald Trump’s “ultimatum game” with Moscow amounts to a threat to Russia and pushes the United States itself closer to war.

Kremlin officials have sought to appear unfazed by U.S. President Donald Trump's shortened timeline to reach a peace deal with Kyiv, accusing Trump of issuing ultimatums that amount to war mongering.
"We have been living under a large number of …
India has “always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia, and are Russia’s largest buyer of energy, along with China, at a time when everyone wants Russia to stop the killing in Ukraine,” Trump said on his Truth …
“We have a lot of people that came in from Ukraine, and we’re working with them,” U.S. President Donald Trump said.

Key developments on July 29:
“I don’t know if it’s gonna affect Russia, because he (Russian President Vladimir Putin) wants to obviously probably keep the war going, but we’re gonna put tariffs and various things,” U.S. President Donald Trump said.

“Indeed, peace is possible if we act strongly and decisively, and we have repeatedly said — and all partners know this — that sanctions are a key element. Russia factors in the sanctions, factors in such losses,” President Volodymyr …
Key developments on July 27:
Videos and social media posts circulating online impersonate the Kyiv Independent’s branding, falsely claiming that President Volodymyr Zelensky has imposed sanctions on a list of American citizens, such as Steve Bannon, Donald Trump Jr., …
“We thought we had that settled numerous times, and then President Putin goes out and starts launching rockets into some city like Kyiv and kills a lot of people in a nursing home or whatever,” U.S. President Donald Trump said.
U.S. President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met in the U.K. on July 27 and agreed to a trade deal between the two major economies.

“Despite having very good interactions with (Russian President) Vladimir Putin and phone calls, it never leads to anything,” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said. “So, the time has come for some action.”
Key developments on July 25:
“We’re looking at that whole situation. It could be that we’ll have to impose secondary sanctions on you,” he said, adding “maybe” when asked whether they could come sooner than 50 days.

“This week, by holding talks with Putin and Trump, we will strive to see if we can bring these leaders together in Istanbul,” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.

Dmitry Peskov’s statement comes as the 50-day deadline approaches for U.S. President Donald Trump to potentially impose sanctions on Moscow if Russia fails to agree to a peace deal.

Ukrainian and Western military experts assess that Russia may escalate its offensive operations during the 50-day period U.S. President Donald Trump allocated for Moscow to reach a ceasefire settlement.

Key developments on July 24:
Dmitry Peskov, the spokesperson for Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggested that a meeting between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky could only occur after all necessary groundwork had been established to bring concrete results to …
The deal stipulates that the U.S. will deliver weapons to the EU, which will handle distribution among member states, with most of the arms expected to go to Ukraine.

Key developments on July 23:
“Moscow is disappointed and upset that it didn’t work out with Trump… But whatever expectations Putin might have had for a good relationship with Trump, it was always going to come second to his maximalist goals in Ukraine. For Putin, the …
The fund forms part of a broader EU effort to mobilize 800 billion euros ($864 billion) in new defense spending by 2030, driven by the growing threat from Russia and calls from U.S. President Donald Trump for Europe to shoulder more of its own …
Trump’s ultimatum to Russia, Ukraine’s largest government reshuffle, and allegations launched against prominent anti-corruption activist that many claim are politically motivated.

The weapons for Ukraine rumor mill went into overdrive earlier this week when it was reported that U.S. President Donald Trump was considering supplying Kyiv with Tomahawk cruise missiles.
A day later, things reached fever pitch with reports Trump had …
“I will be looking for a person to lead this area,” First Deputy Prime Minister and Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov wrote.

In an interview yesterday with the New York Post, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky floated a new pending “mega-deal” with U.S. President Donald Trump to sell Ukrainian drones to the American military.
"The people of America need this technology, …
In a July 4 conversation, U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky whether Ukraine's armed forces could target Moscow if they received long-range American weapons.
Following this discussion, as noted in …
Ukrainian military units have advanced in one of the most fiercely contested areas, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), as they report successes in the Pokrovsk direction. Meanwhile, Russian sources also claimed progress, with …
Keith Kellogg, special representative to former President Trump, has been briefed on how Moscow is converting Western tech into tools of war against Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian Defense Ministry's Intelligence Service, GUR. Kellogg was shown …
“European countries will have to fund it,” Thordis Gylfadottir, an envoy of the Council of Europe, told Politico. “We cannot stop tracking them and then just re-track them (abducted children) in the months ahead."

Key developments on July 17:
As part of the plan, the U.S. was weighing the sale of Patriot air defense systems from its own military stockpiles, U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said.
U.S. President Donald Trump gave a 50-day ultimatum to Russia to end the war in Ukraine, promising to impose harsh sanctions otherwise.
Experts who spoke with the Kyiv Independent, however, say that Russia can take advantage of the once again extended …
“The people of America need this technology, and you need to have it in your arsenal,” President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
Keith Kellogg has “been in the ascendancy lately” and is helping drive a shift in Trump’s approach, alongside U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Telegraph reported, citing sources.

“I cannot confirm that anything is currently on the way. That is not known to me,” a spokesperson for the German Defense Ministry said, according to Swiss public broadcaster SRF.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed weapons deal for Ukraine caught NATO allies off guard, with European diplomats saying they weren’t consulted ahead of the announcement, Reuters reported on July 16.

Key developments on July 16:
The Kyiv Independent’s Deputy Chief Editor Oleksiy Sorokin spoke with Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa during her visit to Kyiv on July 15, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of his deal with NATO to arm Ukraine and …
“If (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and others are wondering what happens on day 51, I would suggest they call the Ayatollah,” Senator Lindsey Graham wrote on X.

According to Reuters, Russian President Vladimir Putin sees no reason to back down. Instead, the undisclosed sources say the Russian leader is confident that Russia’s military and economy can withstand additional Western pressure.

“They’re already being shipped,” U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters when asked about Patriot missiles and other weaponry. “And in all cases, the United States gets paid back in full."

Key developments on July 15:
U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks come after the Financial Times (FT) reported, citing undisclosed sources, that he asked President Volodymyr Zelensky whether Kyiv could strike Moscow or St Petersburg if provided with long-range U.S. …
The teasing on July 11 of U.S. President Donald Trump's "big announcement" on Russia had raised hopes in Ukraine over the weekend that the White House was finally going to take concrete action to pressure Moscow to end its full-scale invasion.
Those …
President Donald Trump on July 14 announced the U.S. would impose "severe tariffs" on Russia unless Moscow agrees to a deal to end the war in Ukraine within 50 days, but experts who spoke to the Kyiv Independent say the plan is deeply flawed.
"I'
Dmitry Peskov, the spokesperson for the Kremlin, acknowledged the need for time to digest President Donald Trump's new ultimatums concerning the ongoing war in Ukraine. The Kremlin has not ruled out the possibility of a personal response from …
Following talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Beijing on July 15, Chinese President Xi Jinping declared that mutual trust between the two countries had “deepened” and called on both sides to “strengthen mutual …
After U.S. President Donald Trump on July 14 threatened to impose “severe” tariffs on Russia in 50 days if there is no peace deal with Ukraine, the highly-anticipated statement was met largely with indifference and even relief among Russian …
“This statement from the U.S. president is quite serious. Some of what he said appears to be addressed personally to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

Donald Trump encouraged the strategy so that Russia could “feel the pain” and agree to negotiations, the Financial Times reported, citing its sources.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he believed a deal with Moscow had been close on four separate occasions.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated on July 14 that the Senate would likely delay advancing a significant package of sanctions targeting Russia’s trading partners.

“On one hand, it is very positive that President Trump is taking on a strong stance on Russia… On the other hand, 50 days is a very long time if we see that they are killing innocent civilians,” EU Special Envoy Kaja Kallas said.
Key developments on July 14:
In a dramatic turn of events, Moscow finds itself in panic mode as former President Donald Trump pivots to support Kyiv, shocking Russian elites who can no longer conceal their anxiety.
The Russian capital is reeling from the sudden shift in American …
Germany's Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has stated that Berlin cannot send more Patriot air-defense systems to Kyiv due to a lack of its own stockpiles. The German military has already supplied Ukraine with three out of its 12 available Patriot …
When asked when certain weapons, including missiles to Patriot air defense systems, were expected to arrive in Ukraine, Trump responded by saying “a full complement with the batteries… We’re going to have some come very soon, …
“We’re gonna be doing very severe tariffs if we don’t have a deal in 50 days. Tariffs that are about 100%, we call them secondary tariffs,” Donald Trump said in a joint press conference in the White House alongside NATO …
A "constructive dialogue" between the United States and Russia is set to continue, as it's deemed more effective than futile attempts at exerting pressure. This statement came from Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) …
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had a meeting with US Special Representative Keith Kellogg, who arrived in Kyiv this morning. This comes amid ongoing discussions about enhancing Ukraine's defenses and fortifying ties with the United States. …
“Constructive dialogue between Russia and the U.S. will always achieve more than the tired, destructive language of pressure,” Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, wrote.

“There are many topics to discuss,” Ukraine’s Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin told U.S. President Donald Trump that Moscow intended to continue offensive operations until it secured the full administrative borders of occupied Ukrainian regions.

“We will send them Patriots, which they desperately need, because (Russian President Vladimir) Putin really surprised a lot of people. He talks nice and then bombs everybody in the evening,” U.S. President Donald Trump said on July 13.

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham said in an interview with CBS News on July 13 that he expects an influx of U.S. weapons shipments to Ukraine to begin “in the coming days,” as U.S. President Donald Trump prepares to make a “major …
Key developments on July 12-13:
Russia's Foreign Ministry dismissed a July 13 Axios report, calling it "deliberate disinformation." The original article claimed Russian President Vladimir Putin had secretly urged Iran to cease uranium enrichment to broker a new "nuclear deal" with …
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will visit Washington on July 14-15, the military alliance’s press service announced on July 13. The visit comes as U.S. President Donald Trump previously said he intends to make a “major” …
The funds could come from the $3.85 billion remaining in Presidential Drawdown Authority from the Biden administration or from frozen Russian assets, current and former U.S. officials said.

Russia’s position, conveyed to both U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian officials, marks a notable shift given Russia’s historical public advocacy for Iran’s right to enrich.
Did you know that The Counteroffensive has a sister publication that covers innovations in Ukrainian military technology and defense regulation? It’s called The Counteroffensive.Pro, and you can read it here.
Support our coverage of the war and …
Amid ever-escalating aerial assaults, accelerating Russian advances in the east, and the weariness that comes with nearly 3.5 years of war, all eyes in Ukraine are once again focused upon one man — U.S. President Donald Trump.
"I think I'll have a …
U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg will arrive in Kyiv on July 14 for a week-long visit, he told a Novyny Live journalist at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome.

In a July 10 interview with NBC News, U.S. President Trump said he plans to make a “major statement” on Russia next week and revealed a new U.S.-NATO weapons deal for Ukraine.

Until now, the Trump administration’s military aid to Ukraine had only consisted of weapons authorized by former President Joe Biden. The Presidential Drawdown Authority allows the president to directly transfer weapons from U.S. military …
As Trump cracks down on illegal immigration, Ukrainian refugees in the U.S. are left in a difficult spot.

International partners must help Ukraine rebuild by introducing their own Marshall Plan, U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg said.

“Senate Republicans are committed to working with the House and White House to get this legislation through Congress and on to the president’s desk,” Majority Leader John Thune said.

CNN reported earlier that U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the pause without informing the White House, and Trump has repeatedly distanced himself from the decision in public comments.


Key developments on July 9:

Ukraine will require more than $40 billion in external financial support in 2026 to sustain its economy and war effort, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said on July 9.
“The key task should be to develop mechanisms and tools that will allow us to …

U.S. President Donald Trump said on July 9 that his administration is “going to have to take a look” at supplying Ukraine with another Patriot air defense system.
“They would like it. They’ve asked for it,” Trump told …

Editor’s note: This item is being updated.
President Volodymyr Zelensky met with U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg in Rome on July 9, marking their second official meeting.
The meeting comes on the eve of the Ukraine Recovery …

The Kremlin’s grip on the Russian elite appears to be closing ever tighter as two major figures of Russian business and security structures were detained in the past few days.
Konstantin Strukov, a billionaire running a gold mining empire, and …

The U.S. Army intends to spend more than $1.3 billion on Patriot missile interceptors in fiscal year 2026, Bloomberg reported on July 9.
Internal Pentagon documents reportedly revealed that the Army has boosted its planned purchases of the most …

The Kyiv Independent’s Chris York speaks with former U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton about U.S. President Donald Trump’s failure to bring peace to Ukraine — and his next steps on Russia’s war. They also discuss the growing threat of …

EU ambassadors failed to approve the bloc’s 18th package of sanctions against Russia during a July 9 Committee of Permanent Representatives meeting, as Slovakia continued to block the measures, European Pravda reported, citing three unnamed EU …

Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ukraine’s former top general, remains the country’s most trusted public figure, ahead of President Volodymyr Zelensky and military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov, according to a new poll released by the Rating …

Ukrainian forces have for the first time captured Russian troops without the use of infantry, relying solely on drones and ground-based robotic systems, Ukraine’s 3rd Separate Assault Brigade said on July 9.
“For the first time in history: …

Ukrainians breathed a sigh of relief of sorts this week after it was confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump had ordered the continuation of shipments of critical military aid after a brief pause.
The days-long hiccup alarmed a Ukraine beset with …

Lithuania and Finland plan to begin domestic anti-personnel mine manufacturing in 2026, with some of the supplies potentially earmarked for Ukraine to counter the Russian threat, Reuters reported on July 9.
The two NATO members will begin …

Russia is preparing to launch a U.S.-style international development agency to strengthen its global influence, the head of Russia’s foreign aid and cultural outreach arm, Yevgeny Primakov, said in an interview with the state-controlled RBC …

U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the continuation of shipments of military aid to Ukraine after a brief pause earlier this month, the White House and the State Department confirmed on July 8.
“We have, of course, the resumption of …

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth authorized a temporary halt to American weapons shipments to Ukraine early in July without notifying the White House, CNN reported on July 8, citing five undisclosed sources.
The pause, approved on July 2, …

Donald Trump claimed during a private fundraiser last year he had threatened Russian President Vladimir Putin with bombing “the sht out of Moscow” if he attacked Ukraine, CNN reported on July 8, citing an obtained audio.
“With Putin …

The European Union is considering establishing a fund for Ukraine worth 100 billion euros ($117 billion) in the next seven-year EU budget, Bloomberg reported, citing sources familiar with the proposal.
Sources told Bloomberg that the proposed funding, …

Editor’s note: This is a breaking story and is being updated.
Russia launched another mass missile and drone attack overnight on July 9 targeting Ukrainian cities, including in the country’s far-west regions, located hundreds of kilometers …

U.S. President Donald Trump is considering sending Ukraine an additional Patriot air defense system, a move that would mark his administration’s first major weapons transfer to Kyiv, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on July 8, citing two …

Ukraine has synchronized its sanctions against Russia with the last three packages of economic penalties imposed by the European Union, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on July 8.
“Three more packages of EU sanctions are fully effective …

Ukraine’s current ambassador to the United States, Oksana Markarova, will be replaced in the near future, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha confirmed in an interview with Ukrainian Radio on July 8.
Earlier on July 8, a source in the Presidential …

The United States has only about 25% of the Patriot missile interceptors it needs to meet Pentagon military plans, a shortage that led U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration to pause a major transfer of weapons to Ukraine, the Guardian …

U.S. President Donald Trump said on July 8 he was “not happy” with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“We get a lot of b*llshit thrown at us by Putin,” he said at a cabinet meeting. “He’s very nice all the time, …

The village of Dachne in the southern part of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast appears to be contested, according to the Finnish Black Bird Group open-source intelligence collective.
The Russian Defense Ministry on July 7 claimed to have seized Dachne, which …

U.S. President Donald Trump has promised to send 10 Patriot interceptors to Ukraine - a smaller number than had been paused previously while en route to the country, Axios reported on July 8, citing its sources.
Trump has also suggested that Germany …

This week, thousands of companies, business heads, and global leaders are headed to Rome for the fourth Ukraine Recovery Conference on July 10, with many companies hoping for more clarity around the future of a U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal.
It’s been …

Ukraine’s ambassador to the U.S. has been informed by President Volodymyr Zelensky that she is to be dismissed, a source in the President’s Office confirmed to the Kyiv Independent on July 8.
Oksana Markarova has held the post since April …

After failing to approve 18th package of sanctions against Russia due to opposition from Hungary and Slovakia, EU countries are expected to finalize an agreement this week, Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna said on July 7.
Since EU …

At least nine civilians were killed and 81 others injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine over the past 24 hours, regional authorities reported on July 8.
Ukraine’s Air Force said Russia launched 54 drones overnight, including Iranian-designed …

Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) identified Russian Armed Forces Major Denis Sheynov as allegedly involved in the July 2024 missile strike on Kyiv’s Okhmatdyt children’s hospital, HUR reported on July 8.
The strike, which killed …

Striletska Bay in occupied Sevastopol, once a key base for Russian warships in Crimea, is now nearly empty and used primarily for mooring tugboats and small patrol craft, the Atesh partisan group reported on July 8.
According to the group, Russia now …

U.S. President Donald Trump told President Volodymyr Zelensky during a phone call on July 4 that he was not responsible for the suspension of U.S. arms shipments to Ukraine, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on July 7, citing unnamed sources …

U.S. Special Envoy Keith Kellogg and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov are set to meet at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome later this week to discuss the resumption of U.S. military assistance to Ukraine, Politico reported on July 7.
Following the …

The United States will send “more weapons” to Ukraine amid intensified Russian strikes, U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters on July 7, adding that he is disappointed in Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“We’re gonna send …

Key developments on July 7:

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will enable Ukrainian banks to provide up to 900 million euros ($1.05 billion) in new loans by sharing credit risks, the EBRD announced in a press release on July 7.
The loans will target …

Projects Kyiv has submitted to the U.S. for consideration as part of a profit-sharing deal for Ukraine’s resources include a shelf and deepwater project and an oil refinery that comes under frequent attack by Russia, Ukraine’s Economy …

Ukraine’s Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko says her task is simple — to get the investment fund behind the closely watched minerals deal with the U.S. off the ground, and prove its detractors wrong.
“There are so many criticisms from …

If Beijing moves against Taiwan, NATO might soon find itself in a two-front war with China and Russia — or so the alliance’s secretary general believes.
“If Xi Jinping would attack Taiwan, he would first make sure that he makes a call to …

The Kyiv Independent’s business editor Liliane Bivings sits down with Ukraine’s Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko to discuss the U.S.-Ukraine “minerals deal” and address the myths surrounding it.
Under the agreement, the two …

President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump discussed a potential change in Ukraine’s ambassador in Washington during a recent phone call, a source familiar with the conversation told the Kyiv Independent.
Oksana Markarova has …

At least 12 civilians were killed and 69 others injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine over the past 24 hours, regional authorities reported on July 7.
Ukraine’s Air Force said Russia launched 101 drones overnight, including Iranian-designed …

U.S. President Donald Trump said on July 6 that his administration is “helping a lot” when it comes to Ukraine, defending his approach to the ongoing war.
“I am helping Ukraine. I’m helping it a lot,” Trump told reporters …

U.S. President Donald Trump said on July 6 that his administration will impose an additional 10% tariff on countries aligning themselves with what he described as the BRICS group’s “anti-American policy."
“There will be no …

U.S. President Donald Trump on July 6 commented on tech billionaire Elon Musk’s plan to create a new political party, calling it “ridiculous” and warning that third-party movements have historically failed in the United States.
“I think creating a …

BRICS summit participants condemned recent attacks on Russia’s railway infrastructure, according to a joint declaration on July 6 from Rio de Janeiro.
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the attacks on bridges and railway infrastructure …

Andriy Yermak, head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office, has been leading campaigns to supplant three top officials in the Ukrainian government, the Economist reported on July 6, citing multiple anonymous officials.
The story follows a corruption …

Key developments on July 5-6:

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated with additional details from Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry.
A bus carrying Ukrainian children veered off the road and overturned on a Hungarian highway on July 6, leaving 21 people injured, …
The Russification of America
How the 2025 Budget Shattered the Last Illusions of Democracy

If China attacks Taiwan, Beijing may ask Moscow to open a second front against NATO states, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said in an interview with The New York Times (NYT) published on July 5.
Fears of escalating Chinese military intervention in …

Weeks after a high-profile public falling out with U.S. President Donald Trump, tech mogul Elon Musk announced the creation of a new political party in the United States, dubbed the “America Party.”
Musk said on July 5 that the …

Editor’s note: The story was updated with new reports about operations at Russian airports during drone strikes.
Several Russian airports have canceled flights due to the safety concerns over Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian cities, …

Europe must dramatically ramp up its defenses against a resurgent Russia, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said in an interview with the New York Times published on July 5, crediting U.S. President Donald Trump for driving the alliance to …

Russia’s economy, which defied initial sanctions and saw growth propelled by massive military spending and robust oil exports, is now showing significant signs of a downturn.
Recent economic indicators are flashing red, with manufacturing …

President Volodymyr Zelensky described his recent phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump as “the best conversation in all this time” in an evening address on July 5.
“Patriot (missiles) are key to protection from ballistic …

BlackRock, a U.S. investment firm, suspended work on a multibillion-dollar Ukraine recovery fund following U.S. President Donald Trump’s election victory, prompting France to work on a replacement, Bloomberg reported on July 5.
The plan nearly …

At least four civilians were killed and 37 others injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine over the past 24 hours, regional authorities reported on July 5.
Russia launched 322 drones overnight, including Iranian-designed Shahed-type attack drones, …

U.S. President Donald Trump said on July 5 that Russian President Vladimir Putin does not appear interested in ending the war in Ukraine, according to a comment made onboard Air Force One.
Trump reiterated that he was “very unhappy” with …

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on July 4 called on the United States to show “flexibility” in its military aid to Ukraine, after Washington unexpectedly paused some weapon deliveries citing concerns over dwindling domestic stockpiles. …

The U.S. has “reviewed” the components it is supplying Ukraine, but did not halt assistance, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on July 4.
“The United States has not stopped supplying weapons and supporting Ukraine, it has …
In a pivotal conversation on Friday, July 4, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky engaged in what he described as a "very important and useful" dialogue with U.S. President Donald Trump. The Presidents discussed Russian aerial strikes, drone …

Key developments on July 4:
Following a conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian forces launched a massive airstrike on Ukraine, with Kyiv as the primary target. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the …

KYIV — Ripe cherries and apricots fill the stalls of fruit vendors, while people bustle about on a scorching July Friday.
Yet just a five-minute walk from the stand, the scene shifts dramatically: a gaping hole mars the five-story residential building …

A Russian missile and drone strike on Odesa on July 3 damaged the building of the Chinese Consulate General, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on July 4.
“Following tonight’s massive Russian air attack on Ukraine, we discovered in Kyiv a …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone conversation on July 4, Andriy Yermak, head of Ukraine’s President’s Office, announced. …

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth unilaterally halted a weapons shipment to Ukraine on July 2 despite internal military assessments showing the aid would not compromise American military readiness, NBC News reported on July 4, citing three U.S. …

Russia is escalating the use of chemical weapons against Ukrainian forces, the Netherlands Military Intelligence (MIVD) reported on July 4.
Russian troops use banned chemical agents as psychological warfare to panic Ukrainian forces, forcing soldiers …

U.S. President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is pushing to lift U.S. energy sanctions on Russia, Politico reported on July 4, citing two people familiar with the matter.
The move is part of a broader debate within Trump’s …

U.S. President Donald Trump said he was “very disappointed” with Russian President Vladimir Putin following a phone call on July 3, during which the two leaders discussed the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Trump told reporters he …

President Volodymyr Zelensky called for more air defence for Ukraine after a massive drone and missile attack on Ukraine’s capital overnight on July 4.
According to Zelensky, as U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin …

Several drone attacks targeted Moscow Oblast and multiple settlements in the southern Rostov Oblast overnight on July 4, Russian officials reported.
Yuriy Slyusar, acting governor of Rostov Oblast, said a number of towns in the region were struck by …

Three Democratic Senators have launched an investigation into U.S. President Donald Trump’s refusal to impose new sanctions against Russia, the legislators announced in a joint statement on July 3.
Since taking office in January, Trump has …

U.S. President Donald Trump brushed off a reporter’s question on July 3 about pausing weapons deliveries to Ukraine, claiming Washington is “giving weapons” to Kyiv.
The Pentagon previously confirmed that the U.S. has already halted …

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi reportedly told the EU’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas on July 3 that the country cannot afford for Russia to lose the war in Ukraine amid fears the U.S. would shift focus towards Beijing, the South China …
<img src=“https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/e4515f441d.jpg" alt=“Trump says he “didn’t make any progress” with Putin following phone call”>
U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters on July 3 …

Russia became the first country to recognize the Taliban as the ruling government of Afghanistan on July 3, Russia’s Foreign Ministry announced.
“We believe that the act of official recognition of the government of the Islamic Emirate of …

Key developments on July 3:

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
Explosions were heard in Kyiv on July 3 as Russia launched a wave of drones across Ukraine.
Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, confirmed that one drone …

Kyiv’s Desniansky District Court has formally recognized a same-sex couple as a family, marking the first legal precedent of its kind in Ukraine, human rights organization Insight LGBTQ announced on July 3.
Ukraine does not currently recognize …

Ukraine’s Oschadbank won an appeal against Russia on July 1 after the Paris appeals court rejected Moscow’s challenge to a 2018 arbitration ruling ordering compensation for losses due to Russia’s annexation of Crimea, the bank announced in a …

During a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump on July 3, Russian President Vladimir Putin said “Russia will continue to pursue its goals” in the war against Ukraine, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said.
The hour-long conversation between …

When the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) halted the transfer of critical air defense missiles and other weapons to Ukraine, Kyiv and its partners were caught off-guard and are now left scrambling for clarity on the scope and length of the Trump …

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed on July 2 that some assistance to Ukraine has been halted as the U.S. Defense Department conducts a review of foreign aid deliveries.
“This capability review… is being conducted to ensure U.S. …

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers are voicing their opposition to the Trump administration’s decision to halt shipments of some air defense missiles and other weapons previously promised to Kyiv.
The U.S. Defense Department (DOD) made the …

As Ukraine continues its path toward European integration while defending itself against Russian aggression, the strength of its democratic institutions remains paramount.
Among these institutions, the Constitutional Court plays a unique role in …

Key developments on July 2:

Deaths in custody, media offices raided, and beaten and bloodied suspects paraded in court — relations between Russia and Azerbaijan, once considered close, have sharply deteriorated in recent days amid a series of high-profile incidents.
The latest …

The Trump administration’s decision to halt deliveries of key military aid to Ukraine has caught European partners off guard and prompted urgent requests for clarification, Bloomberg reported on July 2, citing unnamed sources.
The pause affects …

The halting of deliveries of air defense missiles from the U.S. will lead to“major casualties among civilians,” a deputy commander in Ukraine’s air defense told the Kyiv Independent.
Politico reported on July 1 that the U.S. Defense Department (DOD) …

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on July 2 that he understands Washington’s need to safeguard its own defense needs, but emphasized that Ukraine urgently requires sustained Western support.
“I totally understand that the U.S. always …

Editor’s note: The story is being updated.
Ukraine has not received any official notification from the United States about suspension or rescheduling of previously approved military aid packages, the Defense Ministry said on July 2, following …

The United States' reported decision to suspend some arms deliveries to Ukraine could help bring Russia’s war in Ukraine to an end, the Kremlin said on July 2, according to Russian state-controlled media.
“The fewer weapons that are …

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry told U.S. Charge d’Affaires John Ginkel that delays in U.S. military aid would only prolong the war, the Foreign Ministry said on July 2 after the Pentagon reportedly paused some weapons shipments.
Ginkel met …

USAID officially stopped implementing foreign assistance as of July 1, as the Trump administration seeks to realign international aid with its policies, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced.
“Foreign assistance programs that align with …

The U.S. Defense Department (DOD) has halted shipments of some air defense missiles and other weapons previously promised to Kyiv out of concerns over the size of U.S. stockpiles, Politico reported on July 1, citing sources familiar with the matter. …

The U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on the Russian IT company Aeza Group for hosting infostealers and ransomware operations, according to a press release published on July 1.

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers introduced a resolution in Congress demanding the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia, according to a press release published on June 30.
Kyiv estimates that Russia has abducted or forcibly displaced at …

U.S. Special Representative Keith Kellogg has pushed back against Russian claims that Ukraine and the United States are responsible for delaying peace negotiations, arguing that it is Moscow that continues to obstruct efforts to end the war it …

Key developments on June 30:

Tehran, Russia’s main ally in the Middle East, has been dealt a heavy blow as Israel dismantled its network of proxies and then struck targets in Iran.
The recent Iranian-Israeli war, which ended with a ceasefire on June 24, showed that the …

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on June 29 that Washington has lifted sanctions that hindered the expansion of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, where Russia’s state-owned energy company Rosatom is to build two new reactors. …

In the latest episode of Ukraine This Week, the Kyiv Independent’s Anna Belokur explains key takeaways from this week’s NATO summit, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump held their third in-person meeting since …

A lieutenant colonel flying a U.S.-made F-16 fighter jet was killed during the overnight aerial strike while on duty, the Air Force said on June 29.
Russia launched a “massive” missile and drone strike across Ukraine early on June 29, …

Russia is making another attempt to expand its exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) after U.S. sanctions disrupted production at its flagship Arctic LNG 2 plant, Bloomberg reported on June 28.
Arctic LNG 2, owned by the Russian company Novatek, was …

Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk said on June 28 that Ukraine’s parliament is preparing a draft bill to hold elections following the end of the martial law period enacted as a result of the war.
“We are working on this …

Around 50% of Americans support sanctions against countries that purchase Russian oil and gas, according to the results of a YouGov poll published on June 27.
A bipartisan sanctions bill in the U.S. Senate aims to slap 500% tariffs on imports from …

The United States would consider bombing Iran again if the country’s nuclear program once again became of concern, U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters during a press briefing on June 27.
When asked whether Trump would consider bombing …

Russia is ready to hold a third round of peace talks on the war in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin told reporters on June 27, without specifying if he would directly participate in the negotiations.
“In general, we are ready for this …

Loyalty to the incumbent administration has been the key requirement for prosecutor generals in Ukraine.
Ruslan Kravchenko, who was appointed as prosecutor general on June 21, appears to be no exception.
Previously he had been appointed as a military …

As Russia continues to intensify its onslaught on Ukraine more than three years into the full-scale invasion, Kyiv faces a new challenge – keeping its Western allies, namely the new U.S. administration, engaged in the struggle.
This became clear …

Ukraine’s next goal in ongoing negotiations with Russia is to organize a direct meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said during a press briefing on June 26.
Speaking …

The White House has recommended terminating U.S. funding for multiple programs that investigate war crimes worldwide, including Russian war crimes in Ukraine, Reuters reported on June 26.
Since U.S. President Donald Trump’s inauguration in …

Key developments on June 26:

The European Council failed to unanimously adopt a statement of support for Ukraine during its June 26 meeting in Brussels, after Hungary once again failed to support it.
On the eve of the European Council summit, Hungary’s government announced …

U.S. President Donald Trump promised during the NATO summit in The Hague that Russia would never attack the alliance while he is in office, the Washington Post reported on June 26, citing three unnamed European officials.
Speaking at a briefing in The …

Despite suffering over 1 million casualties, pounding Ukrainian cities nightly with missiles and drones, and committing countless war crimes, one startling fact about Russia’s full-scale invasion remains — Moscow has yet to officially declare …

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Ankara is working to organize a meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, with U.S. President Donald Trump potentially joining the talks, Reuters reported.
Speaking …

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — As NATO leaders convened in The Hague for a two-day summit on June 24–25, allies and Kyiv braced for the first annual meeting since U.S. President Donald Trump’s return to office.
With the Israel-Iranian conflict dominating …

U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed defense budget for fiscal year 2026 prioritizes drones and long-range missile systems over traditional air and naval platforms, Reuters reported on June 26.
The $892.6 billion request maintains the overall …

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni told U.S. President Donald Trump that the determination shown by the U.S. toward Iran should also be applied to ending Russia’s war against Ukraine, she said on June 25 on the sidelines of the NATO summit …

Russia has lost 1,015,750 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 June 26.
The number includes 1,100 casualties that Russian forces suffered just …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
Explosions were reported in Moscow overnight on June 26, with Mayor Sergey Sobyanin claiming two drones were shot down by air defenses.
Two drones were shot down, Sobyanin said, …

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio surprised NATO allies this week with conflicting messages on Russia sanctions, delivering a tougher stance in private than in his public remarks, POLITICO reported on June 25.
Rubio met with NATO foreign …

Ukraine and the Council of Europe signed a historic agreement on June 25 to establish a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression , marking a major step toward holding Russia’s leadership accountable for launching the full-scale invasion in …

After a high-level U.S. visit to Belarus led to the release of 14 prisoners, observers have been left wondering what autocrat Alexander Lukashenko may have secured in return.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine and Russia Keith …

Key developments on June 25:

Russian President Vladimir Putin has decided not to attend the upcoming BRICS summit in Brazil due to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), Russian president’s foreign policy aide Yuriy Ushakov said on June 25. …

Washington will “see” whether it can supply Kyiv with additional missiles for its Patriot air defense systems, U.S. President Donald Trump said during the NATO summit in The Hague on June 25 as Russia escalates its air strikes against …

Speaking at a NATO press conference in The Hague on June 25, U.S. President Donald Trump said it was possible Russia could target other countries beside Ukraine.
When asked whether Russian President Vladimir Putin has territorial ambitions beyond …
Editor’s Note: When we say we cover all the angles of this war, that includes the inside jokes, cultural references and local chatter that make this place unique.
Want to support our journalism? Upgrade now!
Zelenskyy …

Editor’s note: This story is being updated.
President Volodymyr Zelensky met with his U.S. President Donald Trump at the NATO summit in The Hague on June 25.
The meeting lasted approximately 50 minutes, according to Suspilne. In a post on X, …

NATO member states have agreed to a new defense spending benchmark, committing to allocate 5% of their gross domestic product annually to defense and security-related expenditures by 2035, according to a joint statement released on June 25 by …

U.S. President Donald Trump has said President Volodymyr Zelensky is a “nice guy” ahead of a meeting at NATO summit in The Hague on June 25, saying they will be “discussing his difficulties."
The White House confirmed the …

Russia’s all-out war has accelerated Ukraine’s push to join the European Union and NATO, as well as its dependency on Western loans and aid.
Before, these things would have been heavily preconditioned on Ukraine implementing crucial …

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in an interview with Politico on June 25 that U.S. President Donald Trump will resist European pressure to escalate sanctions on Russia, arguing that doing so could close the door to potential peace …

U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff condemned on June 24 the leak of an intelligence assessment that undercuts U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims of having “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear program.
His remarks …

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated the EU’s ongoing support for Ukraine at a NATO summit in The Hague on June 24.
“We have designed a funding program of 50 billion euros, we call it Safe, where member states, but …

Lithuania has signed a memorandum with American defense firm Northrop Grumman and Norwegian Nammo to secure the production of ammunition amid Russia’s war against Ukraine, the Lithuanian Defense Ministry announced on June 24.
“By …

Recent U.S. strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities did not eliminate the core components of Tehran’s nuclear program and likely delayed it by only a few months, according to an early assessment by the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), CNN …

President Donald Trump refused to give a clear commitment to NATO’s Article 5 — the alliance’s collective defense clause — as he departed for a pivotal summit in The Hague, raising fresh concerns about his stance on one of NATO’s core principles.
When …

Key developments on June 24:

Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR) and the Foreign Ministry have evacuated 31 Ukrainian citizens from Iran on the instructions of President Volodymyr Zelensky, the agency said on June 24.
The news follows a war between Iran and Israel …

The ongoing and escalating slaughter of Ukrainian civilians depends on two preconditions: Moscow’s determination to erase Ukraine, and the tacit permission it receives from America and Europe.
On Monday, a Russian missile tore through a residential …

U.S. President Donald Trump said on June 24 that his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin had called him and offered to help resolve the conflict between Iran and Israel, Fox News reported.
“As you know, Vladimir called me up. He said, can I help …

President Volodymyr Zelensky said during NATO summit on June 24 that Ukraine has the capacity to produce over 8 million drones of various types each year, but lacks the financial backing to reach that potential, a shortfall he said must be urgently …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian territory on June 24, defying U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for calm just few hours after he announced a ceasefire between the two …

U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities demonstrated how precision military action can achieve rapid peace, U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said on June 24, speaking at the NATO Public Forum held alongside the alliance summit in The …

President Volodymyr Zelensky said he plans to meet U.S. President Donald Trump during the NATO summit in The Hague on June 24, as his team works to finalize the timing of the potential meeting.
“The teams are working on this. Yes, there are …

A majority of Europeans would oppose following the U.S.' lead if President Donald Trump pushed Ukraine to cede territories or lifted sanctions on Russia as part of a peace agreement, a new poll published on June 23 has found.
Despite the self-imposed …

Iran launched missiles toward Israel on June 24, just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between the two countries had come into effect, the Israeli military said. Iran denied the accusation.
“A short while ago, sirens …

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on June 24 that a ceasefire between Iran and Israel had come into effect, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and retaliatory attack on U.S. military base in Qatar.
“The ceasefire is now …
Did Vice President Kamala Harris say "If we elect Trump, we will be at war within 6 months" as multiple viral memes claim she did? No, that's not true: There is no publicly available proof she said it. None of the multiple versions of the meme …
Does a viral video document U.S. Army soldiers deploying to Iran on June 22, 2025? No, that's not true: the video has been online since June 17, 2025. No Army deployments have been documented by evidence-based news sites and neither the White House …

U.S. President Donald Trump on June 23 called for urgent measures to prevent rising oil prices amid escalating tensions with Iran.
“Everyone, keep oil prices down. I’m watching,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “To the Department …

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry said on June 22 that Iran’s nuclear program must be dismantled to prevent it from threatening the Middle East or the wider world, following U.S. air strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
“The Iranian regime’s aggressive …
Iran's parliament has decided that the Strait of Hormuz must be closed in response to U.S. strikes on the country’s nuclear facilities, according to Major General Ismail Kowsari. A member of the parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy …
In a stern rebuke, Russia's Foreign Ministry unequivocally denounced the United States' attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities. The ministry's statement, issued on Sunday, June 22, criticized the strikes as "a violation of international law," referring …

Siarhei Tsikhanouski, a Belarusian oppositionist recently released from prison, thanked the U.S. on June 22 for brokering his release and appealed to President Donald Trump to help free other political prisoners in Belarus.
“President Trump now …

Ukraine’s diplomatic corps and military intelligence (HUR) evacuated 176 Ukrainian and foreign citizens from Israel to Egypt ahead of U.S. attacks on Iran, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on June 22.
“Evacuation efforts are also …

Moscow condemned on June 22 the recent U.S. strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities, calling them a violation of international law and Iran’s sovereignty, a statement in stark contrast to Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine.
U.S. …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
The United States conducted air strikes on nuclear sites in Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump said on June 21, calling the attacks a “spectacular success."
“We have …

The narrowed focus of the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague — which will have only a single session devoted to defense spending — is designed to appease U.S. President Donald Trump, Politico reported on June 21, citing European defense officials. …

Kyiv is preparing to overhaul its Foreign Ministry and diplomatic corps in order to strengthen international support for Ukraine as the all-out war with Russia enters its fourth year, President Volodymyr Zelensky and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha …

Israel’s strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities have alarmed none more than Russia, the country that first brought nuclear power to Iran in defiance of Western objections.
We’re “millimeters from catastrophe,” said Kremlin spokeswoman Maria Zakharova …

Russian authorities are considering a request from the New People’s Party to offer political asylum to U.S. tech billionaire Elon Musk, claimed the party’s lawmaker, Vladislav Davankov, to the Russian media on June 20.
Davankov, deputy …

Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Chernyshov’s official trip abroad has been approved until the end of the week, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said on June 20 amid media speculations connecting Chernyshov’s absence to an ongoing corruption …

Regime change in Iran is “unacceptable” and the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would “open Pandora’s box,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told Sky News in an interview published June 20. …

Officials in Washington are frustrated with the diplomatic efforts of Andriy Yermak, head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office, and believe he may be undermining Ukraine’s efforts to win favor with U.S. President Donald Trump, Politico …

Fred Grandy, a 62-year-old American artist and volunteer who was killed in Russia’s mass missile attack against Kyiv on June 17, appears to be the first U.S. civilian killed by a Russian strike on Ukraine, the New York Times (NYT) reported on …

Key developments on June 19:

As of June 2025, Ukraine has documented 366 cases of sexual violence committed in connection with Russia’s full-scale war, the Foreign Ministry reported on June 19, citing data from the Prosecutor General’s Office.
The statement was …

President Volodymyr Zelensky on June 19 appointed Brigadier General Hennadii Shapovalov as the new commander of Ukraine’s Ground Forces, following the resignation of Mykhailo Drapatyi earlier this month.
Drapatyi stepped down on June 1 after a …
Did President Donald Trump threaten, in a TruthSocial post, to "drop Chris Christie" on Iran, in June 2025? No, that's not true: A widely-shared screenshot which appeared to show such a message was, in fact, fake. A search of the president's …

North Korea is considering sending up to 25,000 workers to Russia to assist in the mass production of Shahed-type attack drones, Japan’s public broadcaster NHK reported on June 19, citing unnamed diplomatic sources in the West and Russia.
The …

U.S. President Donald Trump addressed a wide range of subjects during his inauguration speech.
When speaking about international relations, he was adamant — “Our power will stop all wars and bring a new spirit of unity,” he said, talking …

Russian President Vladimir Putin has received an official invitation to attend the G20 summit in South Africa, Russian Ambassador-at-Large Marat Berdyev said in an interview with state-owned media outlet RIA Novosti on June 19.
South Africa is a …

A meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump is not currently on the table due to unresolved tensions in bilateral relations, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said in an interview with Russian state-controlled …

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to meet in August and September and noted the supposed “rough edges” that emerged among G7 leaders during their summit, said Putin’s aide, Yuri Ushakov, on …

KANANASKIS, Canada — The Group of Seven (G7) Leaders' Summit ended on June 17 with no joint statement in support of Ukraine, no commitments to provide desperately needed U.S. weapons, and no meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. …

A hundred days since Ukraine agreed to a U.S. proposal for a ceasefire, “Russia continues to choose war,” Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on June 19, urging international pressure to push Moscow toward ending the war.
“It has …

Failure to provide stronger military and financial support for Ukraine could leave Europe vulnerable to growing Russian influence, meaning Europeans might have to “start learning Russian,” the EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, said, …

Russian drone and artillery strikes injured at least 28 civilians over the past 24 hours in Ukraine, regional officials reported on June 19.
According to Ukraine’s Air Force, Russian forces launched 104 Shahed-type drones and decoy unmanned …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
Russia wants to end the war in Ukraine “as soon as possible,” preferably through peaceful means, and is ready to continue negotiations — provided that Kyiv and its …

The U.S. Senate is postponing action on a bipartisan Russia sanctions bill until at least July, as other legislative and foreign policy priorities dominate the agenda, Semafor reported on June 18.
Senators Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Richard …

Key developments on June 18:

Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink announced on June 18 that she is running for Congress from Michigan’s 7th district, pledging to oppose U.S. President Donald Trump.
“I’ve dedicated my life to protecting democracy and …

U.S. President Donald Trump said on June 18 that he had turned down Russian President Vladimir Putin’s offer to mediate the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.
“I spoke to him yesterday, and, you know, he actually offered to help …

All 32 NATO member states are on track to meet the alliance’s 2% GDP defense spending benchmark in 2025, Secretary General Mark Rutte said on June 17 at the G7 summit in Canada.
The announcement marks a major shift for the alliance, which has …

Ukraine is preparing to evacuate its citizens from Israel and Iran as hostilities between the two countries intensify, the Foreign Ministry told Ukrainian media outlet NV on June 18.
The move comes as Israel on June 13 launched widespread air strikes …

Russia on June 18 warned the world is “millimetres away from catastrophe” due to Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, just four months after one of its own drones struck the Chornobyl nuclear site in Ukraine.
Russian …

An invitation for Ukraine to become a member of NATO “is not on the agenda” of the upcoming summit in The Hague, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys said in an interview with the Baltic News Service published on June 18. …

President Volodymyr Zelensky may reconsider attending the NATO summit in The Hague, as questions remain over U.S. President Donald Trump’s participation, the Guardian reported on June 17, citing unnamed Ukrainian officials.
According to the …

The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv on June 18 condemned Russia’s massive missile and drone attack on Kyiv that killed at least 23 people and injured more than 130 a day earlier, saying it “runs counter” to U.S. President Donald Trump’s …

Russian President Vladimir Putin “cannot be trusted” to mediate peace in the Middle East while continuing to launch brutal attacks against civilians, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas said on June 17, following a mass Russian strike on …

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on June 17 that the G7 summit had produced concrete results for Ukraine, including increased military support, new tranches of aid using frozen Russian assets, and additional sanctions targeting the sources of …

The European Union and its allies are ready to toughen sanctions on Russia, French President Emmanuel Macron said on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) summit on June 17.
“With President (Volodymyr) Zelensky at the G7. We stand in …

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is cutting his visit to Canada short and will return to Kyiv following the conclusion of G7 talks on June 17, a source told a Kyiv Independent journalist on the ground.
He had been scheduled to travel to Calgary for …

A dinner discussion among Group of Seven leaders on June 16 failed to shift U.S. President Donald Trump’s position on tougher sanctions against Russia, Bloomberg reported, citing sources familiar with the talks.
Trump has continued urging Russian …

Key developments on June 17:

U.S. President Donald Trump is weighing direct military action against Iran, including potential strikes on its nuclear facilities, Axios reported on June 17, citing unnamed U.S. officials.
Trump demanded Iran’s “unconditional …

Sitting a few meters from the rubble of what used to be a nondescript nine-story residential building in Kyiv, Lilia rises to her feet every time another pile of debris is cleared from the site targeted by Russia during a mass overnight attack on …

President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived at the G7 Leaders' Summit in Canada on June 17 ahead of the final day of the G7 Leaders' summit, according to a Kyiv Independent journalist on the ground.
Zelensky was greeted by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney …

Israel is reluctant to accept Russia’s mediation in its war with Iran, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on June 17, according to the Russian state news agency TASS.
“At the moment, we see reluctance — at least on Israel’s part — to …

U.S. President Donald Trump was unaware of a deadly Russian drone and missile strike on Kyiv that killed at least 15 people and injured over 120, when asked about the attack by reporters on June 17.
On board Air Force One as he flew back from Canada, …

A U.S. government working group that formulated strategies for pressuring Russia into peace talks and ending the war in Ukraine has been disbanded by the White House, Reuters reported on June 17.
Officials cited by the news outlet said it was …

Editor’s note: This is a breaking story and is being updated.
U.S. President Donald Trump is set to depart the G7 Leaders' Summit late on June 16, ahead of an anticipated high-stakes meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky on June 17.
White …

More than a month after Ukraine signed a landmark agreement granting the United States a stake in its mineral reserves, Kyiv has approved initial steps to open one of its largest lithium deposits to private investors, the New York Times (NYT) …

The U.S. has canceled the next round of talks with Russia on restoring diplomatic relations, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova claimed on June 16.
Zakharova’s statement came days after Russian Ambassador to the U.S. Alexander …

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it used a new method to breach Israel’s air defenses during a missile attack early on June 16, that killed at least eight people, Reuters reports.
According to the IRGC, Iranian missiles …

The Group of Seven (G7) nations need to impose harsher sanctions on Moscow in order to secure a ceasefire in the war against Ukraine, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa said at the start of …

U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Canada for the Group of Seven (G7) Leaders' Summit late on June 15, according to a Kyiv Independent journalist on the ground.
Trump’s arrival comes ahead of his expected high-stakes meeting with President …

President Volodymyr Zelensky on June 15 condemned Russia’s latest mass attack against Ukraine, calling the strikes on energy infrastructure “a spit in the face of everything the international community is trying to do to stop this …

Five Ukrainian citizens were killed in an Iranian missile attack on Israel on June 14.
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry told the Kyiv Independent that the five Ukrainian citizens, including three children, came under fire in an attack on a …

U.S. President Donald Trump said on June 15 that he is considering his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin as a potential mediator between Israel and Iran.
“Yeah, I would be open to it,” Trump said, as cited by ABC reporter Rachel Scott on …

The U.S. has not announced any military aid packages for Ukraine in almost five months, pushing Kyiv to seek new alternatives. But time is running out quickly as Russian troops slowly advance on the eastern front line and gear up for a new summer …

Russia attacked Ukraine with nearly 200 missiles and drones and shelled residents in Kherson and Donetsk oblasts, killing one and injuring three, Ukrainian authorities reported on June 15.
Russian forces unleashed drones, artillery, and airstrikes on …

Germany aims to prioritize defense spending in the next EU budget while firmly opposing any increase in national contributions, according to a position paper obtained by the Financial Times (FT).
As the bloc’s largest economy and top net contributor, …

As world leaders prepare to gather in the remote community of Kananaskis in Alberta, Canada for the Group of Seven (G7) Leaders' Summit on June 15-17, Russia’s war in Ukraine once again holds center stage — but views on how to address the …

Israeli officials have asked the Trump administration to join military operations targeting Iran’s nuclear program, including a strike on the fortified Fordow uranium enrichment site, Axios reported on June 14, citing two Israeli officials.
The …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call, Putin’s foreign policy aide, Yuri Ushakov said on June 14.
“Another telephone conversation …
Editor’s Note:
Editor’s note: June has historically been our toughest month, where we see a lot of unsubscribes.
Amid the constant attacks in Ukraine, we need your help: will you upgrade to a paid subscription to support our original work now?

A “two week” deadline imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump to see if Russia is serious about peace in Ukraine has been and gone, with Moscow’s escalation of attacks on civilians during this period failing to draw the slightest …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
Ukraine has recovered the bodies of 1,200 fallen citizens, including military personnel, in the latest round of repatriation efforts coordinated with Russia under agreements reached …

President Volodymyr Zelensky’s office has confirmed plans for a high-stakes meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the upcoming G7 summit on June 17, according to the Kyiv Independent journalist who attended a closed-door briefing with …

Editor’s note: This is a breaking story and is being updated.
Iran launched ‘hundreds’ of ballistic missiles towards Israel late on June 13, Iranian state media reported, as Tehran continues it retaliatory attacks in response to …

Key developments on June 13:

Israel’s “preemptive” strikes against Iran targeting the country’s nuclear program and killing top military officials could have far-reaching implications for Ukraine and could boost Russia’s ability to continue its …
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha expressed hope that U.S. President Donald Trump could bring an end to the full-scale war in Ukraine. Speaking at the GLOBSEC-2025 forum on Friday, June 13, Sybiha highlighted the critical role of the U.S. …

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said Europe must begin preparing for a gradual reduction in U.S. military support for both the continent and Ukraine, Tagesschau reported on June 13.
“Yes, that’s right. That would be so, and we have …

President Volodymyr Zelensky on June 13 appointed Aliona Hetmanchuk as the head of Ukraine’s mission to NATO, replacing Nataliia Halibarenko.
The appointment came “at a critical time for the future of Ukraine, for the future of NATO …

Kyiv on June 13 expressed concern over the security situation in the Middle East after Israeli air strikes against Iran, but stressed that Tehran remains a “source of problems” in the region “and beyond."
The statement follows …

U.S. President Donald Trump on June 12 praised Russia’s role in World War II, saying Russian President Vladimir Putin is “confused” why everyone “hates” Moscow.
Speaking at a White House press conference, Trump recounted …

U.S. President Donald Trump said on June 13 that he was aware of Israel’s plans to conduct strikes on Iran in advance and that Washington is watching for any signs of retaliation by Tehran, Fox News reported.
“Iran cannot have a nuclear …

NATO plans to enhance its missile defense systems on its eastern flank in response to a growing threat from Russia, Bloomberg reported on June 12, citing its undisclosed sources.
For the first time, member states of NATO are reportedly considering …

Ukraine successfully brought back five children who had been forcibly taken to Russia as well as Russian-occupied territory, Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak announced on June 12.
The children have been returned home under the President of …

Editor’s note: This is a breaking story and is being updated.
Israeli forces launched “preemptive strikes” on Iran overnight on June 13, tarting Iran’s nuclear program, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an overnight …

Most Group of Seven (G7) nations are prepared to lower the Russian oil price cap from $60 to $45 a barrel even without support from the United States, Reuters reported on June 12, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter.
According to Reuters, …

Key developments on June 12:

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Ukrainian writers have found themselves grappling with questions not just of survival, but of voice, purpose, and audience.
Can one write fiction in the midst of war? Can creativity …

Russian losses in Ukraine hit a massive, and grim milestone on June 12 — 1 million Russian soldiers killed or wounded during the 39-month-long full-scale war, according to figures from Kyiv.
Although hugely symbolic, the number is unlikely to prompt a …

NATO is rolling out a new satellite surveillance system designed to monitor military activity in Ukraine and along the alliance’s eastern borders, senior commander Admiral Pierre Vandier told Bloomberg in comments published on June 12.
The …

Russia is attempting to delay peace negotiations to avoid tougher U.S. sanctions, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with German tabloid Bild on June 12.
His comments come as Russia continues to reject a full ceasefire despite having …

The leading U.S.-backed initiative documenting Russia’s abduction of Ukrainian children is preparing to shut down after its funding was terminated by the Trump administration, CNN reported on June 11.
The Yale University-based Humanitarian …

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated the Russian people on June 12, Russia’s National Day, and expressed a desire for “constructive engagement” to bring peace to Ukraine.
“On behalf of the American people, I want …

A Russian Ural military truck was destroyed, allegedly killing “several occupiers” near occupied Melitopol overnight on June 12, the pro-Ukrainian Atesh partisan group claimed.
"(O)ur fighters set fire to an army Ural truck, and …

At a Senate budget hearing on June 11, Republican senators fiercely criticized U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the Trump administration’s effort to end the Ukraine war through negotiations involving Russia.
The session revealed deep …

Key developments on June 11:

Editor’s note: For security reasons, the real names of the soldiers mentioned in this story have not been used.
A reduction in U.S. military aid to Ukraine would be “painful” and could have potentially “dire consequences” …

Over the past two months, financial investors have hit upon a new trading strategy, based on a simple rule: TACO — Trump Always Chickens Out. America’s president threatens to slap massive import tariffs on friends and foes alike, or to remove the …
Editor’s note: June has historically been our toughest month, where we see a lot of unsubscribes.
Amid the constant attacks in Ukraine, we need your help: will you upgrade to a paid subscription to support our original work now?

A one-page draft of a joint declaration for the upcoming NATO summit omits Ukraine’s membership aspirations and last year’s pledge of over $40 billion in support, Bloomberg reported on June 11 after reviewing the draft.
This news signals …

The Trump administration is preparing to transfer thousands of undocumented foreign nationals, including Ukrainian citizens, to the U.S. military detention facility at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba, the Washington Post reported on June 10, citing …

Russian and U.S. delegations will hold talks in Moscow in the near future, Russian Ambassador to the United States Alexander Darchiev said in an interview with state-controlled news agency TASS on June 10.
The meeting would follow a series of previous …

The United States will reduce funding allocated for military assistance to Ukraine in its upcoming defense budget, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a congressional hearing on June 10.
“It is a reduction in this budget,” Hegseth …

Key developments on June 10:
Diplomatic discussions concerning arms purchases from the United States are actively underway, according to the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This announcement comes as aid packages continue to arrive from the U.S.
Ukrainian Foreign Ministry …

Russian negotiators told the Ukrainian delegation directly that their so-called “peace memorandum” is an ultimatum Kyiv cannot accept, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with Hungarian news outlet Valasz Online published on …

Israel has not transferred any Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, the Israeli Foreign Ministry told Israeli news outlet Ynet on June 10, refuting earlier claims made by its own ambassador in Kyiv.
"Israel has not transferred such systems to …

Some 48% of Ukrainians “categorically” oppose even a de facto recognition of Russian control of the occupied Ukrainian territories to achieve peace, according to a poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) published on …

Russia wants to test NATO’s resolve by hostile steps beyond Ukraine, as some Russian officials believe the alliance’s collective defense principle no longer works, German intelligence chief Bruno Kahl told the Table Media news outlet in …

The political commitment to Ukraine’s future membership in NATO remains unchanged, even if it is not explicitly mentioned in the final communique of the upcoming summit in The Hague, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on June 9.
“The …

Russia produces as much ammunition in three months as NATO does in a year, posing serious risks for the alliance, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on June 9 at Chatham House in London.
“The capabilities of (Vladimir) Putin’s war …

In recent years, the Kremlin has sought to cast Russia as a bastion of so-called traditional values, positioning itself in stark contrast to what it describes as the morally decaying West. Yet beneath this veneer, a more complex reality persists. As …

Russia has lost 997,120 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 June 9.
The number includes 970 casualties that Russian forces suffered just over …

Unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk invited U.S. President Donald Trump to live for a week in his house in Ukraine during a June 8 interview with BBC Sport.
Trump has pledged to negotiate an end to Russia’s war against Ukraine, but …

Editor’s Note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
Explosions and massive fires followed a drone attack on the Russian city of Cheboksary in the Chuvashia Republic, Russian Telegram news channels reported in the early hours of June …

Editor’s Note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
Russia launched another large-scale attack against Ukraine overnight on June 9, assailing cities across the country with drones and missiles.
Multiple rounds of explosions have …

Key developments on June 7-8:

President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration diverted 20,000 anti-drone missiles originally intended for Ukraine to American forces in the Middle East, in an interview with ABC News published on June …

Errol Musk, the father of U.S. billionaire Elon Musk, has arrived in Moscow to attend the Forum of the Future 2050, a pro-Kremlin event scheduled for June 9-10, the Russian newspaper Kommersant reported on June 8.
The report comes amid a …

The U.S. believes Russia has not yet fully responded to Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb and may soon launch another large-scale, multi-pronged strike following the massive June 6 attack, Reuters reported on June 8, citing unnamed U.S. officials. …

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo on June 7 criticized a weakened Russia sanctions bill amid reports that U.S. President Donald Trump is pressuring the Senate to weaken the legislation.
“We need to force (Russian President Vladimir) Putin to …

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on June 7 that Russian forces continued to brutally bomb Kharkiv, targeting the city “throughout the day” with both drones and guided aerial bombs. Two people were killed and at least 18 injured following …

Editor’s Note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
Russia attacked the city of Kharkiv with KAB guided bombs the evening of June 7, killing one woman and injuring at least 18 people.
The bombing follows a night of deadly Russian …

President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s comparison of Russia’s war against Ukraine to “children fighting in a park” during his interview with ABC News published on June 6.
“We are not kids with (Russian President …

U.S. President Donald Trump on June 6 appeared to justify Russia’s large-scale attack on Ukrainian cities launched the night before, in response to Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb.
“They gave (Russian President Vladimir) Putin a reason to go …

President Volodymyr Zelensky intends to hold a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump during the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada, Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak said on air on June 6.
The summit is scheduled to take place from …

U.S. President Donald Trump is pulling back from pressuring China over its support for Russia’s war effort, instead prioritizing other aspects of the U.S.-China relationship, U.S. and European officials familiar with internal discussions told …

Key developments on June 6:

The White House is urging Republican Senator Lindsey Graham to soften his sanctions bill against Russia, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on June 6, citing congressional staffers.
The bipartisan sanctions bill, introduced on April 1 by Graham …

U.S. President Donald Trump offered to increase supplies of American energy exports to Berlin but did not pledge additional military support to Ukraine or sanctions on Russia in a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on June 5.
The meeting …

Russia is prepared to offer political asylum to tech billionaire Elon Musk following his public feud with U.S. President Donald Trump, Dmitry Novikov, deputy chair of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, said June 6.
“I think Musk …

The European Union is considering placing Russia on its “gray list” of countries with inadequate controls against money laundering, the Financial Times reported June 6, citing officials from the European Commission.
Inclusion on the list …

Russia aims to occupy all Ukrainian territory east of the Dnipro River and advance toward Odesa and Mykolaiv in a broader plan to sever Ukraine’s access to the Black Sea, President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Deputy Chief of Staff Pavlo Palisa …

Russia has lost around 993,910 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 June 6.
The number includes 1,160 casualties that Russian forces suffered …

Editor’s Note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
Drones struck a Russian military plant in Michurinsk, Tambov Oblast, in the early hours of June 6, according to media outlets in Russia.
Attacks were also reported in …

Editor’s Note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
Explosions and fires were reported in Engels, located in Russia’s Saratov Oblast, during an overnight drone attack on June 6, according to Russian officials and media …

U.S. President Donald Trump said on June 5 that it might be best not to intervene in Russia’s war against Ukraine for now, speaking during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House.
The U.S. president, who has repeatedly …

U.S. President Donald Trump nominated Air Force Lieutenant General Alexus Grynkewich as the next Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) on June 5, reaffirming a key American role in NATO’s military structure.
The expected appointment marks a …

Key developments on June 5:

U.S. President Donald Trump warned on June 5 that Russia’s response to Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb is likely “not going to be pretty,” following a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin the day prior.
Trump …

U.S. President Donald Trump sidestepped questions on June 5 as to when he can be expected to impose additional sanctions on Russia, as the Kremlin continues to reject a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Trump has repeatedly threatened to impose sanctions on …

Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov claimed on June 5 that Russian bombers damaged during Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb will be “restored,” adding that the planes were not completely destroyed in the attack.
“The …
Did President Trump delete his June 4, 2025, Truth Social post discussing his phone call Russian President Vladimir Putin? No, that's not true: The post was still visible on Trump's timeline as of 12 p.m. ET on June 5, 2025. Lead Stories confirmed …

Brazilian President Lula da Silva reiterated calls for peace on June 5, urging Russia to restrain attacks on Ukraine as Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed to “respond” to Operation Spiderweb.
Ukraine on June 1 launched a …

U.S. President Donald Trump privately described Ukraine’s drone strike on Russian strategic bombers as “strong” and “badass,” Axios reported June 5, citing sources familiar with his reaction.
The operation, carried out by Ukraine’s Security Service …

Two U.S. officials told Reuters on June 4 that Ukraine struck as many as 20 Russian military aircraft during Operation Spiderweb, destroying around 10 of them.
The claims stands in contrast with estimates made by Ukraine’s security service …

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration is redirecting anti-drone technology earmarked for Ukraine to its own troops based in the Middle East, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on June 4.
According to the WSJ, special fuzes used in …

Russia launched approximately 48,600 aerial attacks since the start of 2025, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on June 4.
Zelensky said on social media that Russia has launched nearly 27,700 aerial bombs, 11,200 Shahed drones, approximately 9,000 …

U.S. President Donald Trump has asked the Senate to delay voting on a bipartisan Russia sanctions bill, Senator Roger Wicker said on June 4.
“I know that he (Trump) asked the leader (Senate Majority Leader John Thune) not to bring the bill to a …

President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a briefing on June 4 that he may consider allowing the creation of private armies in Ukraine.
His comment came as a reaction to one of the points in the latest Russian memorandum, which calls for Ukraine to …
The Turkish Foreign Minister announced that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin will eventually have to face each other at the negotiation table. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan revealed that both …

Editor’s Note: This story is being updated.
Russian President Vladimir Putin “will have to respond” to Ukraine’s recent drone attack on military airfields, U.S. President Donald Trump said on June 4 after holding a call with …

In the video, Russian activist Anna Kiryakova reads from a book of poetry that glorifies her country’s war against Ukraine. The anthology’s title — “Poetry of the Russian Winter” — is written with the Latin Z in place of its Russian analog.
The …

The U.S. administration has not yet made any new decisions on military assistance for Kyiv as it remains focused on ending the Russia-Ukraine war, U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker told journalists on June 4.
Whitaker stressed that Washington …

Ukraine’s recent drone strike against Russian bombers was a show of “skill and audacity” comparable to the U.S. operation to kill Osama bin Laden, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal told Politico in an interview published on June 3.
The …

U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on June 3 to double tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, raising duties from 25% to 50%, the White House announced.
Trump’s new order builds on a Feb. 10 executive action that imposed a …

Ukraine’s drone assault on Russia’s strategic bomber fleet, known as Operation Spiderweb, could escalate the war and provoke unpredictable responses from Moscow, U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg said in an interview with Fox …

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will not attend the June 4 meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG), the Associated Press (AP) reported, citing a U.S. official.
The news agency reported that Hegseth will not arrive in Brussels until the …

A Trump official who dismantled a counter-disinformation office in the United States government has links to the Kremin, the Telegraph reported on June 3.
Darren Beattie, who was appointed to the State Department in February 2025 as under secretary …

U.S. President Donald Trump was not informed in advance about Operation Spiderweb, Ukraine’s mass drone strike that damaged over 40 Russian bombers, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed on June 3.
The Security Service of …
Did U.S. President Donald Trump complain on social media that Ukraine's attacks on Russia interfere with his sleep? No, that's not true: A search across his account on Truth Social did not produce a match to the image a viral post purported to have …

Following the second round of direct peace talks with Ukraine, the Russian side leaked its proposal on how to end its war — effectively a demand for Ukraine’s surrender.
Yet, if the intentions of the Kremlin are no secret — continue the war …

A trilateral meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Russian President Vladimir Putin is unlikely to be organized in the near future, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on June 3, Russian-state …

Russian ex-President Dmitry Medvedev’s statement that Russia seeks only a “swift victory” and the “complete destruction” of the Ukrainian government at the Istanbul peace talks is a “rare moment of honesty,” …

Ukraine has been invited to the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague between June 24 and 25, President Volodymyr Zelensky said during a June 2 online press conference attended by the Kyiv Independent.
“We were invited to the NATO summit. I think …

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson voiced support on June 2 for a Senate-backed bill aimed at strengthening sanctions against Russia, the New York Post reported.
A bipartisan group of U.S. senators said in late May that they are ready to vote on a bill …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
Andriy Yermak, head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office, is traveling to the U.S., a source close to the Presidential Office told the Kyiv Independent on June 3.
The visit follows …

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on June 2 that Turkey plans to facilitate a meeting between the leaders of Russia and Ukraine in either Ankara or Istanbul. Speaking to reporters on the same day, President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed …

Key developments on June 2:

President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Russia’s proposal for a 2–3-day local ceasefire to retrieve the bodies of the fallen soldiers, he said on June 2 during an online press conference attended by the Kyiv Independent.
Russia proposed a …

In a closely contested presidential runoff, conservative historian Karol Nawrocki has been declared the winner of Poland’s 2025 presidential election, securing 50.89% of the vote against liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski’s 49.11%.
The …
Did President Trump say that Ukraine must compensate Russia for the aircraft it destroyed in a June 1, 2025, drone attack on Russian air bases? No, that's not true: There is no record of President Trump posting these words on his social media …

Russia has proposed Ukraine a temporary ceasefire for two or three days in certain areas of the front line to collect the bodies of the fallen soldiers, Vladimir Medinsky, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s aide and head of the country’s …

Some of the sanctions against Russia could be lifted following a potential full ceasefire, according to Ukraine’s official proposal, seen by the Kyiv Independent on June 2.
Yet, the condition proposed by Ukraine is that sanctions are …

Elvira Nabiullina, the governor of the Russian central bank, is facing government pressure to reduce the high key interest rate imposed amid skyrocketing wartime inflation, Bloomberg reported on June 2, citing undisclosed sources.
The reason is the …

U.S. President Donald Trump was not informed in advance about Ukraine’s mass drone attack that allegedly hit 41 Russian aircraft across four air bases, CBS News and Axios reported on June 1, citing their undisclosed sources.
The Security Service …

President Volodymyr Zelensky on June 2 called on U.S. President Donald Trump to deliver a “strong new package” of sanctions against Russia if ongoing peace talks in Istanbul fail to bring results.
Speaking at a joint summit of the …

Russian intelligence services are actively attempting to recruit Ukrainian nationals for illegal operations across the European Union, Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR) said on June 2.
In a statement, the agency warned that …

Ukrainian delegation arrived in Istanbul for peace talks with Russia, which are scheduled for the afternoon of June 2, Ukrinform reported, citing Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi.
The negotiations follow the first round of Istanbul talks, …

Editor’s Note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
Russia attacked the city of Kharkiv overnight with drones and ballistic missiles, injuring at least six people, including a child, local authorities reported in the early hours of …

Key developments on May 31-June 1:

President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on June 1 an updated 14-member Ukrainian delegation for upcoming peace talks with Russia in Istanbul, expanding the original group of 12.
Defense Minister Rustem Umierov will again lead the delegation, which will …

May was colder and gloomier than usual — both in weather and in mood. Grey skies and damp ground seemed to echo the uncertainty facing Ukraine as the war entered yet another month.
It began with a diplomatic reset following a tense exchange between …

As Ukraine and Russia prepare for peace talks scheduled for June 2 in Istanbul, few observers expect a breakthrough.
While the U.S. and Ukraine have pushed for an unconditional ceasefire, the Kremlin has rejected it.
Instead, Moscow has regularly …

Former U.S. State Secretary Mike Pompeo warned against recognizing Russia’s sovereignty over Crimea and other Ukrainian territories seized by force, calling it “a mistake of epic proportions” during remarks at the Black Sea Security Forum …

European officials drafting proposals for a Ukraine peacekeeping force acknowledged that Europe must “get real” about the possibility of U.S. President Donald Trump abandoning support for Kyiv, the Telegraph reported on May 31 citing …
Andrey Kartapolov, head of the Defense Committee in Russia's State Duma, said Kyiv risks losing Odessa and several other major cities.
"Every day that passes without a diplomatic resolution to this conflict worsens conditions for Ukraine... They …

Reports of an imminent Russian summer offensive and troop build ups on Ukraine’s border are raising alarms in Sumy Oblast and fears that a large-scale assault could be on the horizon.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 22 said he had …

NATO is not holding any active discussions on Russia’s demand that the alliance halt its eastward expansion, Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty wrote, citing several undisclosed NATO officials and diplomats.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, …

Russia has lost around 987,330 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 May 31.
The number includes 1,250 casualties Russian forces suffered just …

U.S. President Donald Trump said on May 30 that he was “very surprised” at Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities amid ongoing peace negotiations with Kyiv.
“I was very surprised at at rockets being shot into cities like Kyiv during a …

U.S. President Donald Trump has decided to appoint the next Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), reaffirming a key American role in NATO’s military structure, Reuters reported on May 30, citing unnamed officials.
The decision marks a …

Key developments on May 28:

The U.S. Senate is expected to “start moving” next week on a bill introducing sweeping new sanctions against Russia, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said at a press briefing in Kyiv on May 30 attended by The Kyiv Independent.
The …

Poland’s presidential race has never seen a first-round winner with so many reasons to worry, the far right so emboldened, and Ukraine so central to the campaign.
The June 1 run-off between Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski of the ruling Civic Platform …

Russian President Vladimir Putin is “fundamentally in favor” of meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on May 30, according to Russian state news …

As Russia ramps up its missile and drone strikes countrywide, all eyes are on Europe’s capacity to continue supporting Ukraine, with the future of U.S. military aid growing ever more uncertain.
Ukraine should have enough air defense missiles despite …

Ukraine is ready to attend the second round of peace talks with the Russian delegation in Istanbul on June 2, but seeks to receive a draft of Russia’s proposed ceasefire memorandum before the meeting, said Presidential Office Chief of Staff Andriy …

NATO’s eastward expansion is a “fair” concern for Russian President Vladimir Putin, U.S. President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy Keith Kellogg said in an interview with ABC News on May 29.
As one of the conditions for ending the …

Security advisors from the U.S., U.K., France, and Germany will attend planned peace talks between Ukraine and Russia on June 2, U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, said in an interview with ABC News on May …

U.S. President Donald Trump hopes that the forthcoming peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia will “move the ball forward” on his efforts to broker a peace deal, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on May 29.
Moscow …

Editor’s note: The story was updated to include a statement from Russia’s Foreign Ministry.
President Volodymyr Zelensky on May 29 accused Russia of stalling the peace process by failing to deliver a promised negotiations memorandum, …

Russia has tripled its projected budget deficit for 2025 amid a sharp drop in oil revenues, driven by Western sanctions and plunging crude prices, President Volodymyr Zelensky’s commissioner for sanctions policy, Vladyslav Vlasiuk, said on May …

A so-called “Trump shock” has plunged Europe into its deepest crisis since 1945, but also presents an opportunity for the continent to forge a “new West,” British historian and commentator Timothy Garton Ash has said in an …

Brian Dooley is a Senior Advisor at Washington-based NGO Human Rights First and Honorary Professor of Practice at Queen’s University, Belfast. He specializes in working with human rights activists in war and other conflict zones and is a regular …

NATO wants Germany to contribute seven more brigades, or roughly 40,000 troops, to boost collective defense against Russia, Bloomberg and Reuters reported on May 28, citing their sources.
The news comes amid mounting tensions between the alliance and …

Russia has concentrated a sufficient amount of forces in Kursk Oblast to potentially launch an attack on Ukraine’s Sumy Oblast, State Border Guard Service spokesperson Andrii Demchenko said on May 29.
The statement comes amid warnings of a new …

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov presented to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio Moscow’s “specific proposals” for the next round of peace talks with Ukraine, Russia’s Foreign Ministry announced on May 29.
The two …

Telegram and Elon Musk’s xAI will enter a one-year partnership, integrating the Grok chatbot into the messaging app, Telegram CEO Pavel Durov announced on May 28.
Musk, the world’s richest man who also owns Tesla and SpaceX, commented that …

A U.S. federal court overturned on May 28 President Donald Trump’s tariffs on dozens of countries, including those affecting trade with Ukraine, according to the U.S. Court of International Trade’s ruling.
Trump announced a new sweeping …

Elon Musk announced on May 29 that his time as a special government employee in the Trump administration is coming to an end, thanking U.S. President Donald Trump for the “opportunity to reduce wasteful spending."
The billionaire, who …

Approximately 800 remaining full-time Voice of America (VOA) employees are expected to receive a notice of termination this week amid the Trump administration’s funding cuts, Politico reported on May 28, citing four VOA employees.
On March 15, …

U.S. President Donald Trump said on May 28 that he has not yet imposed new sanctions on Russia because he believes a peace deal to end the war in Ukraine may be within reach.
“If I think I’m close to getting a deal, I don’t want to …

U.S. President Donald Trump said on May 28 the U.S. would soon know whether Russian President Vladimir Putin is serious about ending the war in Ukraine, warning that if Moscow is stalling, Washington would “respond a little bit …

President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on May 27 that he will attend the Group of Seven (G7) summit scheduled to take place in Canada in June, Suspilne reported.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney invited Zelensky in March to attend the summit, …

Western sanctions will significantly affect the Russian economy in the early summer of 2026, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on May 27 during a press briefing, Suspilne reported.
Ukraine’s partners have imposed heavy sanctions on Russia since …

A meeting between Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin is “fundamentally possible,” but must be based upon “specific agreements” between the two sides, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry …

Russian President Vladimir Putin demands a written pledge by NATO not to accept more Eastern European members and the lifting of several sanctions as conditions for ending Russia’s war in Ukraine, Reuters reported on May 28, citing three …

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on May 27 that he does not believe the U.S. would support a full Ukrainian withdrawal from four of its partially occupied regions, a demand repeatedly raised by Russia, Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported. …

Editor’s note: This story is being updated.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said on May 27 that he is ready for a three-way meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Suspilne reported.
“We are ready to …

U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg on May 27 criticized former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev for comments that alluded to the threat of World War III, calling them “reckless” and “unfitting of a world power." …

U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce advised Russia to focus less on President Donald Trump’s social media posts and more on ending its war against Ukraine.
“If the Russians cared about the nature of how [peace efforts are] proceeding, …

Editor’s Note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
Russian air defense shot down dozens of Ukrainian drones headed toward Moscow overnight on May 28, according to Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin.
Writing on Telegram at 12:29 a.m. local …

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on May 27 that Ukraine is fully mobilizing its domestic industrial base to scale up production of drones, missiles, and other weapons systems, as the country braces for continued large-scale Russian attacks.
From May …

U.S. President Donald Trump is weighing new sanctions on Russia after a deadly weekend of missile and drone strikes across Ukraine, as Moscow delays delivering a promised peace proposal.
During a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on …

Ukrainian military officials and defense analysts warn that Russia is preparing for a major offensive in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk Oblast this summer, aiming to seize the territory it has failed to fully control since 2022.
Some analysts …

After an unprecedented three-day wave of Russian aerial attacks in Ukraine over the weekend, the world is once again looking to U.S. President Donald Trump to take his first steps toward forcing Moscow to end its violence.
From May 24 to 26, Russian …

Key developments on May 27:

U.S. President Donald Trump claimed on May 27 that Russia would already be facing serious consequences if not for his actions, following one of the most intense Russian aerial assaults on Ukraine.
“What Vladimir Putin doesn’t realize is …

U.S. President Donald Trump may follow the EU after all and impose more sanctions on Russia, already the world’s most sanctioned country, days after saying he wouldn’t.
Ukraine’s allies have imposed sanctions on Russia, as well as thousands of …

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on May 27 that Moscow would welcome a second round of peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul, he said during a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
“If you ask me, I would …

After Russia unleashed an unprecedented third consecutive night of mass missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian cities, U.S. President Donald Trump said his Russian counterpart had gone “absolutely crazy” and could be triggering “the …

The United States opposed a joint G7 effort to lower the $60-per-barrel price cap on Russian oil exports during last week’s meeting of finance ministers, the Financial Times reported on May 27, citing three unnamed officials familiar with the …

The Russian military has modified its tactics for launching attack drones against Ukraine in order to bypass air defenses, Ukraine’s Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat said in an interview with RBC Ukraine published on May 27.
Russia has been …

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is expected to visit Ukraine later this week after his two-day trip to Moscow, Reuters reported on May 27, citing a Turkish Foreign Ministry source.
Fidan, whose country hosted the first direct peace talks between …

The U.S.-EU negotiations on coordinating the enforcement of sanctions against Russia have failed, making a future united strategy against Moscow uncertain, the newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung (SZ) reported on May 27, citing an internal document from …

U.S. President Trump is considering imposing sanctions on Russia this week as it continues to wage its war against Ukraine, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on May 26.
The sanctions would reportedly be imposed to push Russia to the negotiating …

The EU is set to formally approve a 150 billion euro ($170 billion) defense loan instrument on May 27 amid Russia’s war against Ukraine, Radio Liberty reported earlier the same day.
The final agreement states “the threats posed by Russia …

U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments criticizing Russian President Vladimir Putin are the result of “emotional overload,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on May 26.
The previous day, Trump wrote on social media that …

Germany is planning to send Ukraine older PAC-2 Patriot missiles to replenish its dwindling stockpiles of air defense ammunition, the Washington Post (WP) reported on May 26, citing a European diplomat.
The U.S.-made Patriot air defense system is …

Russia is “preparing new offensive operations” in its full-scale war against Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on May 26, following an intelligence briefing.
Kyiv has previously warned about the threat of a new major Russian …

Key developments on May 26:

As Russia continues to bombard cities and towns across Ukraine, Russian officials have hardened their position against a ceasefire, continuing to repeat the obscure demand that the war’s “root causes” be addressed before agreeing to any …

The head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, Kirill Dmitriev, is spearheading efforts to secure the release of some $280 billion in frozen Russian assets, Ukrainian Foreign Intelligence Service (SZRU) Chief Oleh Ivashchenko told Ukrinform in an …
Russian forces, now in their fourth year of waging full-scale war against Ukraine, launched a new mass attack with drones and missiles against Ukraine. On the night of Monday, May 26, air raid alarms sounded across Ukraine. Ukrainian Air Force …

U.S. President Donald Trump has come to understand that Russian President Vladimir Putin misled him about being ready for peace with Ukraine, French President Emmanuel Macron said on May 26, according to the French TV channel BFM.
“I think …

Western partners are not imposing any range restrictions on weapons delivered to Ukraine for use against Russian military targets, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on May 26.
“There are no longer any restrictions on the range of weapons …

Russia appears to be newly using Telegram messaging app bots to control its attack drones, ensuring real-time flight data and footage feed for human operators, the Economist reported on May 25, citing Ukrainian engineers.
The new control algorithm was …

Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said on May 25 he wants President Volodymyr Zelensky to attend the NATO summit in The Hague next month, Dutch daily NRC reported.
Italy’s ANSA news agency reported earlier this month that the United States …

Russia is not winning the war in Ukraine, European Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius said in an interview with LRT broadcaster published on May 26, stressing Europe must stop relying on the United States to ensure that remains the case.
In the …

Russia will be able to restore its combat capabilities and launch an aggression against Europe between two and four years after hostilities in Ukraine end, Ukrainian foreign intelligence (SZRU) chief Oleh Ivashchenko said in an interview with …

Russia launched its third large-scale aerial and drone assault against Ukraine in three nights, killing at least six people and injuring 24 across multiple oblasts over the past 24 hours, regional authorities reported on May 26.
In Kharkiv Oblast, two …

Russian air defenses opened fire against drones near the Yelabuga drone production site in Russia’s Tatarstan Republic, while other drones attacked a chemical plant in Ivanovo Oblast, independent news channel Astra reported on May 26.
The …

U.S. President Donald Trump voiced strong disapproval of Russia’s weekend bombardment of Ukraine, telling reporters that he’s “not happy with Putin.”
“He’s killing a lot of people,” Trump said to reporters at an airport …

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called for additional EU sanctions against Russia on May 25 following Russia’s large-scale overnight attack on Ukraine that killed 12 and injured 79.
"(Russian President Vladimir) Putin is not …

U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg became the first U.S. official to react to Russia’s overnight large-scale attack on Ukraine on May 25, calling for the end to hostilities.
“The indiscriminate …

Key developments on May 24-25:

In the latest episode of Ukraine This Week, the Kyiv Independent’s Anna Belokur shares key takeaways from Monday’s phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as Wednesday’s assassination of a …

Russia’s military advantage against Ukraine is declining, the Washington Post (WP) reported on May 24, citing U.S., European, and Ukrainian officials and military experts.
While Russia’s military difficulties could be an opportunity for …

The United States granted immediate sanctions relief to Syria after President Donald Trump called for a complete end to sanctions on the country.
The sanctions relief was announced by the U.S. Treasury Department and State Department on May 23. …
Ukraine is gearing up for a potential meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha.
Sybiha stated that Kyiv is considering an expanded format for talks, …

Russian troops have upped the intensity of their Donetsk Oblast offensive in recent weeks, increasingly pressuring a relatively large Ukrainian pocket between some of the last cities in the region.
An unsettling situation for Ukrainian troops is now …

The European Union is weighing a proposal to disconnect more than 20 Russian banks from SWIFT, the global financial messaging network, as part of its upcoming 18th sanctions package against Moscow, Bloomberg reported on May 24, citing undisclosed …

Major Russian exporters are cutting back shipments of metals and oil products by rail, signaling weakening demand and a slowdown in the country’s war-driven economy.
A document seen by Reuters reveals that firms such as Rusal and Gazpromneft intend …

Ukraine would like U.S. President Donald Trump to be present at a potential meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrinform reported on May 23, citing Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
"(W)e are also …

The nature, size, and political significance of prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and Russia have evolved significantly over the three and a half years of the full-scale war, accelerating sharply in recent weeks.
While ceasefire and peace …

Finland is “closely monitoring and assessing Russia’s activities and intentions” near the Finnish border, the country’s Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen told AFP on May 22.
The comments come after reports that Finland expects a …

An exchange of prisoners of war (POWs) between Ukraine and Russia taking place on May 23 is still ongoing, a source familiar with the exchange told the Kyiv Independent, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the swap had been “completed." …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
Russian authorities have been forced to shut down airports in Moscow amid a barrage of Ukrainian drone strikes overnight, Russian officials and state media reported on May 23. …

Russia is now saying the quiet part out loud. It has no intention of stopping the war in Ukraine.
We in Ukraine knew this all along, of course, but to sate the demands of international diplomacy, Moscow and Washington have engaged in a now more than …

Ukraine is requesting the EU begin financially supporting its armed forces starting in 2026, pitching the idea as a practical way to strengthen Europe’s collective defense and share the cost of containing Russian aggression, Ukrainian Finance …

In the early 19th century, one of the founding fathers of modern war studies, the Prussian general and military historian Carl von Clausewitz, commented on the Napoleonic Wars: “The conqueror is always peace-loving; he would much prefer to …

U.S. President Donald Trump told European leaders this week that Russian President Vladimir Putin is not ready for peace in Ukraine because he believes he is winning the war, the Wall Street Journal reported on May 22, citing three undisclosed …

Finland expects a Russian military build up on its borders after the war in Ukraine ends, the Guardian reported on May 21.
Maj Gen Sami Nurmi, the head of strategy of the Finnish defence forces said in an interview that the Russian military has begun …

Ukraine is set to pitch a larger number of recommendations to the European Union next week as to how the bloc can continue to ramp up economic pressure on Moscow through sanctions, Reuters reported on May 21.
The additional recommendation penned in …

Russia rejects a ceasefire in Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on May 21.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call on May 19 as Ukraine and its allies intensify efforts to end …

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on May 21 agreed that Russia is an aggressor toward Ukraine, but declined to label Russian President Vladimir Putin as a war criminal.
U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone call with Putin on May 19. …

Ukraine is working on a previously agreed-upon 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange with Russia, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on May 21.
“We have to release all our people, unconditionally. We are trying to do the maximum we can. We are trying …

Iran’s parliament has ratified a 20-year strategic partnership agreement with Russia, deepening ties between the two countries, Reuters reported on May 21.
The agreement, initially signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President …

The U.S. has achieved “a lot of progress” toward ending Russia’s war in Ukraine, U.S. President Donald Trump said during a press briefing at the White House on May 21.
On May 19, Trump held a phone call with Russian President …

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on May 21 that the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague will focus on the military support for Ukraine to ensure it is in the strongest position possible both during its ongoing defense and in the eventual pursuit …

With the fading U.S. global leadership under Donald Trump, Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine, and growing populism at home, Europe faces a stark choice: step up or fall into irrelevance. Speaking with the Kyiv Independent on May 16, British …

Around 49,000 draft-age men have been detained at border areas and checkpoints while trying to illegally cross Ukraine’s border since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Andrii Demchenko, spokesperson for Ukraine’s State Border …

The EU has reached an agreement to launch a common defense fund of 150 billion euros ($170 billion) called SAFE, the Council of the EU announced on May 21.
“The more we invest in equipping our armies, the better we will deter those who wish us …

The U.S. objected to the inclusion of clauses on “further support” for Ukraine in a joint statement during the meeting of the Group of Seven (G7) finance ministers in Canada, Politico reported on May 21, citing two undisclosed officials. …

The U.S. Senate is ready to vote on a bill on sanctions against Russia if peace talks over the war in Ukraine do not progress soon, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham said on May 20, as Voice of America journalist Tetiana Vorozhko reported.
The U.S.-mediated …

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Kursk Oblast, the Kremlin said on May 21, marking his first known visit since Moscow declared it had retaken the Russian border region from Ukrainian forces.
Russia claimed on April 26 that it had completed its …

Pope Leo XIV expressed his willingness to host the next round of talks in the Vatican to bring the end of Russia’s war in Ukraine closer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on May 20, according to the Italian government’s website. …

Russia has lost 976,780 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 May 21.
The number includes 980 casualties Russian forces suffered just over the …

Various European leaders are calling on the European Union to implement harsher sanctions against Russia in the upcoming 18th sanctions package.
Speaking to reporters in Brussels on May 20, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys said that harsher …

U.S. President Donald Trump refuses to impose sanctions on Russia as it may hinder future business and trade opportunities with Moscow, the New York Times (NYT) reported on May 20, citing a White House official.
Following a two-hour phone call with …

The European Union is preparing to provide Radio Free Europe with a contract valued at 5.5 million euros ($6.2 million) in “emergency funding” to support the ongoing work of the media organization amid the Trump administration’s …

Washington, D.C. — In a rare display of bipartisan unity, a group of U.S. senators has introduced a resolution calling for the return of thousands of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia, urging that no peace agreement to end the war in Ukraine be …

Key developments on May 20:

After a two-hour call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russia reiterated its refusal for a full ceasefire in the war in Ukraine while the U.S. once again failed to respond with any significant pressure.
For …
Bloomberg reported that Russia aims to capture four Ukrainian regions by the end of the year. Speaking with the Ukrainian broadcaster Suspilne, Ukrainian Armed Forces reserve colonel and military expert Serhiy Hrabskiy expressed skepticism about …

In what is now a semi-regular occurrence, the workings of U.S.-led global diplomacy has cast a dark shadow over Ukraine.
U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, on May 19 in the latest attempt to broker a …

The United States is working with NATO partners to locate additional Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on May 20 during Senate testimony on the State Department’s budget.
Ukraine has consistently …
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of using "negotiations" to bide time to prolong the war and occupation. Zelensky noted that leaders discussed yesterday's conversation between him and U.S. President Donald Trump.
He stressed the …

President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed a free trade agreement between Ukraine and the U.S. to President Donald Trump, Deputy Economy Minister and Trade Representative Taras Kachka said on May 20.
According to Kachka, Zelensky offered an agreement …

Washington plans to spend about $250 million of foreign aid funds to repatriate people from active conflict zones, including about 200,000 Ukrainians and 500,000 Haitians, the Washington Post reported on May 20, citing the draft internal documents …

President Volodymyr Zelensky had to remind U.S. President Donald Trump that negotiations with Russia are already underway after Trump announced to EU leaders the Kremlin’s readiness for talks, Axios reported on May 20, citing sources present at …

POZNAN — For years, I have taken every opportunity to urge the European Union and its member states to invest more in defense.
When Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine, I repeatedly asked (as a member of the …

Russia is trying to buy time to continue the war in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on May 20, reacting to a recent call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Zelensky’s statement follows his call …

The British government announced 100 new sanctions against Russia on May 20, pledging to ramp up pressure as Moscow continues to reject a ceasefire in Ukraine.
The new measures, announced in coordination with the EU’s 17th sanctions package, …

The status quo in Russia-Ukraine peace efforts has not changed after a call between U.S. President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak said on May 20 on X.
Putin and Trump held a …

Editor’s note: The story is being updated.
The EU has formally approved its 17th package of sanctions imposed on Russia over aggression in Ukraine, including measures against almost 200 shadow fleet vessels, top EU diplomat Kaja Kallas announced …

The European Union will adopt the 17th package of sanctions against Russia on May 20, while the next package of restrictions is “already in motion,” Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said on May 19 on X.
EU ambassadors on May 14 …

Russian attacks across Ukrainian regions killed at least one civilian and injured at least 13 over the past day, regional authorities reported on May 20.
Moscow’s forces launch air strikes, drone attacks, and artillery strikes against Ukrainian …

Russia has lost 975,800 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 May 20.
The number includes 1,030 casualties Russian forces suffered just over the …

Nearly 56,000 residents have been evacuated from Sumy Oblast as efforts are ongoing to relocate more residents under mandatory evacuation orders, Oleh Hryhorov, the governor of Sumy Oblast said on May 19.
Sumy Oblast, located on Ukraine’s …

Over 60% of Americans believe Russian President Vladimir Putin is “stalling” peace talks involving the United States, and back weaponry shipments to Ukraine and additional sanctions if Russia refuses to negotiate a peace deal, according …
Editor’s Note:
Events related to the war in Ukraine are once again taking a new direction.
Our publication keeps a close eye on every twist and turn.
Support independent journalism. Upgrade now!

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
U.S. President Donald Trump on May 19 reiterated he would abandon efforts to end Russia’s war against Ukraine if progress is not made.
“I tell you, big egos involved, but …

Editor’s Note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
U.S. President Donald Trump will not impose further sanctions against Russia “because there’s a chance” of progress towards a ceasefire, Trump told reporters in …

U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters on May 19 that he trusts Russian President Vladimir Putin, adding that he believes Putin wants peace in Ukraine.
Trump and Putin held a phone call earlier on May 19 as Ukraine and its allies intensify efforts …

Key developments on May 19:

The European Union will propose this week that Group of Seven (G7) finance ministers reduce the current $60-per-barrel cap on Russian seaborne oil exports, European Economic Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis said on May 19, according to Reuters. …

U.S. President Donald Trump has been clear that he aims to see direct talks between Russia and Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on May 19 during a press briefing in Kyiv.
The Ukrainian and Russian delegations held direct talks for the first …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
The EU is preparing an important sanctions package against Russia as Moscow continues to refuse a ceasefire, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a press conference on May 19.
There …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
President Volodymyr Zelensky on May 19 said that Kyiv is exploring the possibility of a meeting with delegations from Ukraine, Russia, the United States, and the EU in Turkey, the …

Ukraine will not withdraw troops from the territories it controls, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on May 19, rejecting Russian demands put forward by the country’s delegation in Istanbul.
“It’s our land, we won’t withdraw …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated with additional details.
President Volodymyr Zelensky on May 19 rejected Vladimir Putin’s demand to withdraw Ukrainian troops from four partially occupied regions, after the …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
Russia continues to refuse to agree to a full ceasefire in Ukraine, with President Vladimir Putin instead prepared to negotiate a “memorandum regarding a potential future …

U.S. President Donald Trump is holding a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking their first known conversation in two months, Russia’s state-owned publication Ria-Novosti reported on May 19.
The call comes days after largely …

President Volodymyr Zelensky met with top officials on May 19 to evaluate the outcome of Ukraine-Russia negotiations held in Istanbul last week, the president announced on Telegram.
The Istanbul talks marked the first direct encounter between …

The German government supports newly proposed European Union sanctions, which are being coordinated with the U.S. government, spokesperson Stefan Cornelius said on May 19, Tagesshau reported.
The proposed sanctions would involve measures targeting the …

In October of last year, just days before the U.S. presidential election, Head of the McCain Institute Evelyn Farkas told the Kyiv Independent that a Donald Trump victory would be the “worst-case scenario” for Ukraine.
In the months since, …

Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump on May 19, the Kremlin said, confirming the plan announced by Trump over the weekend.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the conversation between the two …

The French Foreign Ministry on May 18 refuted insinuations by Telegram CEO Pavel Durov that Paris sought to restrict “conservative voices” in Romania ahead of a key presidential vote.
Durov, the Russian-born founder of the Telegram …

Russian forces launched attacks across Ukraine over the past 24 hours, killing at least two civilians and injuring at least 13 others in multiple regions, local officials said on May 19.
Ukrainian air defenses shot down 41 of the 112 Russian attack …

Australian authorities have begun loading the first of the 49 decommissioned Ukraine-bound Abrams tanks onto a cargo ship despite continued private objections from U.S. officials, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported on May 19. …

President Volodymyr Zelensky and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met in Rome on May 18 to discuss defense support for Ukraine, cooperation within the Coalition of the Willing, and increased pressure on Russia.
The two leaders discussed …

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a call on May 18 with the leaders of the U.S. France, Germany, and Italy to coordinate positions ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump said …

European leaders will call U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of his planned phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on May 18, according to Deutsche Welle (DW).
Trump announced that he plans to …

Denmark has prepared its 26th military aid package for Ukraine, worth 4 billion Danish kroner (approximately $598 million), the Danish Defense Ministry announced on May 17.
The package includes additional artillery and shells via the Czech ammunition …

Key developments on May 17-18:

U.S. President Donald Trump is becoming more impatient with Russia as he attempts to negotiate a ceasefire in the war against Ukraine, Finnish President Alexander Stubb said at a press conference on May 18, according to the Finnish news outlet …

Europe is “far from” discussing foreign troop deployment to Ukraine, as efforts focus on securing an unconditional ceasefire, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on May 17, Reuters reported.
“There is no reason to talk about …

President Volodymyr Zelensky met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on May 18, following the inaugural mass of Pope Leo XIV, where the leaders discussed sanctions on Russia and recent peace talks in Istanbul.
The …

Russia carried out its largest single drone attack since the start of its full-scale invasion, launching 273 drones overnight on May 18, Ukraine’s Air Force reported.
The attack comes just two days after Ukraine and Russia held their first …

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney reaffirmed his country’s “steadfast and unwavering support” for Ukraine in a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky, which took place on May 17 in Rome.
This was the first meeting between …

Oleksandr Shyrshyn, battalion commander of the 47 Separate Mechanized Brigade, has submitted his resignation, sharply criticizing Ukraine’s military leadership for what he described as senseless orders and unnecessary casualties.
“I have never …

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on May 17 that the Vatican could serve as a venue for future peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.
Speaking to reporters in Rome ahead of his meeting with Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the Vatican’s point man on …

U.S. President Donald Trump said he will be speaking, by telephone, to President Vladimir Putin of Russia on Monday, at 10 a.m.
Trump’s comments come as peace talks in Istanbul on May 16 ended with no breakthrough, and Russia once again issued …
A potential meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian leader Vladimir Putin could take place, but under specific conditions, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced.
According to Russian state media, Peskov emphasized …

The identity of Ukraine’s signatory is a “fundamental” issue for Russia in any potential agreement to end the war, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on May 17 during a briefing, Russian state-controlled media reported. …

Russia’s economy is experiencing a sharp slowdown in growth, according to a report released by the governmental statistics agency Rosstat on May 16.
Gross domestic product (GDP) only grew by 1.4% in the first quarter of 2025 – a notable decline …

U.S. President Donald Trump said he still believes Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to strike a deal to end the war in Ukraine, but warned that if negotiations fail, his administration will move forward with sanctions against Moscow. …

European leaders are expressing growing frustration with U.S. President Donald Trump’s inconsistent approach to the Russia–Ukraine war, after high-level talks in Istanbul on May 16 ended without progress on a ceasefire.
Russian negotiators reiterated …

The United States plans to begin discussions with European allies later this year about reducing its military presence on the continent, U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said on May 16.
Speaking at a security conference in Estonia, Whitaker …

Key developments on May 16:

ISTANBUL — Russian President Vladimir Putin had rebuffed President Volodymyr Zelensky, his European allies, and the U.S., and in response, Donald Trump simply went along with it, excusing his Russian counterpart for not attending the peace talks in …

The first direct peace talks in years between Kyiv and Moscow ended on May 16 with Russia once again rejecting an unconditional 30-day ceasefire. In turn, Russia demanded that Ukrainian troops leave four of the country’s regions, which Moscow …

Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink publicly confirmed on May 16 that she resigned due to President Donald Trump’s administration’s foreign policy direction, she wrote in a May 16 op-ed for the Detroit Free Press.
Brink, who …

President Volodymyr Zelensky and several top European leaders held a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump on May 16, the Ukrainian leader announced on Telegram.
The conversation took place shortly after the conclusion of the Russia-Ukraine …
Ukraine is in a war of attrition that may continue for a long time2.In the 2022 CEPR Rapid Policy Response “Macroeconomic Policies for Wartime Ukraine” we provided comprehensive recommendations on policies to ensure that Ukraine has sufficient …

Editor’s Note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
Ukrainian and Russian delegates started peace talks in Istanbul on May 16, marking the first direct negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow since 2022, Sky News and Russian state news …

U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters on May 16 that a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin may happen soon, as he wraps up his Middle East trip and heads back to Washington.
“I think it’s time for us to just do it,” Trump …

Ukrainian, Russian, and Turkish officials will hold trilateral talks in Istanbul on May 16 at 12:30 p.m. local time as part of peace efforts, Turkish state news agency Anadolu reported, citing Turkish Foreign Ministry sources.
The discussions, which …

Russian attacks across Ukrainian regions killed at least three civilians and injured 15 over the past day, regional authorities reported on May 16.
The attacks took place as Russian and Ukrainian delegates are set to meet in Istanbul in what would be …

Ukraine will receive $84 million from the World Bank to restore housing damaged in Russia’s war, the Finance Ministry announced on May 15.
On April 2, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced that Ukraine will receive $432 million in funding from …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
Explosions were heard in Kyiv amid a Russian drone attack on the capital in the early hours of May 16, as Ukraine and Russia are set to begin peace talks later in the day. …

Ukraine has faced more diplomatic pressure than Moscow has to end Russia’s war, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on May 14.
"(U.S.) President (Donald) Trump thought that it will help if we (pressure) both sides… I think they …

The European Union will adopt sanctions against Russia on May 20 in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s declining to attend face-to-face talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on May …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
A Russian delegation will await its Ukrainian counterparts to begin direct peace talks at 10 a.m. local time in Istanbul on May 16, Vladimir Medinsky, Russia’s delegation lead …

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on May 15 denied reports that the United States opposes President Volodymyr Zelensky’s participation at the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague.
When asked by reporters whether the U.S. opposed Zelensky’s …

Key developments on May 15:

TURKEY — Istanbul — it’s where Asia meets Europe, but as we now know, not where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The world’s media descended on the Turkish city on May 15, primed for something …

Russian President Vladimir Putin has appointed General Oleg Saliukov, the commander of the Russian Ground Forces, as deputy secretary of the Security Council, Russian state-controlled media reported on May 15.
It remains unclear who will replace …

U.S. State Secretary Marco Rubio said on May 15 peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Turkey are unlikely to yield meaningful progress, calling the low-level Russian delegation “not indicative of one that’s going to lead to a major …

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry hit back at Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova after she called President Volodymyr Zelensky a “clown” ahead of expected peace talks in Turkey on May 15.
“Not the first time the …

U.S. President Donald Trump said on May 15 that peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine will not move forward until he meets Russian President Vladimir Putin, Reuters reported.
“Nothing’s going to happen until Putin and I get …

Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) Chief Vasyl Malyuk, and General Staff Chief Andrii Hnatov are among those accompanying President Volodymyr Zelensky in Turkey ahead of potential peace talks with Russia on May 15, …

President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Turkey on May 15 ahead of potential ceasefire negotiations with Russia, even as Russian President Vladimir Putin is skipping the talks.
Zelensky’s plane has landed at Ankara airport as the president first …

A Ukrainian delegation would meet the Russian side in Turkey on May 15 specifically to discuss how to implement and monitor a U.S.-backed unconditional 30-day ceasefire, the Wall Street Journal and Suspilne reported, citing undisclosed sources.
The …

U.S. President Donald Trump said he might still go to the potential Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations in Istanbul on May 16 if there is progress toward a deal, the BBC reported.
“We’d like to see (the war) end and I think we have a chance …

The settlement of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine may see progress over the next 10–14 days, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said in an interview with Turkish state news agency Anadolu aired on May 14.
Rutte’s comments came …

Editor’s note: The article was updated with a statement from Ukrainian official Andrii Kovalenko.
A plane with the Russian delegation arrived in Istanbul ahead of planned peace talks with Ukraine, pro-state news agency Interfax reported on May …

U.S. and European officials persuaded President Volodymyr Zelensky to represent Ukraine at upcoming peace talks in Istanbul despite Russia’s evasiveness about who it would send, the Washington Post (WP) reported on May 14, citing unnamed …

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has arrived in Turkey on May 14 ahead of peace talks planned between Ukraine and Russia.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on May 13 that Rubio will attend the peace talks alongside Trump’s envoys, Steve …

U.S. President Donald Trump will not attend Ukraine-Russia peace talks to be held on May 15, Reuters reported on May 14, citing an unnamed U.S. official.
Trump’s special envoys, Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg, will reportedly travel to …
Editor’s Note: We are delivering the immediate news from war-torn Ukraine to you as quickly as we can, despite the turbulent events that are happening to us here.
Help us and support independent, timely journalism from Kyiv. Subscribe now!

Kyiv will determine its next steps in Ukraine-Russia peace talks when Moscow unveils its delegation, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on May 14.
“I am waiting to see who will come from Russia, and then I will decide which steps Ukraine should …

Key developments on May 14:

The United States is opposing President Volodymyr Zelensky’s participation at the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague, Italy’s ANSA news agency reported on May 14, citing unnamed diplomatic sources.
If confirmed, the decision would mark …

Ukraine faces a difficult balancing act — sanction more Chinese firms for aiding Russia’s war machine without alienating Beijing, which could be key to ending Russia’s invasion.
Kyiv is currently considering imposing new sanctions against Chinese …

The Council of Europe on May 14 approved the creation of a special tribunal to prosecute Russia’s top leadership for the crime of aggression against Ukraine, Ukrainian lawmaker Maria Mezentseva reported.
The decision marks a milestone in …

U.S. President Donald Trump is not expected to attend the possible Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul on May 15, Bloomberg reported on May 14, citing unnamed Turkish officials.
The officials told Bloomberg that preparations are underway but …

A Moscow court on May 14 sentenced Grigory Melkonyants, the co-chair of independent Russian election monitor Golos, to five years in prison over allegedly participating in activities of an “undesirable” organization.
Melkonyants was …

Natural gas reserves in Ukraine’s underground storage facilities amounted to 6.02 billion cubic meters (bcm) as of May 11, marking the lowest level in at least the last 11 years, ExPro Daily Gas consulting group said on May 14.
Russian forces …

U.S. President Donald Trump said on May 14 that he is unsure whether Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend peace talks with Ukraine in Turkey on May 15.
“He’d like me to be there, and that’s a possibility… I don’t …

NATO allies have begun working on a plan to increase defense spending, aiming to meet U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for each country to allocate 5% of GDP to their militaries, Bloomberg reported on May 14.
Citing diplomats familiar with the …

More than 1,000 Russian government entities and 1,200 private companies are involved in the economy of occupied Mariupol, a major southeastern city captured by Russia after it invaded Ukraine in 2022, according to a research paper published on May …

President Volodymyr Zelensky’s trust rating increased from 69% in March to 74% in the first half of May, while 22% of respondents said they do not trust the Ukrainian leader, according to a poll published by the Kyiv International Institute of …

U.S. President Donald Trump must realize that Russian President Vladimir Putin is an obstacle to peace efforts, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in comments reported by the Guardian on May 13.
“Trump needs to believe that Putin actually …

Russian attacks against Ukraine killed at least four civilians and injured at least 26 others over the past day, regional authorities reported on May 14.
Russian forces launched an Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missile from Russian-occupied Crimea and …

Russia seems to be preparing a significant offensive in Ukraine as it is moving troops toward key positions on the front, the Financial Times reported on May 13, citing undisclosed Ukrainian intelligence officials.
These reported preparations indicate …

Russia has lost 969,370 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 May 14.
The number includes 1,240 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the …

President Volodymyr Zelensky plans to attend the inaugural Mass of newly elected Pope Leo at the Vatican this Sunday, if his wartime obligations allow, his chief of staff Andriy Yermak told Reuters on May 13.
The event, taking place in St. Peter’s …

Russia’s economy faces mounting pressure due to its full-scale invasion of Ukraine and Western sanctions, according to a new report from the Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics (SITE) presented for talks of European Union finance ministers on …
Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister, Sergey Ryabkov, has articulated Moscow's firm stance ahead of anticipated talks in Istanbul slated for May 15. Speaking at a press briefing, Ryabkov said that Russia intends to emphasize the "denazification of the …

Ukraine and the U.S. signed two additional agreements on May 13 to formally launch a joint Reconstruction Investment Fund as part of the deal for Ukraine’s mineral resources, Ukraine’s Economy Ministry said on May 13 during a briefing.
The …

Key developments on May 13:

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed on May 13 that Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other senior officials will attend planned peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Turkey …

Days before the Romanian presidential election runoff, the two presidential hopefuls are neck-and-neck. According to the latest poll by AtlasIntel, far-right George Simion and liberal pro-EU Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan are tied at 48.2%.
Yet, another …

The European Union is prepared to significantly tighten sanctions against Russia if no progress is made in ending the war in Ukraine this week, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on May 13, Reuters reported.
The statement comes ahead of a …
Russian leader Vladimir Putin has derailed plans for a meeting in Istanbul despite demands from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and former US President Donald Trump. After Zelensky expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with Putin in …
Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly not planning to travel to Istanbul on Thursday, reports Gulagu.net, citing sources close to the Putin’s security. Instead, the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Kremlin advisor Yuri Ushakov are …

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on May 13 that he expects a ceasefire to result from a potential in-person meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which may take place in Istanbul on May 15.
Zelensky said he will meet with Turkish President …

Russian forces are ramping up their offensive in southern Ukraine in an attempt to breach the administrative border of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Ukraine’s Southern Defense Forces spokesperson, Vladyslav Voloshyn, said on May 13.

Editor’s note: This is a developing story.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoys, Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg, will travel to Istanbul for possible peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, Reuters reported on May 13, citing three …

Russia’s Buryatia Republic declared a state of emergency on May 13 over massive forest fires that have engulfed multiple regions in the Russian Far East.
Authorities in the republic, which lies some 4,000 kilometers (2,500 miles) from Moscow …

With just two days to go before Russian-proposed peace talks might begin in Istanbul, the Kremlin is still refusing to confirm whether or not President Vladimir Putin will attend the event.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has already said he will meet …

Moscow sees NATO military exercises in Lithuania as directed against Russia and will take measures to neutralize all the alliance’s efforts aimed against it, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko told the Russian state news agency …

Ukrainian Special Operations Forces' attack drones destroyed a Russian Buk-M3 anti-aircraft missile system and a Uragan-1 multiple launch rocket system (MLSR), the military branch reported on May 13.
During reconnaissance in an unspecified front-line …

The European Bank for Development and Reconstruction (EBRD) has revised its GDP growth forecast for Ukraine, lowering it from 3.5% to 3.3% for this year, according to a May 13 statement.
The revision was connected to global trade upheavals, which only …

President Volodymyr Zelensky would not meet any other Russian official apart from Russian President Vladimir Putin in Istanbul this week, presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak said on the Breakfast Show program on May 13, explaining that talks with …

Ukraine’s European partners are planning to wait for a possible meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Turkey before pushing the U.S. to impose new sanctions on Russia, Bloomberg reported …

U.S. President Donald Trump “issued an ultimatum” to Moscow and Kyiv to make progress in peace negotiations, otherwise the U.S. will abandon the process, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said in an interview with Breitbart News published on …

U.S. President Donald Trump is considering easing sanctions on Syria as its leader, President Ahmed al-Sharaa, proposed signing a minerals agreement and building a Trump Tower in Damascus, the Times reported on May 12.
Al-Sharaa is reportedly offering …

Russia attacked Ukraine with drones and guided bombs during the night, continuing to launch weapons at various regions after the May 12 deadline for an unconditional ceasefire expired.
Ukraine and European allies on May 10 demanded that Russia accept …

Ukraine’s European allies called for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire and threatened additional sanctions against Russia in a joint statement issued May 12.
The foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom, …

Taiwan intends to contribute up to $2 million for demining efforts in Ukraine, Lithuania’s Defense Ministry announced on May 12.
The commitment comes as Lithuanian defense officials met with Taiwan’s representative office in Vilnius. …

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a phone call with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on May 12 to discuss a proposed meeting in Turkey between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russian state-media outlet …

President Volodymyr Zelensky’s willingness to hold direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin this week in Istanbul sparked a question over whether such a move contradicts his earlier decree.
In the fall of 2022, Zelensky signed a decree …

Key developments on May 12:

President Volodymyr Zelensky held a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on May 12 to discuss the details of a proposed meeting in Turkey between Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“I am grateful for the support and …

A London court on May 12 sentenced six Bulgarian nationals to prison terms for operating a Russian espionage network in Britain, according to Reuters.
The convictions mark a significant development in Britain’s efforts to counter Russian …

Russian President Vladimir Putin may have gotten more than he bargained for when, on May 11, he rejected calls for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire and invited Ukraine to engage in direct talks in Istanbul later this week.
In what may have been a …

In the middle of the night, Russian President Vladimir Putin gathered Russian state TV to inform them that he is ready to begin direct peace talks with Ukraine on May 15.
A day later, President Volodymyr Zelensky said he’ll be waiting for Putin …

Ukraine completed the ratification of the U.S.-Ukraine minerals agreement on May 12, according to the Verkhovna Rada’s website. President Volodymyr Zelensky signed the deal on May 12.
The finalization caps a months-long, often contentious …
Did CNN air a graphic of statistics from the India-Pakistan conflict that showed India suffered far larger losses than Pakistan and that U.S. President Trump helped "curb India's losses?" No, that's not true: A CNN spokesperson told Lead Stories the …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism that President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend peace talks in Istanbul on May 15, suggesting the …

Ukraine is “ready for all options” as it gears up for a possible meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin of Russia in Istanbul this week, a source close to the President’s Office told the Kyiv Independent on May …
Did a widely-shared video authentically show President Donald Trump speaking in praise of Pakistan's Air Force, and claiming India had "humiliated itself", in the context of May 2025 clashes between the two countries? No, that's not true: The video …

Germany gave Russia until the end of May 12 to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine, warning that failure to do so would trigger preparations for new sanctions, government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius said during a briefing, Tagesschau reported on May …

The French Presidential Office on May 12 dismissed a fake story pushed by Russia about a paper napkin seen during European leaders' visit to Kyiv.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova spread a claim that the footage of a train …

The U.S. State Department reaffirmed on May 11 that securing an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine remains the United States' top priority, despite seemingly contradictory messaging from U.S. President Donald Trump.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio …

Moscow and Hanoi agreed to negotiate and sign agreements to construct nuclear power plants in Vietnam, the two countries said in a joint statement on May 11.
“The development of the plants with advanced technology will strictly be compliant with …

The United Kingdom will unveil a new sanctions package against Russia on May 12, the country’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement,
The sanctions appear to be in response to Russia’s rejection of a 30-day ceasefire that the U.K., …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated
Three were injured in Russia’s Kursk Oblast when the town of Rylsk was allegedly struck by a missile attack on May 11, local governor Alexander Khinshtein claimed.
Ukraine …

Key developments on May 11:

Ukraine and Russia should hold peace talks “immediately,” U.S. President Donald Trump said in a post to social media on May 11.
"(Russian) President (Vladimir) Putin… doesn’t want to have a ceasefire agreement with …
In a recent push for diplomacy, Moscow has emphasized the need for negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul before the potential establishment of a long-term ceasefire. On Sunday, May 11, Maria Zakharova, the official spokesperson for Russia's Foreign …

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Turkey next week amid a suggestion to renew Russia-Ukraine peace talks, the White House said in a statement published May 11.
Rubio will accompany U.S. President Donald Trump on a May 11–14 visit to …
Ukrainian authorities have insisted on a prolonged ceasefire as a prerequisite for any negotiations with Russia, the so-called aggressor nation. "There is no point in continuing the killings, even for a day. We expect Russia to confirm a complete, …

Russian president Vladimir Putin’s proposal to resume peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul starting May 15 has been met with rejection by the United States and key European leaders, who insist that no negotiations can begin without a full and …

U.S. President Donald Trump “will continue to work with both sides” to end Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, Trump said in a social media post on May 11.
Trump’s comments come shortly after Ukraine and Europe put forth …

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal for direct peace talks with Ukraine is “a first step, but not enough,” French President Emmanuel Macron said on May 11.
Putin earlier extended an invitation to hold direct talks with …

Russia and Ukraine must come to a ceasefire agreement in order for the U.S. to “move forward” in negotiating an end to the full-scale war, U.S. State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said on May 10.
Bruce’s comments come as …

U.S. President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, relied on translators from the Kremlin in his meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, NBC News reported on May 10, citing a U.S. official and two Western …

President Volodymyr Zelensky and the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Poland agreed on May 10 to impose additional sanctions against Russia if the Kremlin does not accept their proposal for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire.
U.K. …

Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv on May 10, President Volodymyr Zelensky rebuked the idea of establishing a demilitarized zone in the war with Russia.
Zelensky said that the idea of a demilitarized zone is “dead” and emphasized the …
Kremlin's press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, says Russia already knows what to do in response to economic sanctions. According to Peskov, the Russian government shouldn't be frightened by new sanctions, as it has grown accustomed to them since 2014.
In …

India and Pakistan have agreed to “a full and immediate ceasefire,” U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social on May 10.
“Congratulations to both countries on using common Sense and great intelligence. Thank you for your …

Ukraine and its European allies are demanding that Russia agree to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire starting on May 12, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on May 10 during a press conference in Kyiv.
The demand for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire …
Ukraine is ready for a complete ceasefire lasting 30 days, starting Monday, May 12, announced Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, adding that the agreed position between the EU countries and Ukraine had been discussed with the U.S. President, …

President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders visiting Kyiv on May 10 held a “productive” call with U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha reported.
French President Emmanuel Macron, German …

U.S. President Donald Trump is expressing his frustration in private to donors about his inability to broker an end to Russia’s war against Ukraine, the Wall Street Journal reported on May 9.
Trump originally claimed during the 2024 presidential …

The European Union released a statement on May 10 in support of calls for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, adding that it would “serve as a vital step toward reducing civilian suffering and allow space for …

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov rejected the idea of a 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, claiming in an interview with ABC News on May 10 that it would be “an advantage” for Ukraine.
“Ukraine will continue their total …

French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Kyiv on May 10 to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk arrived separately in the capital to join …

The leaders of the United Kingdon, France, Germany, and Poland will visit Kyiv on May 10 to demonstrate their support for Ukraine, the leaders announced in a joint statement May 9.
The planned visit comes the day after Russia’s Victory Day …

Key developments on May 9:

The United States embassy in Kyiv on May 9 issued a warning that Russia could launch “a potentially significant” attack in the coming days and urged U.S. citizens to prepare to take shelter immediately in the event of an aerial alert.
The …

The U.S. and European allies are in the final stages of working on a proposal for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire in the Russian war against Ukraine, Reuters reported on May 9, citing a French diplomatic source.
The day before, U.S. President Donald …

Editor’s Note: This opinion first appeared in CNN Portugal.
In January 2023, Brazil rid itself of Jair Bolsonaro’s government. Bolsonaro’s rule saw dictatorship’s torturers exalted, minorities being targeted, and democracy …

A series of Russian ballistic missile attacks on Ukrainian cities have killed dozens of civilians in recent weeks, shaking an already uneasy sense of safety for Ukrainians living far from the front lines.
The Russian strikes are growing more lethal as …

With the announcement that Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been chosen as the new pope and leader of the Catholic Church, Ukrainians are wondering what the surprise appointment of the American-born pontiff will mean for their country.
Past …

Amid much pomp, military machinery, and the threat of Ukrainian drone strikes, Russian President Vladimir Putin has delivered his annual speech to mark his country’s Victory Day parade.
The Kremlin’s celebrations, which mark the Soviet …

Kurt Volker, a former U.S. special representative for Ukraine, does not believe that Russian President Vladimir Putin will ever agree to a negotiated peace deal, he said during an open discussion on May 9 at the American University Kyiv, attended by …

A U.S. court of appeals ruled on May 7 that the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) must release $12 million in funding previously approved by Congress for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), the media organization reported.
The ruling marks a …

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping hailed their countries' relationship on May 8, vowing to increase cooperation in all areas, including military ties.
In a joint statement released during Xi’s visit to Moscow amid …

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said on May 8 that he believed either Turkey or China would serve as a capable “mediator” if the United States pulls out of negotiations to end the war.
Speaking to reporters following an EU …

The United States will be ready to “walk away” from the negotiating table if it does not see Russia making progress in negotiation to end the war, U.S. Vice President JD Vance told Fox News on May 8.
“What would bother me is if we …

United States President Donald Trump on May 8 called for a “30-day unconditional ceasefire” between Ukraine and Russia.
Writing on Truth Social following a phone call with President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump expressed his hope for …

President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with United States President Donald Trump on a phone call on May 8 to discuss the war, continued pressure on Russia, and a potential ceasefire.
Zelensky reported on the details of phone call during his nightly …

Key developments on May 8:

Ukrainian forces faced 117 combat clashes across the front line on the first day of Russia’s self-declared Victory Day “humanitarian ceasefire,” the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces reported on May 8.
Despite the Kremlin’s announcement of …
Did a video authentically show President Donald Trump saying, of clashes between India and Pakistan in May 2025, "let 'em fight"? No, that's not true: The clip was authentic, but was recorded in 2019. Trump was speaking then in the context of …
In a significant move, European Union nations are positioned to ramp up their military aid to Ukraine, should President Donald Trump not successfully convince Vladimir Putin to swiftly end the conflict, according to EU Defense Commissioner Andrius …
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has turned down Russian leader Vladimir Putin's proposal for a three-day "ceasefire" on May 9, advocating instead for a 30-day cessation of hostilities. According to Ukrinform, Zelensky made this clear during a …
The U.S. has announced plans to sell F-16 fighter jet equipment and services to Ukraine. The State Department-approved package includes potential transfer of the jets themselves, upgrades and refurbishments, training for Ukrainian military personnel, …

In 2024, the EU held its European Parliament elections. The center-right, led by Ursula von der Leyen, secured the most seats and claimed victory. However, it was also the most successful year for the far right, with various Eurosceptic fringe …
#Putin can’t wage war and then dictate ceasefires to suit its propaganda. Putin’s 72-hour truce for Victory Day is a farce—meant to parade soldiers in #Moscow while foreign mercenaries bleed on the front lines. Peace isn’t a PR …

Brian Dooley is a Senior Advisor at Washington-based NGO Human Rights First and Honorary Professor of Practice at Queen’s University, Belfast. He specializes in working with human rights activists in war and other conflict zones and is a regular …
Editor’s Note:
These six weeks tend to be the most difficult months for us financially.
Sadly, we’re seeing unsubscribes at a furious pace. Help us stop the slide: upgrade today to keep our journalism coming.
Biologist Svitozar Davydenko …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Ukraine will have to make some compromises to reach a peace deal with Russia, Polish President Andrzej Duda said in an interview with Euronews on April 24.
“It has to be a compromise,” he said. “De facto this peace should come down to the fact that …

The United States will demand that Russia recognize Ukraine’s sovereign right to maintain adequately equipped armed forces and a defense industry as part of any peace agreement, Bloomberg reported on April 24, citing unnamed sources familiar …

President Donald Trump on April 24 described Russia’s failure to seize all of Ukraine as a “pretty big concession,” a comment that has sparked renewed criticism of his approach to the war.
During a meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister …

Russia’s devastating missile and drone attack on Kyiv on April 24 killed at least 12 and injured 90 people. The Kyiv Independent visited the residential district where a missile struck an apartment building to speak with witnesses and see the …

The U.S. issued a warning that any country or individual involved in Russia’s plans to establish a naval base in Sudan could face “serious consequences,” including sanctions, a State Department spokesperson told Fox News on April …

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 …

Key developments on April 24:

U.S. President Donald Trump said on April 24 that both Russia and Ukraine “want peace,” adding that he had set a deadline to finalize a deal aimed at ending the war.
“So we are thinking very strongly that they both want peace,” …

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. …

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is expected to use his visit to Washington on April 24 to urge the U.S. not to pressure Ukraine into accepting a peace agreement that favors Moscow, the Financial Times (FT) reported, citing three officials briefed …

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned the U.S. government’s reported peace proposal for Ukraine on April 24, calling it a reward for aggression after a Russian missile attack killed at least 12 civilians and injured 90 in Kyiv. …

U.S. President Donald Trump has once again failed to condemn his Russian counterpart in the aftermath of yet another devastating missile attack on Ukraine, casting further doubt on Washington’s ability to fairly broker a peace in the country. …

The United States' frustration over stalled peace talks on the war in Ukraine should be aimed solely at Russian President Vladimir Putin, not Kyiv, French President Emmanuel Macron said on April 24, the French television network BFM TV reported.
His …

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 24 that Russia had expected the previous day’s peace talks in London to unravel into a major scandal, but instead Ukraine and its allies showed a shared commitment to work towards peace.
The London …

After a mass Russian missile attack on Kyiv that killed at least eight people, U.S. Vice President JD Vance on April 24 reshared a post denouncing President Volodymyr Zelensky and accusing him of being the main impediment to peace in Ukraine.
During …

U.S. President Donald Trump on April 24 criticized Russia’s strike on Kyiv that killed eight civilians and injured 77, calling it “not necessary."
“I am not happy with the Russian strikes on Kyiv. Not necessary, and very bad …

Ukraine’s willingness to enter negotiations with Russia following a potential ceasefire is already a “big compromise” by Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelensky said during a press conference in South Africa on April 24.
Asked about the …

Russia reserves the right to use nuclear weapons if faced with ‘unfriendly actions,’ Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu claimed in an interview with TASS state news agency on April 24.
Shoigu said Moscow was “closely …

Ivan Popov, a disgraced ex-commander of Russia’s 58th Army fighting in Ukraine, was sentenced by a Russian military court to five years imprisonment over a large-scale fraud, Interfax news agency reported on April 24.
Popov was also stripped of …

London banned the export of video game controllers to Russia, which are used to pilot Russian drones on the front line in Moscow’s all-out war against Ukraine, the U.K. Foreign Ministry announced on April 24.
The new sanctions package includes …

Europe will not support any U.S. move to recognize Russian control over occupied Crimea and will not pressure Kyiv to accept it, the Financial Times (FT) reported on April 24, citing undisclosed Western officials.
The Trump administration’s …

Russian attacks against Ukraine killed 13 people and injured at least 97 others over the past day, regional authorities said on April 24.
Ukrainian forces downed 64 out of the 145 Shahed-type drones and other drones, as well as 48 out of the 70 …

The Trump administration officials are debating the possibility of lifting sanctions on Russia’s Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline and other energy assets as part of peace efforts in Ukraine, Politico reported on April 23, citing five undisclosed …

Ukraine and the U.S. agreed to start working on a free trade zone between the two countries, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said on April 23 after meeting U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington.
Ukraine and the U.S. launched initial talks …

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 23 that Ukraine will always act in accordance with its Constitution, sharing a 2018 U.S. declaration denouncing Russian occupation of Crimea and reaffirming Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
Though …

When pressed by reporters on April 23, U.S. President Donald Trump declined to weigh in on whether he wants Ukraine to recognize occupied Crimea as Russian territory, calling instead for the end to hostilities.
“I just want to see the war end, I …

U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters on April 23 that he may meet Russian President Vladimir Putin “shortly” following his trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates in May.
When asked by reporters whether Trump would …

U.S. President Donald Trump said on April 23 he believes a deal between Russia and Ukraine to end Russia’s war has been reached.
“I think we have a deal with both, I hope they do it,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.
Trump has …

Editor’s Note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
A round of explosions occurred in Kyiv around 1:00 a.m. local time on April 24, according to a Kyiv Independent journalist on the ground.
Air defenses are in operation, Kyiv Mayor …

U.S. Special Envoy Keith Kellogg called for a peace deal to end Russia’s war against Ukraine on April 23, following his participation in a London meeting on Ukraine.
“It’s time to move forward on (U.S.) President (Donald) …

President Volodymyr Zelensky is “moving in the wrong direction” in peace talks to bring an end to Russia’s war against Ukraine, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on April 23.
"(U)nfortunately, President Zelensky …

Key developments on April 23:

The U.S. is reportedly considering officially recognizing Russian control over occupied Crimea as part of a potential peace agreement — a territorial concession that would kill the existing world order and is deemed unacceptable by Ukraine.
According …

The war in Ukraine would end “instantly” if Kyiv agreed to withdraw from territory it currently controls and abandon its NATO ambitions, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said in an interview with the French outlet Le Point on April 23, reiterating …

A Ukrainian delegation met with European officials and U.S. Special Envoy Keith Kellogg in London on April 23 to continue discussions on a possible path to peace, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said in a statement on X.
“During …

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 red line for Kyiv could be a reported …

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on April 25, Axios reported on April 23, citing an unnamed U.S. official.
The visit comes as the Trump administration intensifies efforts to broker a …

The U.S. media outlet Axios reported on April 23 that the U.S. President Donald Trump administration’s final proposal for ending the Russia-Ukraine war included the U.S. de jure recognizing Russia’s annexation of Crimea and de facto …

President Donald Trump claimed in a post on his social media platform Truth Social that the U.S. is not forcing Ukraine to recognize Crimea as Russian, following reports a U.S. peace plan includes the U.S. formally recognizing Moscow’s illegal …

As Ukrainian, American, and European officials meet in London to discuss a U.S. peace plan that includes recognizing Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea, experts warn that formally giving Crimea up to Russia would breach international law and …

Reports that the U.S. could formally give de jure recognition to Russia’s control over Crimea have landed like a bombshell in Kyiv, with lawmakers unanimous in their opposition to such a move, as well as issuing grave warnings about its …

The European Commission is exploring options to legally prohibit EU companies from signing new contracts for the supply of Russian gas, Reuters reported on April 22, citing an undisclosed senior EU official.
The EU is also considering ways to allow …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
U.S., U.K., German, French, and Ukrainian officials began their meeting on April 23 to discuss a path toward ending the Russia-Ukraine war, Sky News reported.
The meeting was to be …

Ukraine will not accept a peace agreement that would give Russia a chance to regroup for further attacks, and sees a full ceasefire as “the necessary first step,” Deputy Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko said on April 23.
“As …

A ministerial meeting of U.S., European, and Ukrainian officials was postponed due to a “lack of consensus on some issues, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on April 23 after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and others decided to skip …

The following is the April 22, 2025 edition of our Ukraine Business Roundup weekly newsletter. To get the biggest news in business and tech from Ukraine directly in your inbox, subscribe here.
As a U.S.-proposed deal for Ukraine’s natural resources …

The Trump administration fired a coordinator responsible for collecting data on war crimes committed by Russia during its full-scale war against Ukraine, the Washington Post (WP) reported on April 22, citing its undisclosed sources.
The news comes as …

Ukraine does not want the U.S. to withdraw from peace talks on ending Russia’s full-scale invasion, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 22 during a press conference.
Zelensky’s statement comes as Washington has announced it is ready …

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov are meeting their U.K. counterparts, David Lammy and John Healey, in London on April 23, Sybiha said.
“We are grateful to the U.K. for its leadership and support. …

U.S. Vice President JD Vance said on April 23 that the U.S. presented a “very explicit proposal” to Russia and Ukraine on a peace deal, repeating warnings Washington might drop its peace effort if the belligerent sides refuse.
Talking to …

The U.S. does not call for reducing Ukraine’s military capabilities and is not opposed to a European peacekeeping force in the country, Reuters reported on April 23, citing two undisclosed diplomatic sources.
While these positions contradict …

The Trump administration’s final proposal for ending the Russia-Ukraine war included U.S. de jure recognition of Russia’s control over Crimea, along with de facto recognition of its occupation of other Ukrainian territories, Axios …

Chief diplomats of the U.K., France, Ukraine, and Germany have suspended their plans to attend the talks in London on how to end Russia’s war against Ukraine, Sky News reported on April 23.
The news comes as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio …

Kyiv has presented Beijing with evidence that Chinese citizens and companies have participated in Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, the Foreign Ministry reported on April 22.
The report comes less than a week after President Volodymyr …

A U.S. federal judge on April 22 ordered the Trump administration to restore all employees and contractors at Voice of America (VoA), saying the administration’s efforts to dismantle the outlet likely violated U.S. law.
As part of his …

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will not attend upcoming peace talks with Ukrainian and European officials in London, the Financial Times reported on April 22.
Representatives from Ukraine, the United …

Key developments on April 22:

Explosions have erupted at a Russian weapons arsenal in Vladimir Oblast on April 22, causing a fire, the Russian Defense Ministry reported on Telegram.
According to Ukrainian defense media outlet Militarnyi, the facility in question is Russia’s …

Russian forces in the Lyman sector of Donetsk Oblast violated the one-day Easter ceasefire, used it to regroup, and launched a large-scale infantry assault shortly after its end, Anastasiia Blyshchyk, spokesperson for Ukraine’s 66th Separate …

Standing beside a sleepy village in Ukraine’s central Kirovohrad Oblast, the Zavalivskiy mine lies beneath layers of brown and pink earth, holding some 7.5 million metric tons of graphite ore — the second largest flake graphite mine in Europe.
Like …

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to visit Moscow this week, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov told Russian state-controlled media outlet Interfax on April 22.
“We are expecting (him),” Ushakov said when asked if Witkoff …

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has dismissed as “propaganda” an op-ed by Russia’s ambassador to Indonesia, Sergei Tolchenov, amid concerns of Moscow increasing its military presence in the region.
In the op-ed published in The …

The Mejlis, the representative body of the Crimean Tatar people, will reject any international recognition of Russian-occupied Crimea as Russian territory, Refat Chubarov, the body’s chairman, said in a statement published on Facebook on April …

India’s imports of Russian crude are likely to hit 2.15 million barrels per day in April, the highest volumes since May 2023, Bloomberg reported on April 22, citing Kpler data.
Russian oil shipments appear to be picking up pace again after …

U.S. actor and film director Sean Penn met with the soldiers of the 3rd Regiment of the Special Operations Forces stationed in Kropyvnytskyi in Kirovohrad Oblast, according to a video posted on the unit’s Facebook on April 22.
The actor visited …

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s so-called Easter truce was a “charm offensive” aimed at appeasing U.S. President Donald Trump, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told FranceInfo on April 22.
The Trump administration has …

Japan’s Kyushu University Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space (iQPS) has agreed to provide Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR) with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery, Intelligence Online magazine reported on April 21. …

Russia’s declared Easter truce failed to hold as both sides continued fighting, Stephane Dujarric, a spokesperson for the U.N. secretary-general, said on April 22 during a press briefing.
Russia was the first to declare an Easter ceasefire …

President Volodymyr Zelensky intends to attend Pope Francis’s funeral in the Vatican, as the preparations for the ceremony are underway, European Pravda reported on April 22, citing its undisclosed source.
Pope Francis died in his residence in …

Some 59% of Americans think that U.S. President Donald Trump is costing their country its credibility on the global stage, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll published on April 21.
Concerns about the U.S. global credibility under Trump are shared by …

Russian attacks against Ukraine killed at least five civilians and injured at least 16 others over the past day, regional authorities reported on April 22.
Russian forces launched 54 drones from the Russian cities of Kursk, Bryansk, Millerovo, and …

The Russian demand for domestically-made cars has dropped by about half, AvtoVaz CEO Maxim Sokolov told journalists on April 21, underscoring the challenges of the Russian automotive industry.
Sokolov, the chief executive of Russia’s largest …

Russia has lost 943,060 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 22.
The number includes 1,130 casualties that Russian forces suffered over …

Russian officials discussed the possibility of reviving plans for a Trump Tower in Moscow to entice U.S. President Donald Trump to reset relations, the Moscow Times reported on April 21.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Kremlin …

Kremlin spokesman Dimitry Peskov said on April 21 that there are currently “no talks” of U.S. President Donald Trump visiting Moscow for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s May 9 Victory Parade.
Russian state media reported that Putin …

As U.S. President Donald Trump is pursuing rapprochement with Russia, the country’s embassy in Kyiv is facing internal strain.
Following the change in administration, Bridget Brink, who had been the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine since 2022, was …

On a quiet morning on April 13, Maryna Illiashenko and her 13-year-old son Kyrylo were taking a bus through the city of Sumy to see his grandmother, as they often do on Sundays.
It was a route they knew by heart — one they’d taken countless …

A partial ceasefire on energy strikes, brokered separately by the U.S. with Moscow and Kyiv last month, failed to deliver on its promise, diminishing hopes for a swift end to the war in Ukraine.
Ukraine’s government says it has recorded over thirty …

Ukraine is waiting for a “clear answer” from Russia regarding its proposal for a 30-day ceasefire on attacks against civilian infrastructure, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 21.
Zelensky proposed a ban on long-range drone and …

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) detained five individuals accused of spreading pro-Russian propaganda and publicly justifying war crimes committed by Russian forces, the agency reported on April 21.
Among those detained is a former member of …

Key developments on April 21:

Representatives from Ukraine, the United Kingdom, France, and the United States will meet in London on April 23 to continue talks on a potential ceasefire in Russia’s war against Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on April 21. …

U.S. President Donald Trump declared that Russia and Ukraine could reach a war-ending deal “this week,” as his team threatens that Washington could ditch the peace talks efforts if no step is taken in the near future.
“Both will then …

U.S. President Donald Trump said there is a “very good” chance of a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, he told reporters during an Easter event at the White House on April 21.
“I will be giving you full details over the next three …

The global consequences of the U.S. recognizing Crimea as Russian territory would be “much worse than Munich in 1938,” a Ukrainian lawmaker has told the Kyiv Independent.
The potential diplomatic move is reportedly one of several options …

UKRAINE, KHARKIV OBLAST, Apr 21 — During the "Easter ceasefire," the Russian army continued the attacks in Kharkiv Oblast, reported Ukraine's officials and military. Gwara Media talked to several brigades, stationed in different sections of the …

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere and Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg will meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on April 24, the prime minister’s office announced on April 21.
The leaders will discuss the security …

The United Kingdom will significantly ramp up domestic production of military-grade explosives to reduce its reliance on U.S. and French imports, the Times reported on April 20.
The effort is part of a wider trend among European and other allies to …

It has been nearly 100 days since Donald Trump returned to the U.S. presidency and Russian missiles continue to rain down on Ukrainian civilians. Despite Trump’s pledge to end the war on “day one,” peace is nowhere in sight. When will the …

Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, at the age of 88, in his residence in Vatican City, the Vatican news service reported.
“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was …

Ukraine is under pressure to respond this week to a U.S. proposal on concluding the war with Russia, which includes the possibility of Washington recognizing Moscow’s 2014 annexation of Crimea and barring Ukraine from NATO, the Wall Street Journal …

A Moscow court has found Google, owned by U.S. tech giant Alphabet, guilty of disclosing personal data of Russian servicemen killed in Ukraine, Russia’s state-run TASS news agency reported on April 21.
The ruling reportedly stems from a YouTube video …

Belarus has welcomed an Easter truce between Ukraine and Russia, the Belarusian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on April 20.
Russia declared a temporary Easter ceasefire from April 19 until midnight on April 21 despite later violating the truce …

Russia and Ukraine will be able to “do big business” with the United States if they secure a peace deal in the next week, U.S. President Donald Trump wrote in a social media post on April 20.
Trump’s comments come shortly after he …

The United States aims to secure “a full and comprehensive ceasefire” in Ukraine beyond a temporary Easter truce, a U.S. State Department spokesperson said on April 20 in a statement emailed to Reuters.
Russian President Vladimir Putin …

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s declaration of a temporary ceasefire on the Easter holiday amount to little more than “a media stunt,” Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said on April 20.
Putin announced on April 19 that an …
The "Easter ceasefire," as Ukrainian analyst Oleksandr Kovalenko suggests, aims to maintain Washington's favorable stance while preparing for renewed offensives. Despite Russian President Vladimir Putin announcing this ceasefire, Russian forces have …

Iran and the United States have agreed to begin drafting a framework for a potential nuclear agreement, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi announced on April 19 following four hours of indirect talks in Rome. A U.S. official confirmed the …

Ukrainian diplomat Andrii Melnyk has called on Germany’s incoming chancellor, Friedrich Merz, to fulfill his campaign promise and immediately deliver 150 Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, alongside a broader set of decisive actions to stop Russia’s …

The foreign ministries of the United Kingdom and Italy urged Russia to accept an unconditional ceasefire in separate statements on April 19, hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a temporary truce over Easter weekend.
Putin said he …

Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, could legally suspend martial law if the war with Russia ends by August 2025, Defense Committee Secretary Roman Kostenko said in an interview with New Voice (NV).
President Volodymyr Zelensky first …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a temporary ceasefire on the Easter weekend, ordering a halt to all military action from 6 p.m. Moscow time on April 19 until midnight on April 21.
Putin …

Russian attacks across Ukrainian regions injured at least six civilians over the past day, local authorities reported on April 19.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia deployed eight missiles of different types, and 87 long-range drones – 33 …

U.S. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, a pro-Ukraine Republican representing Pennsylvania, visited Ukrainian troops near the front line on April 18, following his meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv.
“These are amazing soldiers, the …

Blackouts have been reported in Sumy oblast after Russian strikes near Konotop and surrounding settlements on April 18.
The attacks come shortly after Moscow announced an end to the partial ceasefire on energy infrastructure strikes in effect between …

The United States is prepared to recognize Russia’s control over Crimea as part of a broader peace agreement between Moscow and Kyiv, Bloomberg reported on April 18, citing people familiar with the matter.
The potential concession signals President …

As U.S. officials continue to push for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, five Ukrainian territories have emerged as a central focus — and sticking point — in the negotiations.
“This peace deal is about these so-called five territories,” U.S. …

With the start of Donald Trump’s second term in office, NATO finds itself on shaky ground — reports that the U.S. president might cut the alliance’s funding do little to ease fears.
A leaked White House memo revealed plans to slash the …

Key developments on April 18:

Washington is ready to cease its mediation efforts to end Russia’s war against Ukraine if one of the sides “makes it very difficult” to settle, U.S. President Donald Trump told journalists on April 18.
“If for some reason one …

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on April 18 that there had been progress in peace talks but added that the one-month period for a ban on energy infrastructure strikes had expired.
He did not elaborate on whether Russia is planning to resume …
The Kremlin announced that the month's ceasefire on Russian strikes targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure has expired, yet Russian President Vladimir Putin has not issued new orders,said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
"The month has indeed …

U.S. proposals for a peace deal to end Russia’s war against Ukraine would leave the occupied territories under Russian control and ease sanctions against Moscow, Bloomberg reported on April 18, citing unnamed European officials.
The reports came …

The United States remains hopeful that Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine can be brought to an end, U.S. Vice President JD Vance said during a visit to Italy on April 18, Reuters reported.
“I want to update the prime minister ( …

A new round of negotiations on the minerals agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine will begin in Washington on April 24, Deputy Economy Minister and Trade Representative Taras Kachka said, Ukrinform reported.
The talks follow the signing of a …

Ukraine has repatriated the bodies of 909 soldiers killed in the war with Russia, Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of POWs announced on April 18.
These included service members killed in the Kurakhove, Pokrovsk, Bakhmut, …

U.S. officials told European counterparts during meetings in Paris on April 17 that they aim to secure a full ceasefire in Ukraine within weeks, Bloomberg reported, citing undisclosed sources.
The effort marks a renewed push by the administration of …

China’s Foreign Ministry on April 18 dismissed President Volodymyr Zelensky’s accusation that Beijing is supplying weapons to Russia, calling the claim “groundless,” Reuters reported.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian …

The Ukrainian government on April 18 published the text of a recently signed memorandum outlining a pending minerals agreement with the United States.
The memorandum says that the future deal lays the foundation for establishing a joint reconstruction …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
The U.S. will cease its attempts to negotiate a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia in the following days if there is no signal that an agreement is reachable, U.S. Secretary of …

A full ceasefire in Ukraine is “unrealistic,” Russia’s U.N. Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya said during an April 17 briefing, challenging diplomatic efforts to halt the fighting.
The statement came more than a month after Ukraine agreed …

The U.S. and Ukraine have signed a memorandum of understanding on a minerals deal that is yet to be finalized, Deputy Prime Minister and Economic Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko said on April 17.
U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators have made “significant …

The U.S. has provided Ukraine, Russia, and Europe with “outlines of a durable and lasting peace,” U.S. State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said on April 17.
The U.S. and Ukraine have signed a memorandum of understanding on a minerals …

U.S. President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met in Washington on April 17 to discuss a “just and lasting peace” for Ukraine and U.S. tariffs imposed on the EU.
“We have been defending the freedom of Ukraine …

President Volodymyr Zelensky reacted on April 17 to U.S. President Donald Trump’s characterization of a deadly Russian missile strike on Sumy as a “mistake,” pointing to the deliberate nature of the strike that killed at least 35 civilians.
Zelensky …

Ukraine and the U.S. may sign a minerals deal on April 24, U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters on April 17.
“We have a minerals deal, which I guess is going to be signed on Thursday, next Thursday,” Trump said during a press …

Zaporizhzhia — During what would usually be evening rush hour in Zaporizhzhia, cars move easily through main streets that were once choked with traffic. As the shadows grow longer, soldiers calmly remove camouflage netting from the air defense …

President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff of spreading Russian propaganda and overstepping his authority by discussing Ukrainian territory in back-channel peace talks with Moscow.
Speaking during a press briefing in …

The Russian ruble has posted the world’s strongest gains against the U.S. dollar in 2025, surpassing traditional safe-haven assets like gold, Bloomberg reported on April 15.
According to Bloomberg’s calculations, the ruble has appreciated …

U.S. President Donald Trump’s candidate for the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, Ed Martin, appeared more than 150 times on Russian state-run propaganda outlets RT and Sputnik between 2016 and 2024, the Washington Post reported on …

Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov arrived in Paris on April 17 to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine and meet visiting U.S. officials.
“As part of the visit, a series …

Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 16 lauded U.S. tech billionaire Elon Musk as a trailblazing visionary, comparing him to legendary Ukraine-born Soviet rocket scientist Serhii Korolov during a speech at Bauman Moscow State Technical …

The EU has shelved the idea of banning Russian liquified natural gas (LNG) imports due to opposition from some members and uncertainty about alternative supplies, Reuters reported on April 16, citing undisclosed EU officials.
This means that …

Russian independent media outlet, Mediazona, in collaboration with the BBC Russian service, has confirmed the identities of 101,833 Russian military personnel killed in Ukraine.
Mediazona’s latest report covers the period of February 24, 2022 …

U.S. President Donald Trump has extended sanctions on Russian and Russian-affiliated vessels, according to a U.S. Federal Register document released on April 15 and scheduled for publication on April 17.
Trump has “been continually …

Key developments on April 16:

The European Union is considering sending “military advisors” to Ukraine to organize training for the Ukrainian military, European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper said on April 16 at a press briefing in Brussels.
Hipper’s …

Russia has violated a partial ceasefire covering energy infrastructure more than 30 times since it was agreed in March, targeting critical infrastructure across Ukraine, a Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on April 16.
“We regularly send …

As the United States and Iran engage in renewed nuclear negotiations, the shadow of Ukraine looms large over Tehran’s strategic considerations. Recent indirect talks in Muscat, Oman — facilitated by Omani intermediaries — mark a significant …
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has suggested using EU financial resources and frozen Russian assets to purchase hundreds of Patriot missiles from the United States, reports Germany’s Bild, emphasizing that former U.S. President Donald Trump …

The American and Russian delegations that just met in Istanbul had made it clear that they were there to discuss the normalization of their diplomatic missions’ work, not the war in Ukraine. But such engagement is a clear corollary to U.S. President …

U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators have made “significant progress” in talks on a minerals deal, which will be concluded in the “near future,” Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko said on April 16. …

The Danish Armed Forces plan to send unarmed troops to Ukraine for short-term training courses to study the country’s drone warfare tactics, Major General Peter Boysen, Denmark’s commander-in-chief, told state broadcaster TV 2 on April …

The Italian government has transferred the first 25 million euros ($28.3 million) installment to help rebuild Ukraine’s war-damaged energy infrastructure, the Italian Embassy in Ukraine told the Kyiv Independent on April 16.
The funds are part …

Some Trump administration officials are dissatisfied with European countries' ongoing support for Ukraine, underscoring the growing rift between Washington and Europe, the Economist reported on April 15, citing undisclosed diplomatic sources. …

The Trump administration has lowered the payback for the provided aid it seeks under a minerals agreement with Ukraine from $300 billion to $100 billion, Bloomberg reported on April 16, citing undisclosed sources.
The news comes following technical …

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 15 that negotiations on a key minerals agreement with the U.S. are progressing positively, following a round of technical consultations held in Washington on April 11.
Speaking alongside NATO Secretary …

Economic partnerships with the United States could provide Russia with an incentive to end the full-scale war against Ukraine, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said at a briefing on April 15.
Leavitt’s comments come shortly after …

Poland and the Baltic states would be the “first to suffer” in a direct conflict between NATO and the Russian Federation, Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) Director Sergey Naryshkin said on April 15.
The nations along …

After Russia launched a missile strike at the city of Sumy on Palm Sunday — killing 35 civilians, including children, and injuring over 100 others — U.S. President Donald Trump wrote off the attack as a “mistake.”
“I think it was terrible, and I …

Key developments on April 15:

Editor’s note: We asked members of the Kyiv Independent community to share the questions they have about the war. Here’s what they asked and how we answered.
Join our community to ask a question in the next round.
Question: Is Ukraine …

The Kremlin sees no “clear outlines” of an agreement with the United States on the war in Ukraine, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on April 15, according to Russian state news agency TASS.
Peskov’s remarks follow a meeting between U.S. Special …

The U.S. has told the other G7 members it would not support a joint statement condemning Russia’s deadly attack on Sumy last week so as not to disrupt peace efforts, Bloomberg reported on April 15, citing undisclosed sources.
Russia launched the …

EU legal experts are exploring a potential method of preventing Hungary from derailing the extension of sanctions imposed on Russia this July, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported on April 15.
The European bloc has adopted 16 packages of sanctions …

Poland and Czechia are spearheading efforts to restrict the free movement of Russian diplomats within the Schengen Area, citing concerns over espionage and sabotage, Polish media Rzeczpospolita reported on April 15, citing undisclosed officials.
The …

Ukrainian forces have recaptured the village of Dniproenerhiia in Donetsk Oblast’s Volnovakha district and advanced in two key front-line sectors in the past two months, Lieutenant General Serhii Naiev, commander of the Vuhledar tactical group, …

The European Commission will present by May 6 a long-awaited roadmap detailing how the EU will phase out Russian fossil fuel imports, Reuters reported on April 14.
The strategy, originally scheduled for release last month, was postponed amid growing …

U.S. Vice President JD Vance on April 15 pushed back against criticism from President Volodymyr Zelensky, saying it was “absurd” to accuse Washington of siding with Russia, Reuters reported.
“I think it’s sort of absurd for …

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said on April 14 that his recent talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin were “compelling” and centered around a possible peace deal based on the status of “five territories."
Witkoff, who …

U.S. President Donald Trump’s White House is proposing dramatic cuts to the U.S. State Department’s budget, including halting nearly all funding to NATO, the U.N., and over 20 other international organizations, the Washington Post …

U.S. President Donald Trump on April 14 dismissed President Volodymyr Zelensky’s request to buy Patriot air defense systems, accusing him of “always looking to purchase missiles” while falsely blaming Kyiv for instigating the war …

Total assistance allocated by Europe to Ukraine since 2022 stands at 138 billion euros ($157 billion), 23 billion euros ($26 billion) more than the U.S., according to an April 15 report by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy’s Ukraine Aid …

Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives introduced new legislation on April 15 to boost support for Ukraine in its war with Russia, in what sources familiar with the effort told Reuters was another attempt to press the Trump administration for …

In Russian politics, all eyes are focused on one man: Russian President Vladimir Putin. But as ceasefire talks continue, the world’s attention has also been drawn to those sent forward to do the Kremlin’s bidding — whether at the …

Key developments on April 14:
In a recent CBS News 60 Minutes interview, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was said to discuss the death toll of Ukrainian troops during the ongoing war. However, according to Presidential Spokesman Sergey Nikiforov, the Ukrainian leader did …
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov laid accusations at Ukraine's door for breaching an agreed pause on energy-related attacks, attributing the blame to Ukrainian leadership under President Zelensky. The Russian government suggests growing tensions …

A number of energy companies in France and Germany are considering resuming gas supplies from Russia, Reuters reported on April 14.
Following the outbreak of the full-scale war in 2022, the European Union has restricted energy imports from Russia, …

The supply of long-range German Taurus missiles to Ukraine will lead to an “inevitable escalation,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on April 14, according to the Russian news agency Interfax.
Peskov’s statement comes as …

Ukraine is designing its own strategic-level air defense system, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced on April 14 during a speech at the EU Foreign Ministers Council meeting.
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Ukrainian officials have …

Ukraine has invited top European Union officials to visit Kyiv on May 9 in a symbolic move to counter Russian President Vladimir Putin’s annual Victory Day parade in Moscow, Politico reported on April 14, citing Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.

Ukraine submitted a set of proposals to the U.S. during technical consultations on a key minerals agreement held in Washington on April 11, Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna confirmed on April 14.
“This is a positive sign in itself that …

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent talks with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff were “extremely useful,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on April 14, according to the Russian state-owned news agency TASS.
Witkoff and Putin …

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed on April 12 that NATO “lost its meaning” after the Soviet Union collapsed and “should have been dissolved,” adding that the matter is still relevant today.
Speaking at the Antalya …

Ukraine is ready to purchase 10 U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems for $15 billion to shield densely populated cities from ongoing Russian missile and drone attacks, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with CBS News released on April …

Poland’s Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski on April 14 condemned Russia’s recent deadly attacks on Ukrainian cities, accusing Moscow of mocking U.S.-led ceasefire efforts and escalating violence despite Ukraine’s commitment to peace.
“I just …

At least 40 people were killed and 141 injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine over the past day, regional officials reported on April 14, marking one of the deadliest days in recent months.
The worst death toll resulted from a Russian ballistic …

Friedrich Merz, Germany’s chancellor-in-waiting, suggested on April 13 that long-range Taurus missiles, if delivered to Ukraine, could be used to target strategic Russian military infrastructure in occupied Crimea, including the Kerch Bridge.
In an …

Hungary should hold a referendum on Ukraine’s accession to the European Union, opposition leader Peter Magyar said on April 13, pledging to restore Hungary’s credibility within NATO and the EU, Reuters reported.
Magyar, who plans to …

Russia has lost 933,980 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 14.
The number includes 1,310 casualties Russian forces suffered just over …

Russia’s attack on Sumy was “terrible,” but the U.S. should never have “allowed” Ukraine to receive billions of dollars in military aid, U.S. President Donald Trump said on April 13.
“I think it was terrible, and I …

“The security of the world is at stake” if Russia advances further, and U.S. President Donald Trump should visit Ukraine to witness Russia’s war, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with CBS News released on April 13. …

The international community must increase pressure on Russia following its deadly Palm Sunday attack on the Ukrainian city of Sumy, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his evening address April 13.
Russia attacked Sumy with ballistic missiles armed …

Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR), published the identities of the Russian military brigades responsible for the deadly attack on Sumy on April 13.
Budanov reported that the Russian 112th and 448th missile brigades …

Turkey will host a Black Sea security meeting with Russian and Ukrainian representatives on April 15-16, Turkish media outlets reported on April 13.
The meeting in Ankara will take place less than a month after the U.S. on March 25 announced an …

U.S. officials responded to Russia’s deadly Palm Sunday attack on Sumy with condolences for Ukraine, but no calls for increased pressure on Moscow.
Russia targeted Ukraine’s northeastern city of Sumy with ballistic missiles the morning of …

Key developments on April 12-13:

Russia deployed cluster munitions in its deadly Palm Sunday missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy, outgoing U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink said on April 13.
Russia attacked the northeastern city with ballistic missiles on the morning …

The burnt shell of a red bus lied in the center of Sumy after Russia launched two ballistic missiles hurtled at city on April 13 — not one passenger survived, Anna Shpurik, a journalist at local media Cukr told the Kyiv Independent following the …

Russia’s deadly Palm Sunday missile strike on the city of Sumy “crosses any line of decency,” U.S. Special Envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg said on April 13 in a post condemning the attack.
Russia launched two ballistic missiles at …

European leaders have condemned Russia’s missile attack on Ukraine’s northeastern city of Sumy that killed at least 32 people, including two children, and injured 84.
Russia on April 13 launched two ballistic missiles at the city in …

Editor’s Note: This is a developing story.
A Russian ballistic missile strike killed multiple people in the city of Sumy on the morning of Palm Sunday, Sumy Mayor Artem Kobzar reported on April 13.
There are 21 confirmed dead and at least 20 …

An explosion rocked a thermal power plant in the Russian city Orenburg, the local Emergency Services Ministry reported on April 13.
As a result, a fire broke out at a substation in the morning, leaving many local residents without power. There were no …

Russia has lost 932,670 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 13.
The number includes 1,220 casualties Russian forces suffered just over …

President Donald Trump said on April 12 that negotiations for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine were “going fine,” but emphasized that a resolution must come soon.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump added that …

U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order extending for one year the sanctions against Russia originally imposed by former President Joe Biden in April 2021 over Russia’s harmful foreign activities, according to an April 11 document from …

Iran and the U.S. held indirect talks in Oman on April 12, according to Iranian media sources.
This marks the first round of negotiations between Tehran and the current U.S. Donald Trump administration, following years of heightened tensions.
The …

A Russian drone strike killed one man and injured two others in Ukraine’s southern Kherson Oblast, according to Kherson Governor Oleksandr Prokudin.
On April 12, Russian forces attacked a civilian vehicle in the Dniprovskiy district, Prokudin said. …

It’s late in the second period of game four of the Ukrainian national hockey championship on April 2, and the upstart Kyiv Capitals, only in its second season, leads against established Hockey Club (HC) Kremenchuk and its star-studded roster. …

The editorial office of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Ukraine announced on April 11 that it was reducing its broadcasts and placing a number of it employees on leave as the U.S. government-funded media organization continues to endure …

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on April 11 that U.S. President Donald Trump has been “continually frustrated” with both Ukraine and Russia as peace talks continue to drag on.
“I think the president has …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
Russian forces launched drone attacks on Kyiv overnight on April 12, causing multiple fires and injuring at least two people, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said.
In the Darnytskyi district …

Ongoing talks between Kyiv and Washington on securing a critical minerals deal continue to be tense, with a source familiar with the discussion describing the negotiating atmosphere as “very antagonistic,” Reuters reported on April 11. …

Ukraine’s Justice Ministry has hired the American-British law firm Hogan Lovells for assistance in negotiating a critical minerals deal with the United States, according to a filing under the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).
The …

Ukraine could be partitioned into separate zones as part of a peace deal with Russia, U.S. President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, said in an interview with the Times on April 11.
Kellogg proposed establishing a …

Editor’s Note: This is a developing story.
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded their talks, which focused on the “Ukrainian settlement,” the Kremlin said on April 11.
The talks, held in …

Kyiv is prepared to purchase additional air defense systems to better protect Ukrainian cities from Russian attacks, President Volodymyr Zelensky said during his evening address on April 11.
The need for more air defenses was the focus of his address …

Key developments on April 11:

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has told President Donald Trump that giving Moscow “ownership” of four occupied Ukrainian regions would be the fastest way to achieve a ceasefire, Reuters reported on April 11, citing two unnamed U.S. …

U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on the Truth Social platform on April 11 that Russia “has to get moving” to end its war against Ukraine.
“Russia has to get moving. Too many people are dying, thousands a week, in a terrible and …
In a swift move, U.S. Special Representative Steve Witkoff is heading back to Russia for another crucial meeting with President Putin today. This development was initially reported by Axios, supported by data from the air traffic monitoring service …

Alexander Ovechkin has become the greatest goal scorer in National Hockey League (NHL) history — an extraordinary accomplishment that cements his legacy as one of hockey’s most influential figures. For fans around the world, the Washington Capitals’ …

Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff on April 11 to discuss a path toward a settlement in Ukraine, the Kremlin’s spokesperson said, according to the state-owned news agency …

The European Commission recently unveiled a plan for rearming the European Union and strengthening the bloc’s defense capabilities. By 2030, the Commission intends to arm Ukraine and develop member states’ militaries to the extent needed to deter or …

Moscow may attempt to strike some kind of a ceasefire deal with the U.S. on May 9, the day Russia celebrates victory in World War II, Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said on April 11.
“Take the Feb. 24 (when Russia launched its full-scale …

The 27th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) in Brussels on April 11 will gather representatives of some 40 countries, including the U.S., German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius told journalists.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth …

U.S. President Donald Trump could impose additional sanctions on Russia if a ceasefire with Ukraine is not reached by the end of April, Axios reported on April 11, citing an undisclosed source.
The warning follows Ukraine’s agreement to a full …

Only six countries have said so far that they are ready to deploy troops to Ukraine as part of the international “coalition of the willing” in case of a ceasefire, AFP reported on April 10, citing undisclosed European officials.
The U.K., …

Ukrainian front-line units are struggling with several German-supplied weapons systems due to technical vulnerabilities, limited spare parts availability, and complicated maintenance, the newspaper Spiegel reported on April 10, citing internal German …

Steve Witkoff, U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy for the Middle East, traveled to Russia to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 11, Axios reported, citing its source and FlightRadar data.
This would mark the third meeting …

The U.K. is weighing plans to send British troops to Ukraine for up to five years as part of a broader European-led effort to rebuild Kyiv’s military, the Telegraph reported on April 10.
Military planners in London and Paris believe such a …

A ceasefire that would put a stop to the “meatgrinder” in Ukraine is the key condition for any future discussions on the Russia-Ukraine war, U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce told journalists on April 10.
“It is a …

The European Union will dedicate 2.1 billion euros ($2.4 billion) in revenue generated from frozen assets of the Russian Central Bank to Ukraine’s defense industry, the EU’s Ambassador to Ukraine, Katarina Mathernova announced on April …

U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink is leaving her post as a result of policy disagreements with the Trump administration, the Financial Times (FT) reported on April 10.
Earlier in the day, State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce announced that …

The Council of Europe’s special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine will not try Russian President Vladimir Putin in absentia for as long as he remains in office, Euronews reported on April 10, citing unnamed European …

Troops deployed to Ukraine to monitor a potential ceasefire as part of the “coalition of the willing” will not act as a traditional peacekeepers, but as a support to Ukraine’s own forces, U.K. Defense Minister John Healy said on …

Key developments on April 10:

A Chinese soldier captured while fighting alongside Russian forces said he wants to return to China rather than go to Russia, according to a new interrogation video published on April 10 by President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Ukraine on April 8 announced …

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators introduced legislation on April 9 to intensify the enforcement of sanctions against Russia’s shadow fleet of oil tankers, seeking to crack down on oil shipments that fund Moscow’s war against Ukraine, …

U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink intends to resign from her post early, the State Department spokesperson told the Kyiv Independent.
“Ambassador Brink is stepping down after three years in Ukraine,” the spokesperson said.
U.S. …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
A Russian missile strike on the city of Dnipro killed a 42-year-old man and injured six others on April 10, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Governor Serhii Lysak reported.
“A …

Ukraine will not agree to any restrictions on its armed forces' size or combat readiness as part of negotiations with Russia, President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Deputy Chief of Staff Pavlo Palisa told Reuters in an interview published on April 10. …

This week a spotlight has once again been shone on Victoria Spartz, the Ukrainian-born Republican lawmaker who is not a stranger to controversy.
Born in Chernihiv Oblast, she moved to the U.S. in 2000. She was elected to Congress three times, in 2020, …

The U.S. State Department described the April 10 talks between Washington and Moscow in Istanbul as having a “constructive approach,” according to an official statement.
The closed-door consultations lasted approximately six hours. …

Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi has extended a public invitation to tech billionaire and senior adviser to the U.S. President Elon Musk to visit the country and see firsthand the impact of U.S. development aid, …

The Estonian parliament passed a law on April 9 that will require religious organizations to cut ties with foreign institutions that incite violence or hatred, mandating the Estonian Orthodox Church to sever its connection with the Moscow …


After a busy day at work as a software engineer, Oleg Kutkov returns to his apartment in Kyiv. He steps out onto the balcony — but not to smoke or water the flowers. Oleg’s balcony is a workshop. There, he repairs Starlink terminals damaged at the …

Dmitry Ovsiannikov, formerly a Russian-installed head of occupied Sevastopol in Crimea, was found guilty on April 9 of violating British sanctions in the first such ruling.
A London court found the 48-year-old guilty of circumventing sanctions between …

When U.S. President Donald Trump paused military aid to Ukraine last month, the man described as his “spiritual advisor,” Pastor Mark Burns, backed the decision.
This week, Burns is urging him to send Kyiv more tanks, fighter jets, and air …

The following is the April 9, 2025 edition of our Ukraine Business Roundup weekly newsletter. To get the biggest news in business and tech from Ukraine directly in your inbox, subscribe here.
President Trump shocked the world on April 2 when he …

The effort of the British- and French-led “coalition of the willing” to provide security guarantees to Ukraine faces delays due to missing commitments from the U.S., Bloomberg reported on April 9, citing undisclosed sources.
The coalition …

Foreign companies that left Russia and financed Ukraine’s army, as well as companies branded as “foreign agents,” will not be allowed to return to the country’s market, Russian state-controlled RBC news agency reported on …

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will join the upcoming Ramstein-format meeting through a video conference despite earlier rumors he might skip the summit entirely, Defense News reported on April 8, citing U.S. and European official sources.
The …

Ukraine will begin technical consultations with the U.S. on the minerals agreement on April 11, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and Justice Minister Olha Stefanishyna said, as reported by Interfax-Ukraine on April 10. …

U.S. and Russian delegations have begun another round of talks regarding the work of embassies at the Russian Consulate in Istanbul on April 10, Russian state-controlled news agency TASS reported.
The consultations between Washington and Moscow will …

Moscow is using its negotiator, Kirill Dmitriev, to lead discussions with the U.S. on resource development and a partial unblocking of frozen Russian assets, President Volodymyr Zelensky told journalists on April 9.
Dmitriev, who heads the …

Key developments on April 9:

Ukraine is open to signing a minerals deal with the United States, but only if it ensures equal partnership and respects Ukrainian sovereignty, President Volodymyr Zelensky told journalists on April 9.
Zelensky said the Ukrainian government welcomes …

Ukraine is ready to pay up to $50 billion for a future military aid package from the U.S., President Volodymyr Zelensky told journalists on April 9.
Zelensky’s statement came as future U.S. aid to Kyiv remains uncertain amid President Donald …

At least 163 Chinese nationals are serving in Russia’s Armed Forces as of early April, according to Ukrainian intelligence documents seen by the Kyiv Independent on April 9.
“There are 155 Chinese citizens who are fighting against …

EU member states backed the introduction of trade countermeasures against the U.S. on April 9 in response to Washington’s recent tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum, the European Commission announced.
In mid-March, U.S. President Donald …

Ukraine is ready to negotiate with the U.S. the lifting of all tariffs on American goods, Deputy Economy Minister and Trade Representative Taras Kachka told Ukrainska Pravda in an interview published on April 8.
Kachka said Ukraine was prepared to …

Russian Major General Ivan Popov, the former commander of the 58th Combined Arms Army suspected of large-scale fraud, signed a contract with the Russian Defense Ministry to go fight in Ukraine, pro-state outlet Kommersant reported on April 9.
Popov is …

European allies have urged the U.S. to coordinate any reduction of its military presence on the continent, warning that an uncoordinated withdrawal could destabilize NATO’s eastern defenses, Bloomberg reported on April 9, citing undisclosed …

The EU is allocating another financial assistance tranche of 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) as part of the G7 loan program for Ukraine, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced on April 9.
“We are grateful to our partners for supporting the …

U.S. military assistance to Kyiv has decreased, with European countries now providing the main portion of aid, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said in an interview with the LB.UA outlet published on April 9.
Washington has been Kyiv’s …

U.S. President Donald Trump has inadvertently hit Russia’s economy after his “Liberation Day” tariffs caused oil prices to drop drastically on April 7, with potentially massive ramifications for the Kremlin’s ability to fund its …

Russian offensive operations across the front line in Ukraine have intensified just as Washington is pushing for a truce, CNN reported on April 9, citing Ukraine’s General Staff and soldiers.
The news comes as Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr …

There is unfortunately absolutely nothing good to say about the announcements U.S. President Donald Trump made during his recent “Liberation Day” event in the White House Rose Garden. Try as one might to “sane-wash” Trump’s economic policies, there …

U.S. President Donald Trump’s radical changes to U.S. foreign policy have led many to suspect that he wants to align America more with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the long term. The expectation now is that the United States, China, and …

Russia’s new spring offensive against Ukraine “has actually already begun,” Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said in an interview with the LB.UA outlet published on April 9.
Syrskyi’s comments come after President Volodymyr …

The United States has not made a final decision on reducing its military presence in Europe, the Pentagon press office told Polish broadcaster TVP Info on April 8.
“No decision has been made yet,” the Pentagon said. “The U.S. …

More than 30 Ukrainian-American and Ukrainian-Canadian groups are urging the National Hockey League (NHL) to reject the idea of organizing matches against teams from Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).
In a letter sent on April 7 to NHL …

U.S. Congressional Representative Victoria Spartz issued a statement on April 8 in response to media coverage of her comments on the war in Ukraine.
The Ukrainian-born lawmaker stirred controversy called on President Volodymyr Zelensky to and …

Key developments on April 8:

Following weeks of loud statements and attempts at diplomacy, the lack of clarity feels unsettling.
Ukraine had agreed to a full ceasefire and got nothing in return. Russia had refused to comply. Over the past week, Russia further escalated its …

He’s been “pissed off,” “not happy,” and “very angry,” but so far, U.S. President Donald Trump is yet to take any concrete action to force Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to a full ceasefire.
Trump …
Editor’s Note: Read this – and all of our – breaking news alerts by upgrading to a paid subscription!
The Ukrainian military has captured two Chinese citizens who were fighting in the Russian army. This happened in the Donetsk region, …

The U.S. Army Europe and Africa Command announced on April 8 that American personnel and equipment will be relocated from Poland’s Jasionka Airport, a key logistics hub for delivering military aid to Ukraine.
“The important work of …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
Ukrainian troops have captured two Chinese nationals who were fighting in the ranks of the Russian military against Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 8.
“We …

Senior U.S. Defense Department officials are considering withdrawing up to 10,000 troops from Eastern Europe, NBC News reported on April 8, citing six U.S. and European officials briefed on the discussions.
The move would scale back the temporary …

Valerii Zaluzhnyi, former commander-in-chief and current ambassador to the U.K., described the joint Ukrainian-U.S. headquarters in Wiesbaden, Germany, as a “secret weapon” for planning military operations during the war.
“This …

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry has hit back at remarks from a Ukrainian-born U.S. lawmaker who said Kyiv should cede territory to Russia, and President Volodymyr Zelensky should resign.
In an interview with the Telegraph published on April 7, …

U.S. President Donald Trump said he was “not happy” with Russia’s intensified attacks on Ukraine, while speaking during an Oval Office meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on April 7.
“I’m not happy …

U.S. President Donald Trump said on April 7 that direct talks between the United States and Iran are underway to discuss Iran’s nuclear program.
Speaking at a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump announced that a …

The U.S. did not impose tariffs on Russia, despite imposing tariffs on over 180 different countries and territories, because “we’re not doing business” with Russia, U.S. President Donald Trump said on April 7.
The White House imposed …

In a way unseen since the start of the full-scale invasion, the daily grind of the front line in Russia’s war against Ukraine has taken the back seat in world headlines.
The dizzying U.S. President Donald Trump-led attempts to negotiate peace in …

Key developments on April 7:

If elected president, former Prime Minister Victor Ponta told Reuters he will ban the export of Ukrainian grain through the country’s Black Sea ports to protect local farmers.
Bucharest plays a crucial role in Ukrainian exports amid …

The European Union has not yet had a discussion with the U.S. about any easing of sanctions imposed on Russia as part of a potential ceasefire deal, David O’Sullivan, the bloc’s sanctions envoy, said in an interview with Bloomberg TV, …

The space for civil society and a free press is shrinking dramatically after U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration launched a war against American aid, which had long supported crucial social initiatives and journalism in countries in need. …

Victoria Spartz — the only Ukrainian-born member of the U.S. Congress — has said Ukraine should cede land to Russia, and its people should demand the resignation of President Volodymyr Zelensky.
In an interview with the Telegraph published on April 7, …

Russia’s now weeks-long refusal to agree to a full ceasefire in Ukraine continued on April 7, with the Kremlin falling back on debunked tropes about “extremist nationalists” in order to justify continuing the war.
Ukraine has already …

Eleven years ago, Russia seized Ukrainian territory by force. Three years ago, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Today, Ukraine faces a new threat to its sovereignty: U.S. President Donald Trump’s demand that the country hand over a …

The migrant crisis on the Poland-Belarus border is escalating with “increasing brutality,” the Polish Border Guard and Polish media reported on April 5.
Tensions between Poland, a NATO country, and Russian ally Belarus have surged …

Russian troops are stepping up efforts to gain territory on the western bank of the Oskil River, launching intensified assaults in the Kupiansk direction, Kharkiv Oblast, Ukraine’s military said April 7.
Kupiansk has remained a focal point of military …

Ukraine has no viable alternative to Elon Musk’s Starlink network for secure satellite communications, Eutelsat CEO Eva Berneke told Politico on April 7, despite ongoing efforts to build up alternative capacity.
Berneke acknowledged that …

Republican voters are increasingly opposed to sending military aid to Ukraine, according to a Wall Street Journal poll published April 6, highlighting a growing divide in the U.S. along party lines.
The poll found 83% of Democratic voters support …

Poland has condemned Russia’s continued strikes on Ukrainian cities, saying that Moscow’s actions prove it seeks “further war, not peace,” the Polish Foreign Ministry said in a statement on April 6.
"Poland strongly …

Russia claimed on March 6 that its forces had seized the village of Basivka in Sumy Oblast, but Ukraine’s State Border Guard Service denied the report, describing it as part of a “disinformation campaign."
The Russian Defense Ministry …

Russia has lost 925,020 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 7.
This number includes 1,350 casualties Russian forces suffered just over …

U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his call for a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war on April 6, urging Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop the violence.
“We are talking to Russia. We would like them to stop,” Trump told …

A U.S. citizen awaiting trial in Moscow has been forcibly placed in a psychiatric hospital, according to Russian state media reports on April 6.
Joseph Tater, 46, was arrested in August 2024 after being accused of assaulting a police officer during …

Russian sensors, believed to be part of an effort to spy on the U.K.’s nuclear submarines, have been discovered concealed in the waters surrounding Britain, the Sunday Times reported on April 5.
The U.K. military has discovered several of these …

White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said on April 6 that Russia was excluded from the U.S. tariff list due to ongoing peace negotiations with Ukraine.
In an interview with ABC News, Hassett explained that U.S. President Donald …

Kremlin negotiator Kirill Dmitriev announced on April 6 that new contacts between Russia and the United States could take place as early as next week.
Dmitriev, in an interview with Russia’s state-controlled TV Channel One, expressed “cautious …

Intercepted calls released by Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) suggest a Russian commander losing his temper and ordering his soldiers to shoot at their own comrades in a neighbouring unit.
“Fk the 55th (an adjacent Russian unit), …

A U.S. neo-Nazi terrorist group with links to Russia is offering locals payment to carry out attacks, the Guardian reported on April 5.
Russia actively tries to recruit civilians in Ukraine to spy on military targets and carry out terrorist attacks …

The minerals deal between Ukraine and the U.S. is a “win-win,” but has been thrown off by Ukrainian leadership, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent claimed in an interview released on April 4 with U.S. far-right political commentator …
#HandsOff2025 Live www.youtube.com/live/ZB2D…

President Volodymyr Zelensky had met on April 5 with British Admiral Antony Radakin and French General Thierry Burkhard who head the Defence Staff of their respective countries.
“There is tangible progress and initial details on how the partner …

Ukraine is reportedly investigating the source of a leaked draft of the minerals deal with the U.S.
The administration of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has directed the security services to find the leakers, the Financial Times reports.
The …

After convening in Brussels on April 3 and 4, NATO’s representatives are demanding an immediate response from Russian President Vladimir Putin to a ceasefire deal that the U.S. and Ukraine have already agreed to.
“Today, Russia owes an answer …

Kremlin negotiator Kirill Dmitriev has been visiting not only the United States but several other countries in an effort to unlock frozen Russian assets, President Volodymyr Zelensky said at a briefing on April 4.
Since 2022, G7 nations have frozen …

The Trump administration acknowledged on April 4 that it had mistakenly informed some Ukrainian refugees their legal status in the U.S. was being revoked and that they needed to leave immediately, CBS News reported.
The Department of Homeland …

Europe must establish a clear roadmap in coordination with the United States to gradually take on more of the continent’s defense responsibilities, Finland’s Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen told the Financial Times (FT).
Hakkanen noted that Europe …

Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, has become a key figure in the Kremlin’s outreach to the Trump administration.
Russian President Vladimir Putin appointed the 49-year-old Kyiv native as special envoy for economic …

Key developments on April 4:

The future of Harvard’s Ukrainian Research Institute (HURI) publishing program is in jeopardy, as it has become the latest target of sweeping grant cuts under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.
The National Endowment for the Humanities …

Any peace deal between Ukraine and Russia will be “difficult to digest,” but it is preferable to continued war, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told Reuters on April 4.
“It will be extremely difficult to digest any …

Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan signed a law on April 4 to formally begin Armenia’s accession process to the European Union, Armenia’s presidential press service announced.
The document does not mean immediate accession, but …
Ukraine is currently conducting domestic procedures to finalize a minerals agreement with the United States, said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha as reported by Suspline.
Currently, the document is under review to ensure it aligns with …

The U.S. will know within weeks whether Russia is serious about a peace deal with Ukraine, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on April 4, Reuters reported.
“We will know soon enough, in a matter of weeks, not months, whether Russia is serious …

U.S. President Donald Trump will attend the NATO summit in The Hague in June, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said on April 4, Reuters reported.
The announcement follows comments from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said Trump is …

Ukraine is conducting an internal audit regarding the minerals deal with the U.S, analyzing its compliance with the Ukrainian Constitution, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha told Suspilne on April 4.
The news comes after Washington and Kyiv reportedly …

Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump are not scheduled to have a phone conversation in the coming days, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on April 4, the state news agency TASS reported.
Earlier in the day, Politico …

The U.S. is waiting for Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev to report to Russian President Vladimir Putin before taking any next steps in peace talks, Bloomberg reported on April 4, citing a person familiar with the discussions.
Dmitriev met with U.S. …

Tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump could seriously hit the U.S. defense industry, complicating international cooperation and increasing the cost of manufacturing military equipment, Politico reported on April 4.
Trump unveiled a sweeping …

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen slammed the U.S. on April 3 for its repeated threats to take over Greenland.
“You cannot annex another country… Not even with an argument about international security,” Frederiksen said on …

U.S. President Donald Trump’s inner circle opposes him making phone calls to Russian President Vladimir Putin, NBC News reported on April 3, citing two unnamed officials.
On March 30, Trump said he is “very angry” at Putin but plans …

The United States and Russia have made “significant progress” towards a ceasefire in the war in Ukraine, Kremlin negotiator Kirill Dmitriev said on April 3 following talks with officials at the White House.
“Significant progress has …

Key developments on April 3:

U.S. President Donald Trump on April 2 unleashed what he has dubbed “Liberation Day,” imposing tariffs on nearly every country in the world — including war-torn Ukraine.
Kyiv got off lighter than most with only a 10% tariff on all …

Amid the drama and turmoil created by Donald Trump’s second presidency, three Yale University professors last week announced they would be leaving the U.S. for Canada over concerns about the increasingly authoritarian direction their country is …

Russian oil and gas revenue fell by 17% year-on-year in March to 1.08 trillion rubles ($12.8 billion), as forced discounts on crude and a stronger ruble hit budget inflows, the Moscow Times reported on April 3, citing Russia’s Finance Ministry …

The following is the April 1, 2025 edition of our Ukraine Business Roundup weekly newsletter. To get the biggest news in business and tech from Ukraine directly in your inbox, subscribe here.
Washington proudly announced on March 25 that it had …

NATO can play a key role in assisting the proposed European military mission to guarantee a peaceful settlement in Ukraine, the Financial Times (FT) reported on April 3, citing unnamed officials.
The proposal for an international peacekeeping force …

A fire broke out at one of Russia’s largest shipyards in the northwestern city of Petrozavodsk on April 3, with three people reported injured.
A gas explosion likely started the blaze at the Onega Shipbuilding and Repair Plant’s new …

U.S. President Donald Trump has made clear he supports NATO, and the U.S. remains an active member of the alliance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on April 3 as NATO foreign ministers gather in Brussels.
“As we speak right now, the United …

Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev confirmed that he had arrived in Washington to meet with U.S. officials on behalf of Russian President Vladimir Putin between April 2 and 3.
Dmitriev, who heads the state-controlled Russian Direct Investment Fund, …

The Trump administration’s latest tariffs are likely to be “difficult, but not critical” for Ukraine’s economy, Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko said on April 3, voicing hope for hammering out more favorable conditions with …

A delegation from Ukraine will arrive in the U.S. at the end of this week or early next week to discuss the minerals agreement, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Bloomberg on April 2.
The news comes after Washington and Kyiv reportedly …

U.S. Defense Secretary Peter Hegseth will not take part in the Ramstein-format meeting of Ukraine’s partners next week, Defense News magazine reported on April 2, citing undisclosed official sources.
This would make the April 11 summit in …

The U.K. has begun floating plans to European allies to establish a joint European military fund for the purchase of military equipment and weaponry as a means to rearm Europe, the Financial Times (FT) reported on April 2.
The “non-paper” …

Kyiv will received $432 million in funding to assist with the restoration of transport infrastructure damaged during the war, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced on April 2.
The funding agreement, signed between Ukraine’s Development Ministry …

U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, told Fox News on April 2 that the United States aims to secure a full ceasefire in the ongoing war.
The countries are already approaching a ceasefire point, according to …

U.S. President Donald Trump on April 2 announced a 10% baseline tariff on all imports into the country, along with higher rates for dozens of countries that maintain trade surpluses with the United States.
He claimed the measure would ultimately …

Russia’s State Duma approved in the first reading a package of three bills tightening control over dissent and expanding state repression, Russian independent news outlet Meduza reported on April 2.
The proposed laws broaden the definition of …

Retired Lieutenant General Dan Caine, U.S. President Donald Trump’s nominee for the chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, underscored the importance of U.S. military support for Ukraine in a Senate confirmation hearing on April 1.
Caine …

Senior Trump administration officials have been discussing in recent days that Washington may not be able to broker a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine in the coming months, Reuters reported on April 1, citing two undisclosed U.S. officials.
The …

Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, in Washington this week, CNN reported on April 1, citing an undisclosed U.S. official and two other sources.
The …

A minerals deal that Ukraine and the U.S. are negotiating does not mention Ukraine’s potential NATO membership, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 1.
“As for this agreement and the NATO question, there is no mention of NATO in this …

Moscow will not accept U.S. proposals to end Russia’s war against Ukraine in their “current form,” Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said in an interview released on April 1.
“As far as we can see, there is no …

Key developments on April 1:

Russia’s war against Ukraine is a continuation of Moscow’s centuries-long goal to obliterate Ukrainian culture and statehood. Over the past three decades, however, the United States has, through missteps and inaction, emboldened Russia’s aggression …

As Ukraine’s seven-month-long incursion into Russia’s Kursk Oblast came to what appears to be its end, Ukrainian soldiers and military experts are questioning the operation’s goal and the long-term effect it will have on the war. …

Ukraine’s allies must impose stricter measures on Russia “sooner than later” to prevent Moscow from dragging out peace talks and escalating its demands, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys told The Kyiv Independent on April …
Ukraine aims to formulate a new mineral agreement that aligns with the national interests of both nations. Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha confirmed that Ukraine has initiated a first round of consultations with American counterparts regarding a new …

The European Commission transferred 3.5 billion euros ($3.77 billion) to Ukraine on April 1 under the Ukraine Facility program, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced on X.
Shmyhal said the funds would support Ukraine’s macroeconomic stability, …

Indian refiners are seeking new suppliers of crude oil after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose new sanctions on Russia, Bloomberg reported on April 1.
India, now the biggest importer of Russian oil, benefits from discounted grades like …

A minibus carrying Ukrainian citizens was involved in a fatal accident in the Neunkirchen district of Lower Austria, killing four people and injuring four others, Austrian public broadcaster ORF reported on April 1.
The accident occurred at about 6:20 …

Russia takes U.S. proposals for a ceasefire in Ukraine “seriously” but cannot accept them “as they are now,” Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said in an interview with Russian magazine International Affairs …

Ukraine received the text of the U.S.’s expanded deal on mineral resources on March 28 and carried out the first round of consultations with U.S. partners, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on April 1.
"Ukraine was ready to sign the …

Around 73% of Ukrainians believe that U.S. President Donald Trump is bad for Ukraine, a major spike from December 2024, when only 21% saw him negatively, a survey by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) published on April 1 said.
Last …

There are no ongoing preparations for elections, as all parties agree that the next vote can be held only after the lifting of martial law, Davyd Arakhamia, the parliamentary leader of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Servant of the People party, told …

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Brussels between April 2 and 4 to discuss a path toward peace in Ukraine and NATO’s priorities, the State Department announced on March 31.
“In Brussels, Secretary Rubio will attend the …

U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz has created and hosted multiple sensitive national-security conversations on Signal with cabinet members, including those on peace between Russia and Ukraine, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on March …

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s calls to establish a temporary government in Ukraine to replace President Volodymyr Zelensky were “not appreciated” by U.S. President Donald Trump, a State Department spokesperson said on March 31. …

U.S. President Donald Trump threatened on March 31 to impose secondary tariffs on Russian oil exports if Russian President Vladimir Putin does not “make a deal” to end the war in Ukraine.
“I want to see (Putin) make a deal, so that …

President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer about coordinating steps for Ukraine’s security, including a future meeting about peacekeeping troops, in a phone call on March 31.
Starmer, along with French President …

U.S. President Donald Trump has “expressed displeasure” with both Russian and Ukrainian leaders amid efforts to secure a ceasefire in the full-scale war, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on March 31.
Leavitt’s …

Key developments on March 31:

With much fanfare, the U.S. on March 25 announced it had brokered an agreement between Russia and Ukraine to “eliminate the use of force” in the Black Sea after two days of talks in Saudi Arabia.
But while Kyiv said it was ready to abide …

The Weimar+ group announced on March 31 that it would increase aid to Ukraine while considering additional sanctions on Russia to pressure Moscow into a ceasefire, Reuters reported.
Foreign ministers from Spain, Germany, France, Italy, Britain, and …

As the U.S. chooses an increasingly hostile posture toward Europe, the U.K. and France have been gearing up to lead the continent’s defense without Washington.
French President Emmanuel Macron has coined the term “strategic …
Reports are surfacing of behind-the-scenes negotiations between the Americans and Russians discussing the potential reactivation of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline as part of a ceasefire agreement in Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov …

The Kremlin remains willing to engage with the U.S. despite reports that President Donald Trump is “very angry” over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s latest remarks on Ukraine, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on March 31. …

Moldova expelled three Russian embassy employees on March 31, citing activities contrary to diplomatic status, the country’s Foreign Ministry announced.
The move follows reports that Moldovan lawmaker Alexandr Nesterovschi, sentenced to 12 …

Alexander Vindman served as the director of European affairs for the United States National Security Council in 2018-2020, during U.S. President Donald Trump’s first administration. The Kyiv Independent’s Kate Tsurkan sits down with …

Russia is concentrating its main offensive efforts on the Pokrovsk sector in Donetsk Oblast but is “stalling” and failing to advance, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on March 31.
Pokrovsk, situated about 70 kilometers northwest …

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) detained a group suspected of working with Russian military intelligence (GRU) to help target Russian missile strikes on Kyiv, it announced on March 31.
Three men were detained, including one Russian citizen, the …

Ukrainian and U.S. government and legal teams continue discussions on the mineral deal, a source in the Presidential Office told the Kyiv Independent on March 31 as U.S. President Donald Trump is escalating his rhetoric on the agreement.
“On …

Sweden will provide Ukraine with a military aid package worth almost $1.6 billion, Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson announced on March 31.
The latest package is Sweden’s largest tranche of military assistance since the beginning of …

Parliamentary representatives from 17 European countries and the European Parliament arrived in Kyiv on March 31, Verkhovna Rada Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk announced.
“Today, Kyiv welcomes parliamentary representatives from across Europe,” …

U.S. President Donald Trump is set to visit Saudi Arabia in mid-May for the first foreign trip of his second term, Axios reported on March 30, citing two U.S. officials and a source with knowledge of the president’s travel plans.
The specific …

A French court on March 31 found Marine Le Pen, one of the leaders of the far-right National Rally party (RN), guilty of embezzling EU funds and banned her from running for public office “with immediate effect."
Le Pen, eight RN members of …

U.S. President Donald Trump’s spiritual advisor, Pastor Mark Burns, arrived in Ukraine and visited cities in Kyiv Oblast liberated from Russian forces in 2022, Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Moshe Azman said on March 31.
Azman invited Burns to visit …

Ultranationalist Russian ideologue Alexander Dugin pinned hopes on Moscow’s relations with the U.S. under Trump’s administration in an interview with CNN aired on March 30.
Dugin, a fervent supporter of Russia’s full-scale invasion …

U.S. President Donald Trump said on March 30 that there is a “psychological deadline” for Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine, without naming a specific date.
“If I think they’re (Russia) tapping …

Russian attacks against Ukraine killed two civilians and injured 17 others over the past day, regional authorities said on March 31.
Ukrainian forces downed 57 out of 131 Shahed-type drones and decoy drones launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force …

Washington and Moscow have begun discussions on projects related to Russian rare earth minerals, said Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, in an interview with the Russian newspaper Izvestia published on March 31.
The news …

Russia has lost 915,230 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 March 31.
This number includes 1,230 casualties Russian forces suffered just over …
In 2019, the relationship between The United States and Ukraine faces one of its biggest tests during a phone call between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The resulting scandal makes Ukraine a toxic issue for some lawmakers in the US Congress, …

A hospital for injured Ukrainian soldiers in Kharkiv has resumed performing operations after the facility was hit by a Russian drone strike on March 29, the hospital announced on March 30.
The military hospital was deliberately targeted in a Russian …

President Volodymyr Zelensky is looking to back out of a critical minerals agreement with the United States, U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on March 30.
Ukrainian officials are currently reviewing the latest version …

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed their commitment to advancing a U.K.-U.S. economic prosperity deal during a call on March 30, agreeing that efforts would continue at pace in the coming days.
On Ukraine, …

Finnish President Alexander Stubb suggested that April 20 is a “good time for a complete ceasefire without any conditions” in Ukraine, Yle reported on March 30.
"Finland’s proposal is April 20. That would be a good time for a complete …

The White House dismissed nearly all staff at the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) headquarters in Washington, D.C. on March 29, the Washington Post (WP) reported.
The institute plays an active role in mediating conflicts and assisting with peace …

U.S. President Donald Trump doubled down on his intentions to acquire Greenland for the U.S. in an interview with NBC News on March 29.
“We’ll get Greenland. Yeah, 100%,” Trump said.
The comments come a day after U.S. Vice President …

Finnish President Alexander Stubb spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump about the war in Ukraine and other policy matters during a visit to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida on March 29.
Stubb’s visit was “unofficial,” …
Russia is delaying peace negotiations with Ukraine and seems to be planning a new offensive, according to statements by Grigory Karasin, the head of the Russian Federation Council's International Affairs Committee. Karasin, who participated in …

Russian negotiator Grigory Karasin cast doubt on the Trump administration’s efforts to broker a quick ceasefire in Ukraine, saying on March 28 that the talks with the U.S. may not yield decisive results this year.
Karasin led the Russian …

Strong statements made after a summit of European leaders in Paris on March 27 demonstrated two things — France and the U.K. are determined to send peacekeepers to Ukraine, but the plans are currently hostage to the whims of the Kremlin.
“You …
The Trump administration is urging Ukraine to sign an agreement that could grant Washington significant control over critical economic projects. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the proposed document, which has been sent to Kyiv, …

A U.S. judge on March 28 halted the Trump administration’s efforts to shut down Voice of America (VoA), temporarily preventing the firing of some 1,300 employees placed on leave earlier this month.
District Judge J. Paul Oetken granted a …

Ukraine is working to finalize agreements with European nations for additional military aid shipments as well as expanded intelligence sharing ahead of the next Ramstein summit, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on March 28.
The next Ramstein-format …

The State Department formally notified Congress on March 28 that it is dismantling the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and transferring some of its functions under its jurisdiction.
According to the notification, the agency, which …

Ukrainian political veterans long out of power have emerged as a new source of pressure on Ukraine’s political leadership.
Following the clash in the Oval Office between President Volodymyr Zelensky and his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump, the …

Ukraine will not sign a minerals deal with the U.S. if it threatens its accession to the European Union, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on March 28.
Zelensky’s remarks came a day after details of a new alleged draft of a mineral agreement …

Key developments on March 28:

Ukrainian, British and French general staff representatives will hold a meeting in Ukraine within a week to discuss the potential deployment of foreign troops to the country, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on March 28.
He said that other countries …

The European Union is preparing its 17th package of sanctions against Russia amid Moscow’s demands for lifting some Western restrictions as part of its ceasefire terms, EUobserver reported on March 27, citing four unnamed EU diplomats.
Following …

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on March 27 that it was premature to expect higher-level talks with Russia as the U.S. reviews Moscow’s response to efforts to end the war in Ukraine, AFP reported.
Asked if the time was right after U.S. …

The U.S. State Department announced on March 27 that it would provide short-term funding to an initiative documenting Ukrainian children abducted by Russia after White House terminated the program, Reuters reported.
The program, run by Yale …
Spoiler : #Signal isn’t “deffective”, Signal isn’t vulnerable. The Trump administration is, their phone are, their ignorance and stupidity will make them fall, push them out of the staircase, out of the window, push them on …

A temporary government should be introduced in Ukraine to hold new elections, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an address on March 27.
Russian officials have repeatedly discredited the legitimacy of President Volodymyr Zelensky and have …

The U.S. is serious about its plans to acquire Greenland, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on March 27, claiming that the idea has “historical roots."
In January, U.S. President Donald Trump refused to rule out the possibility of using …

It took the world 11 years of Russia’s war with Ukraine, including over three years of the full-scale invasion, to finally say it out loud: “We are not doing enough."
As NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte recently told U.S. President …

U.S. President Donald Trump’s stated goal of bringing a swift end to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine is looking evermore distant, with only two tentative partial ceasefires to show after several rounds of talks.
Ukraine has already …

There have been no strikes on either Russian or Ukrainian energy facilities since a partial ceasefire was reportedly agreed upon on March 25, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi confirmed on March 27.
“I can confirm that since this …

Since Ukraine launched its operation in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, Russian forces have suffered over 55,000 casualties, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on March 27.
According to Syrskyi, Ukrainian forces remain engaged in defensive operations to …

I know Ukraine. I’ve been to Ukraine. Ukraine is not perfect — neither is the United States. But in many ways, Ukraine is the United States I long for.
Not because of its suffering. Not because of its war. But because of its clarity. Because of the …

Leaders from 31 countries gathered in Paris on March 27 to coordinate military aid for Ukraine and discuss steps toward a just and lasting peace, the Ukrainian presidential office reported.
The summit, co-led by French President Emmanuel Macron and …

Some 69% of Ukrainians trust President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to a poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology published on March 27.
The results counter claims by tech billionaire Elon Musk, a close ally of U.S. President Donald …

The U.S. has finalized a minerals deal for Ukraine that could be signed next week, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Fox News on March 26.
“We have passed along a completed document for the economic partnership (that) is currently being …

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto visited Moscow on March 26 to discuss continued economic cooperation between the two countries, Bloomberg reported.
Szijjarto has made at least 13 visits to Russia in the past three years, far more than any …

As French President Emmanuel Macron hosts another Ukraine-centric summit in Paris on March 27, the main question remains open — can Europe, and France as one of its leaders, keep embattled Kyiv afloat when the U.S. walks out?
Addressing the nation on …

After three days of separate intensive discussions with the United States, Russia and Ukraine left the latest round of ceasefire talks in Saudi Arabia with agreements to declare a limited ceasefire in the Black Sea and to halt strikes against energy …

CIA Director John Ratcliffe on March 25 gave a rousing assessment of Ukraine’s desire to achieve an acceptable and lasting peace, insisting its people and armed forces would fight Russia with “their bare hands” if they had to. …

Key developments on March 26:

The Kyiv Independent’s Chris York sits down with Marty Latz, an expert negotiator who has spent decades examining the techniques U.S. President Donald Trump has used to make deals, to discuss Trump’s negotiation techniques as he tries to broker …

President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in Paris on March 26 for a meeting with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian government spokesperson Serhii Nykyforov told Suspilne.
The two presidents are expected to discuss security guarantees …
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has confirmed ongoing discussions between the US and Russia regarding the Nord Stream pipelines. In an interview with Russia’s Channel One, Lavrov remarked that it would be "interesting" if the Americans …

The Ukrainian military denied it had launched a drone attack at energy facilities in Russia and occupied Crimea after Moscow alleged Ukraine had violated a partial ceasefire agreement that included a ban of strikes against energy infrastructure. …

Russia’s “unconditional withdrawal” from Ukraine is one of the main preconditions for changing or lifting EU sanctions, European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper told Ukrainian media outlet Suspilne on March 26.
Hipper’s …

Russia launched 117 drones against Ukraine overnight on March 26, demonstrating Moscow’s intent to prolong the war, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on X.
The statement comes after the U.S. brokered a ceasefire on March 25 between Ukraine and …

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed on March 26 that resuming Russian energy supplies to Europe is in the interest of both Moscow and Washington, alleging discussions about Nord Stream pipelines, state-owned news agency TASS reported. …

At least four people were killed and six others injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine over the past day, regional officials reported on March 26.
Ukraine’s air defenses intercepted 56 of the 117 Russian drones launched overnight, including …

A U.S. federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from shutting down Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), ABC News reported on March 25.
RFE/RL, founded during the Cold War to counter Soviet propaganda, remains a key …

U.S. President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy Richard Grenell said on March 25 that the Soviet-era nuclear arsenal stationed in Ukraine after the Soviet Union’s collapse belonged to Russia, calling it an “uncomfortable fact." …

Ukrainian forces will fight even with “their bare hands” if they do not receive conditions acceptable for lasting peace, CIA Director John Ratcliffe said during a U.S. Senate hearing on March 25.
“I want to say that with regard to …

Russia may be “dragging their feet” on ending its war against Ukraine, U.S. President Donald Trump told Newsmax on March 25.
Asked by a reporter whether he believes Russia “wants to see an end” to the full-scale war, Trump said …

In his evening address on March 25, President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of manipulating the conditions it has set out in order to secure a Black Sea ceasefire agreement.
“We see how the Russians have already started to manipulate. They …

The United States is “looking at” lifting additional sanctions on Russia in order to secure a Black Sea ceasefire agreement, U.S. President Donald Trump said on March 25.
Trump’s comments come following talks between Russia and the …

Russia’s Foreign Ministry announced on March 25 that the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is a Russian facility and cannot be transferred to Ukraine or any other country. The ministry also ruled out the possibility of joint operation, arguing that …

The U.S. has proposed signing a new “major” minerals deal with Ukraine based on a previous framework agreement, President Volodymyr Zelensky told reporters on March 25.
A day before, U.S. President Donald Trump said that he expected to …

Key developments on March 25:

The U.S. and Russia have agreed on a list of Russian and Ukrainian energy facilities that cannot be attacked during a partial ceasefire, the Kremlin said on March 25.
The statement came after two-day talks in Saudi Arabia, during which Ukraine, Russia …

Ukraine believes that the partial ceasefire for the Black Sea and energy infrastructure strikes should take effect on March 25, President Volodymyr Zelensky told journalists.
Zelensky’s position is at odds with Russia’s March 25 statement …

Editor’s note: This story is being updated.
The ceasefire in the Black Sea will take effect only after Western sanctions on Russian food producers and exporters are lifted, the Kremlin said in a statement on March 25.
The statement came after …

Editor’s note: This story is being updated.
The U.S., Russia and Ukraine have agreed to “eliminate the use of force” and prevent the use of commercial vessels for military purposes in the Black Sea following two-day talks in Saudi …

U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz is scheduled to discuss a possible ceasefire deal in the Black Sea with his Russian counterpart later on March 25, Fox News reported.
Waltz has been in contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s top …

The EU is experiencing its highest ever approval rating among citizens amid growing concerns over global security, the EU Parliament’s Winter Eurobarometer survey published on March 25 has found.
The survey — which conducted 26,354 face-to-face …

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on March 25 that Moscow supports the resumption of the Black Sea Initiative in a form “more acceptable to everybody,” state-owned news agency TASS reported.
Lavrov confirmed that the issue was …

French President Emmanuel Macron will host President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Elysee Palace on March 26 to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine ahead of the “coalition of the willing” summit, Le Monde reported on March 25.
The Paris …

The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) has agreed to allocate part of the funds allocated by Congress to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), as a judge reviews a case over the cancellation of its funding, RFE/RL reported on March 24.
The …

Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko began his seventh term in power on March 25 after declaring himself the winner of the January elections broadly seen as neither fair nor free.
In his inauguration address at the Independence Palace in Minsk, …

Around 77% of Ukrainians view the proposed 30-day ceasefire positively, according to an Omnibus opinion poll conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology and published on March 25.
In turn, 17% of Ukrainians expressed negative views …

The content of the U.S.-Russia talks in Riyadh will not be made public, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on March 25, state-owned media outlet TASS reported.
“We are talking about technical negotiations. These negotiations are immersed in …

In three years of full-scale war against Ukraine, 62% of companies from countries deemed “unfriendly” by Moscow have exited the Russian market, pro-Kremlin media outlet RBC reported on March 25, citing an audit by consulting firm Kept.
The …

The international community, including the U.N. and “individual countries,” will be involved in the U.S.-Russian talks on ending the war against Ukraine, Russian negotiator Grigory Karasin told state-owned news agency TASS on March 25. …

Ukraine’s Air Force struck a concentration of Russian military personnel in Kondratovka, Kursk Oblast, killing up to 30 Russian soldiers, the General Staff reported on March 25.
“As a result of the strike, it (the target) was completely …

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on March 25 that “nobody was texting war plans” in a Signal chat among top Trump administration officials.
“You’re talking about a deceitful and highly discredited so-called journalist …

Russia has lost 905,940 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 March 25.
The number includes 1,180 casualties Russian forces suffered just over …

The U.S. is preparing to impose tariffs on 15 countries, including Russia, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on March 23.
The White House under U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has repeatedly denounced what it has described as …

Ukrainian officials remained in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia following their initial meeting with a U.S. delegation on March 23, an unnamed delegation official told the news outlet Suspilne on March 24.
Russian and U.S. delegations met in Saudi Arabia on …
During high-stakes talks with the United States in Saudi Arabia, Russia remains firm on its demand for control over four Ukrainian regions, banking on the idea that the U.S. won't be concerned about changing borders between Ukraine and Russia. Citing …

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators is urging the Trump administration to transfer more than $300 billion in frozen Russian assets to Ukraine instead of limiting assistance to interest earned on those funds.
In a letter to Secretary of State Marco …

Russia is pushing to gain full control over four occupied Ukrainian oblasts—Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson—during negotiations with the United States in Saudi Arabia, the Moscow Times reported, citing sources familiar with the Kremlin’s …

In any negotiation, one of the most powerful weapons is knowledge. In that regard, Steve Witkoff is willfully disarmed.
And it’s playing just right for Russia.
The interview that Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy, gave to Tucker Carlson a few days ago …

A coffee shop in Kyiv called “Trump” is rebranding to “Nolan” as Ukrainians grow increasingly frustrated with U.S. President Donald Trump’s stance on Ukraine.
Located in the capital’s central Pechersk district, the …

Talks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, include discussions on territories, demarcation lines, and ownership of Ukraine’s power plant, U.S. President Donald Trump said on March 24 during a press briefing.
Trump’s statement comes as negotiations …

Ten years after Kyiv and Moscow first negotiated a ceasefire to end the fighting in Ukraine’s east, the two sides may once again find themselves around the negotiating table to reach a truce on the battlefield.
This time around, Kyiv insists that any …

U.S. President Donald Trump said on March 24 he expects to sign the U.S.-Ukraine agreement on critical minerals “soon,” Reuters reported.
The two nations had previously planned to sign a minerals deal on Feb. 28, but the plan was derailed …

Russian propaganda is successfully influencing the American leadership, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with Time magazine published on March 24.
According to Zelensky, some in the White House have begun to trust Russian President …

Steve Witkoff’s controversial comments on the Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine have prompted criticism from Ukrainian lawmakers, with one even calling for the envoy’s removal from the negotiations to end Moscow’s full-scale …

The Black Sea Initiative is a key topic in ongoing U.S.-Russia talks in Riyadh, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed on March 24, state-owned media outlet TASS reported.
“The matter of the Black Sea Initiative and everything related to …

Russia is deliberately prolonging peace talks on Ukraine to seize more territory and strengthen its negotiating position with the U.S., the Moscow Times reported on March 24, citing undisclosed sources.
A Russian diplomatic source told the Moscow …

Russian businesses have significantly scaled back their recruitment efforts in early 2025, with job openings falling 15% compared to the same period last year, Russian newspaper Izvestia reported on March 24, citing data from employment service …

A Russian Su-25 attack aircraft crashed during a routine training flight in Primorye Krai in Russia’s Far East, the Russian Defense Ministry said on March 24.
The pilot successfully ejected and was rescued by a search and rescue team, according …

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s “coalition of the willing” peace plan for Ukraine has been criticized by British military officials as “political theatre,” the Telegraph reported on March 23, citing several military …

The “technical” talks between the U.S. and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia on March 23 about a possible ceasefire with Russia focused on infrastructure and shipping safety, said Serhii Leshchenko, a Presidential Office advisor, on March 24. …

U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly growing angry that Russia and Ukraine continue to launch aerial strikes despite his peace efforts, the Telegraph wrote on March 23, citing undisclosed sources close to Trump.
Following Trump’s recent …

U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz sat down with CBS News on March 23 to discuss the upcoming U.S.-led negotiations in Saudi Arabia on ending the war between Russia and Ukraine.
When asked about the goals of the peace talks in Saudi Arabia, …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
An explosion occurred at a police station in Odesa Oblast on March 23, reported regional police officials.
A woman has died as a result of the explosion and there are additional …

U.S. special envoy, Steve Witkoff, has rubbished British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s plan for a special coalition force to support a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Speaking with American far-right political commentator Tucker Carlson on March 21, Witkoff …

Ukraine’s Air Force struck and destroyed a concentration of Russian troops in Toretsk, Donetsk Oblast on March 21, the Armed Forces General Staff reported on March 23.
Ukraine’s attack reportedly “completely destroyed” the position of the troops …

Ukrainian forces liberated the village of Nadiya in Luhansk Oblast, reclaiming three square kilometers from Russian occupation, the Third Assault Brigade reported on March 23.
The 30-hour operation was carried out by the Third Assault Brigade, in …

Washington is hopeful for a ceasefire by April 20, despite Russia’s ongoing attacks on Ukraine, Bloomberg reported on March 23, citing anonymous sources familiar with the matter.
U.S. President Donald Trump has pushed for a quick end to the war since …

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he faced pressure from Washington to criticize President Volodymyr Zelensky after a showdown in the Oval Office last month led to the Ukrainian president walking out of the White House early.
In an interview …

U.S. President Donald Trump has said efforts to end the war in Ukraine are “somewhat under control” just hours before a massive Russian drone strike on Kyiv killed three people including a five-year-old girl and her father.
Speaking to the …

Moscow is hoping for “some progress” in upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia, a Russian negotiator told state media ahead of Monday’s meetings between U.S., Ukrainian, and Russian delegations.
The U.S. is engaging in what U.S. envoy Keith …

U.S. negotiators are set to separately meet Ukrainian and Russian delegates in Riyadh on March 24, and contours of a potential partial ceasefire proposal are beginning to form.
The upcoming discussions are meant to flesh out technical details on what …
In an official visit to Moscow on March 13, U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steven Witkoff, revealed exclusive details to American journalist Tucker Carlson about his meeting with Vladimir Putin.
According to Witkoff, Putin presented …

U.S. special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, who recently emerged as a leading figure in negotiations regarding Russia and Ukraine, revealed insights into ongoing ceasefire talks between Moscow and Washington.
In an interview on March 21 with …

Voice of America (VoA) journalists sued the Trump administration on March 21, accusing it of unlawfully shutting down the U.S.-funded network that for decades has supplied news around the world.
The lawsuit comes after U.S. President Donald Trump …

U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, told American journalist Tucker Carlson in an interview on March 21 that Ukraine’s leadership has agreed to hold a presidential election.
Carlson echoed a …

Key developments on March 21:

Ukraine has returned 4,306 prisoners of war (POWs) from Russian captivity since the start of the full-scale invasion, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on March 21.
The Ukrainian government has been engaging with foreign partners and …

It’s no secret that U.S. officials have been trying to drive a wedge between Russia and its key ally, China.
Former United States Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg was among the government officials who made the intention …

Ukrainian and Russian delegations will not interact directly during the March 24 talks in Saudi Arabia, Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhii Tykhyi said on March 21 during a press briefing in Kyiv.
Tykhyi’s statement came as Special Envoy for …

A car with two Russian officers exploded on March 20 in the Russian-occupied town of Skadovsk in Kherson Oblast, Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) said on March 21.
Skadovsk, a city with a pre-war population of 17,000, lies on the Black Sea coast. …

Belarus dictator Alexander Lukashenko visits Moscow, enacting a security treaty and signing a range of agreements that pull Belarus further into Russia’s orbit.
U.S. President Donald Trump slashes RFE/RL funding in another blow to Belarusian media in …

French President Emmanuel Macron is exploring the possibility of establishing a United Nations-led peacekeeping mission to protect Ukraine in the event of a potential peace agreement, the Telegraph reported on March 21.
The proposal follows ongoing …

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s order to suspend strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure remains in effect, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on March 21, state-owned TASS reported.
“The Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s …

French President Emmanuel Macron will host European leaders, including President Volodymyr Zelensky, in Paris on March 27 to discuss the peace process in Ukraine.
Participants will include the “coalition of the willing,” a group of …

Ukraine on March 21 accused Russia of deliberately attacking the Sudzha gas metering station in Kursk Oblast in an attempt to pin the blame on Kyiv.
Russian media earlier claimed Ukrainian forces had struck the key gas transit facility, which plays a …

Ukraine on March 21 accused Russia of deliberately attacking the Sudzha gas metering station in Kursk Oblast in an attempt to pin the blame on Kyiv.
Russian media earlier claimed Ukrainian forces had struck the key gas transit facility, which plays a …

British military leaders have discussed deploying Royal Air Force (RAF) fighter jets to Ukraine as part of a potential peace agreement, the Telegraph reported on March 20, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter.
According to the report, the …

British military leaders have discussed deploying Royal Air Force (RAF) fighter jets to Ukraine as part of a potential peace agreement, the Telegraph reported on March 20, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter.
According to the report, the …

A Russian oil pumping station in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai is still on fire after reportedly being struck by Ukrainian drones on March 19, with further explosions reported overnight.
“During the extinguishing process, due to depressurisation …

A Russian oil pumping station Krasnodar Krai is still on fire after reportedly being struck by Ukrainian drones on March 19, with further explosions reported overnight.
“During the extinguishing process, due to depressurisation of the burning …

Russian President Vladimir Putin will violate a ceasefire that isn’t backed by security guarantees for Ukraine, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in remarks to military planners at the Northwood military base outside London on March 20. …

Russian President Vladimir Putin will violate a ceasefire that isn’t backed by security guarantees for Ukraine, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in remarks to military planners at the Northwood military base outside London on March 20. …

The United States expects to sign an agreement with Ukraine on access to critical minerals and natural resources “very shortly,” U.S. President Donald Trump said on March 20.
The two nations had previously planned to sign a minerals deal …

The United States expects to sign an agreement with Ukraine on access to critical minerals and natural resources “very shortly,” U.S. President Donald Trump said on March 20.
The two nations had previously planned to sign a minerals deal …

French President Emmanuel Macron will host European leaders, including President Volodymyr Zelensky, in Paris on March 27 to discuss the peace process in Ukraine.
Participants will include the “coalition of the willing,” a group of …

Key developments on March 20:

Over the past three years of full-scale war, Ukraine’s cultural figures have shifted from focusing solely on their craft to becoming diplomats, advocating for their culture abroad as the Russian army continues its relentless attempt to destroy it.
At …

Russia has overtaken the United Arab Emirates as India’s top naphtha supplier in the past year, as Indian refiners capitalize on discounted Russian shipments, Reuters reported on March 20, citing preliminary ship-tracking data.
Russia has …

U.S. President Donald Trump did not raise the topic of occupied Crimea and its recognition as part of Russia during recent talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky, Zelensky said on March 20.
His statement comes days after reports that the Trump …

Ukrainian and American delegations are planning to hold a new round of talks in Saudi Arabia on March 24 to discuss steps toward a ceasefire with Russia, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on March 20.
A U.S. delegation is also expected to meet with …

Russia and the United States will hold consultations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on March 24 to discuss the war in Ukraine, according to Russian presidential aide for international affairs Yuri Ushakov, as reported by state-owned news agency TASS on …

Budapest does not support Ukraine’s integration into the European defense structures, seeing the country instead as a buffer zone between Europe and Russia, Hungary’s European Affairs Minister Janos Boka told the Financial Times in an …

U.S. and European intelligence data contradict claims made by U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the alleged encirclement of Ukrainian troops in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, Reuters reported on March 20, citing …

Moscow has not received official requests from foreign companies seeking to return to Russia after exiting due to the Russia-Ukraine war and sanctions, Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council and former president, told …

President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Oslo on March 20 to hold talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere, the Norwegian government said.
“I look forward to constructive discussions on how Norway can best provide assistance to …

Russia sees Ukraine’s Constitution as an “obstacle” to peace efforts as it does not permit territorial changes, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu said on March 19, according to state-owned TASS news agency.
“On …

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reiterated calls for extending NATO’s Article 5 security guarantees to Ukraine, arguing that doing so would demonstrate whether Russia is serious about peace, she said in a speech to the Italian Chamber of …

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on March 19 that he had discussed with U.S. President Donald Trump the possibility of U.S. assistance in restoring the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the largest nuclear facility in Europe, currently under Russian …

Finnish President Alexander Stubb and President Volodymyr Zelensky finalized a “civil protection coalition” on March 19, Zelensky told reporters during a press briefing.
Finland will seek out more international partners to partake in the …

Ukrainian and U.S. officials are expected to meet in Saudi Arabia in the coming days for continued peace talks, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a post to social media on March 19.
Following a phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and …

The U.S. did not delete data collected from investigations Ukrainian children abducted by of Russians amid the full-scale war, U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said on March 19.
The Trump administration cut funding to an initiative led …

A new shipment of Western F-16 fighter jets has arrived in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed to journalists on March 19.
The president stated that several F-16s had arrived but did not reveal the exact number of jets delivered. …

The White House on March 19 proposed Ukraine pass its nuclear facilities to the U.S. as part of the ongoing ceasefire talks.
“The United States could be very helpful in running those plants with its electricity and utility expertise. American …

Key developments on March 19:

Washington has moved on from a minerals deal with Kyiv to focus on achieving a lasting ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said during a press briefing on March 19.
Leavitt said that did not mean a deal …

U.S. President Donald Trump has agreed to assist Ukraine in finding additional U.S.-made Patriot air defenses available in Europe, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, citing a readout of a call between the two leaders on March 19.
Trump …

President Donald Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky held a phone call on March 19, during which Trump suggested American ownership of Ukraine’s power plants could help ensure their security.
Trump and Zelensky discussed Ukraine’s …

U.S. President Donald Trump said it was a “great call.” A Kremlin aide declared the world had “become a much safer place."
But in Kyiv, the reaction to the call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 18 has …

Editor’s note: This story is being updated.
President Volodymyr Zelensky agreed to stop strikes on Russian energy infrastructure during a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, Bloomberg reported on March 19, citing an unnamed source familiar …

We are at a critical moment for Europe, with continental security hanging in the balance. In late February, the United Kingdom announced plans to increase defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027. U.K. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also recently …

Talks between Russian and American delegations to discuss a ceasefire in Ukraine will take place in the coming days in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz said on March 19 on X.
Waltz said he discussed Trump’s efforts to …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump are currently on a phone call, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino said on March 19. …

Russia’s Defense Ministry on March 18 said it had stopped a significant Ukrainian ground assault from entering Russia’s Belgorod Oblast, a claim Kyiv swiftly dismissed as a propaganda effort.
The Belgorod settlements named by Russian officials as the …
Daily Tactical Update (DTU), Ukrainian TVD Day 1119: The period of March 17-18, 2025, was marked by significant Russian territorial gains, particularly in Kursk Oblast. These gains were balanced by continued Ukrainian resistance and offensive …

Editor’s note: This story is being updated.
Ukraine has brought home 175 Ukrainian soldiers in a one-for-one prisoner exchange with Russia, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on March 18.
Another 22 Ukrainian service members returned through …

Germany’s Defense Minister Boris Pistorius on March 19 criticized the call between the U.S. and Russian presidents the day before, saying the partial ceasefire announced afterwards “doesn’t actually mean anything."
Speaking to …

A ceasefire in Ukraine could be reached within weeks, U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, told Bloomberg TV on March 19.
“I actually think in a couple of weeks we’re going to get to it (a …

The outgoing German government agreed to release an additional 3 billion euros ($3.3 billion) in military assistance for Ukraine, a German Finance Ministry spokesperson confirmed for the Kyiv Independent on March 19.
Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz …

A U.S. federal court has barred further cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), ruling that its dismantling by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) likely violated the U.S. Constitution, the Associated …

U.S. President Donald Trump’s son, Donald Jr., news host Tucker Carlson, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and special envoy Steve Witkoff were involved in backchannel talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky’s political rivals, …

The debate over Ukraine’s elections and future leadership is intensifying. With peace talks gaining momentum, calls for elections are growing louder, and both the Russian and American sides are questioning Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s …

Ukraine will compile a list of energy, infrastructure, and civilian sites that Russia must cease attacking and present the document to international partners, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on March 19.
“And if the Russians don’t …

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) sued the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) on March 18 over the termination of grant funding, arguing that the step violates federal laws and the Constitution.
The congressionally authorized grant …

Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed on March 19 that its forces downed seven Russian drones sent to attack Ukrainian energy facilities after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a temporary pause on such strikes.
In turn, Ukraine said that …

The U.S. has signaled that European partners will be included in peace talks on the war in Ukraine, as Russia pushes for the lifting of EU-imposed sanctions, Bloomberg reported on March 18, citing unnamed sources.
The move may reassure European …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
President Volodymyr Zelensky will speak with U.S. President Donald Trump on March 19, Zelensky said during a joint press conference with Finnish President Alexander Stubb. …

Some U.S. national security agencies have suspended cooperation with international partners in countering Russian sabotage and cyber operations, Reuters reported on March 19, citing undisclosed official sources.
The news comes amid the Trump …

Nearly half of Americans believe the U.S. is not doing enough to support Ukraine, while two-thirds would favor increased military aid if Russia violates a potential ceasefire, according to a Gallup poll published on March 18.
The survey comes as the …

Former President Petro Poroshenko called sanctions imposed against him by the Ukrainian government an “attack on freedom and democracy” in an interview with the German tabloid Bild published on March 18.
Poroshenko, head of the opposition …

The Trump administration is considering scrapping the longstanding role of the U.S. in leading NATO’s military operations in Europe, NBC News reported on March 18, citing unnamed defense officials.
For nearly 75 years, a four-star U.S. general …

Russian attacks across Ukraine killed at least two civilians and injured at least 18 over the past day, regional authorities reported on March 19.
Russia launched two Iskander-M ballistic missiles, four S-300 anti-aircraft missiles, and 145 attack and …

The Trump administration has ended U.S. government funding for an initiative that tracked Russian war crimes, including the forced deportation of Ukrainian children, the Washington Post (WP) reported on March 18.
The program, led by Yale University’s …

A hospital in Ukraine’s northeastern city of Sumy and another in the town of Krasnopillia were hit by drones during a series of attacks on Ukraine, prompting President Volodymyr Zelensky to accuse Vladimir Putin of “effectively …

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff told Fox News on March 18 that diplomatic talks between the U.S. and Russia will take place on March 23 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The discussions, led by National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, …

Russian President Vladimir Putin did not discuss military aid to Ukraine during his phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, according to an interview Trump gave with Fox News following the call.
Trump and Putin spoke for nearly two hours on …

Ukraine must be included in all future negotiations regarding steps to end Russia’s full-scale war, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a virtual press conference on March 18.
Zelensky’s comments followed a phone call between U.S. …

Ukraine is willing to agree to a 30-day pause on attacks on energy infrastructure, but needs more details of the agreement, President Volodymyr Zelensky told reporters in an online press briefing on March 18.
Zelensky’s remarks came after U.S. …

U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are developing “mutually beneficial cooperation” in a number of areas as part of efforts to normalize relations between the two countries, the Kremlin said in a readout of …

Key developments on March 18:

Editor’s Note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has not spoken with U.S. President Donald Trump since his White House phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier on March 18, the …

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed on March 18 that the Ukrainian Armed Forces attempted to enter Russia’s Belgorod Oblast but were repelled by the Russian military.
The news of an alleged Ukrainian offensive in Belgorod Oblast surfaced in …

Washington announced on March 18 that another round of talks on the Russian war in Ukraine would “begin immediately” in the Middle East.
The announcement follows a call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir …

This is a developing story and is being updated.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to a 30-day pause of energy infrastructure strikes during a call with U.S. President Donald Trump, according to a readout of the call issued by the Kremlin on …

The Kremlin has demanded a complete cessation of foreign military aid and intelligence to Ukraine as a “key condition for avoiding an escalation of the war,” according to a statement released on March 18.
The statement follows a 1.5-hours …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
U.S. President Donald Trump has completed a 1.5-hour phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, NBC reported on March 18, citing an unnamed White House source.
The call …

Editor’s note: This story is being updated.
U.S. President Donald Trump has been speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin since 10:00 a.m. EDT, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino said on X.
“Happening now — President Trump …

With the Polish presidential elections just two months away, two of the country’s leading right-wing candidates have become increasingly antagonistic toward Ukraine and its leadership.
Kyiv can ill afford another hostile head of state among its …
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha has assured that Ukraine will not concede on fundamental issues outlined in the country's "peace formula" during any potential peace talks with Russia. Ukraine remains resolute in its refusal to recognize …

Kirill Dmitriev, the CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), said he expects Russia to hold talks with U.S. billionaire and President Donald Trump’s ally, Elon Musk, in the near future, the pro-state news agency RBK reported on March …

The U.K. hopes that the U.S. will provide drones and satellite surveillance to monitor the border zone between Ukraine and Russia if a ceasefire agreement is reached, the Times reported on March 18, citing unnamed British diplomats.
The U.S. military …

The Kremlin wants all Western arms supplies to Ukraine to stop during a proposed truce but prioritizes a pause on U.S. arms as its “minimum aim,” Bloomberg reported on March 18, citing two undisclosed sources in Moscow.
Russian President …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
Ukrainian forces have withdrawn from one front-line sector in Donetsk Oblast to preserve troops and improve defensive operations, Lieutenant General Serhii Naiev, the commander of …

U.S. President Donald Trump’s suspension of foreign aid has disrupted the supply of HIV treatments to Ukraine and seven other countries, potentially reversing two decades of progress in fighting the disease, Reuters reported on March 17, citing …

Italy and Spain have signaled reluctance to support the European Union’s proposal to allocate up to 40 billion euros ($43 billion) in military aid to Ukraine this year, Reuters reported on March 17.
The initiative to double EU military aid for …

U.S. President Donald Trump claimed on March 17 that he took an unspecified action to save Ukrainian soldiers in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, repeating an unsubstantiated claim of them being “surrounded."
Kyiv has denied that its troops in …

Russian attacks against Ukraine killed at least two civilians and injured at least 13 over the past day, regional authorities reported on March 18.
Ukrainian air defenses shot down 63 of the 137 Russian attack and decoy drones overnight over 12 …

Russia is not “losing hope” ahead of a planned call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump, Putin’s aide Yuri Ushakov told pro-Kremlin news outlet Kommersant on March 18.
“It’s been a …

The U.K. and the European Union will discuss confiscating Russian assets to ramp up economic pressure on Moscow ahead of possible peace talks on Ukraine, Bloomberg reported on March 17, citing unnamed sources.
Negotiations will reportedly focus on …

Pavel Durov, Telegram’s Russian-born founder and CEO, said on March 17 that he had returned to Dubai after spending several months in France over an investigation into criminal activity on his messaging app.
The entrepreneur, who also holds …

The Trump administration is considering recognizing Crimea as Russian territory as part of a broader deal to end Russia’s war on Ukraine, two sources familiar with the discussions told Semafor.
Officials have also explored urging the United Nations …

U.S. President Donald Trump said on March 17 that his argument with President Volodymyr Zelensky during the Ukrainian leader’s visit to the Oval Office was part of a strategy to pressure Ukraine.
“A lot of people are being killed over …

A Japanese man was sentenced in Minsk on March 17 to seven years in prison on changes stemming from “espionage activity,” Belarus’ Prosecutor General’s Office said.
Authorities convicted Nakanishi for allegedly taking over 9,000 …

The U.S. decision to cut off funding for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty came as a surprise for the outlet’s newsroom, a source in the RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service told the Kyiv Independent.
“We understood that the U.S. president, to put it …

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said on March 17 that it was his hope that U.S. President Donald Trump will get Russian President Vladimir Putin to abandon “some absurd demands” toward establishing a peace deal in Ukraine.
Trump …

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on March 17 that the Trump administration believes they have “never been closer” to closing a ceasefire deal in Ukraine, ahead of a call scheduled between U.S. President Donald Trump and …

Key developments on March 17:

Newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has invited President Volodymyr Zelensky to attend the Group of Seven (G7) summit in June, Le Journal de Quebec reported on March 17, citing a Canadian Foreign Ministry spokesperson.
Canada, which …

Throughout Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, repeated and escalating warnings of the potential for a wider war have only raised fears in the Baltic states that they could be next in the crosshairs of the Kremlin.
Talk about a potential …

U.S. President Donald Trump said on March 17 that he expects to hold a phone call with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to discuss a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal that Moscow has yet to agree to.
Russia has declined to immediately accept the …

The initiative to provide Ukraine with 40 billion euros ($43.6 billion) in military aid has “broad political support” among EU member states, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on March 17 before the Council of Foreign Ministers …

EU foreign ministers are set to discuss the termination of the U.S. grant that funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) during a meeting in Brussels on March 17, according to a Kyiv Independent reporter in Brussels.
The news follows U.S. …

When Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, he knew that he was upending Europe’s security order. But this was more of a tactical gambit than a calculated strategy, and he could not have …

Lithuanian authorities suspect Russia’s intelligence services of orchestrating arson attacks on an IKEA warehouse in Vilnius and a shopping center in Warsaw in 2024, the LRT broadcaster reported on March 17.
A fire broke out at the IKEA …

Hungary has dropped its threat to block the extension of EU sanctions against Russia following a conversation between Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Politico reported on March 17, citing …

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha outlined three key conditions for future negotiations to end Russia’s war against Ukraine in an interview with RBC-Ukraine published on March 17.
“I don’t like this definition (red lines). There are …

Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto on March 17 denounced EU plans to provide Ukraine with an additional 20 billion euros ($22 billion) in aid, a step allegedly on the agenda of a ministerial meeting in Brussels later the same day. …

Western sanctions against Russia could be eventually relaxed if the step ensures security and justice for Ukraine, top Ukrainian sanctions official Vladyslav Vlasiuk told Politico in an interview published on March 17.
The U.S., the EU, and other …

Russia is open to allowing unarmed observers and civilian missions in Ukraine as part of a potential peace deal, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said on March 16, according to state-owned news agency TASS.
“A peace treaty may …

The U.S. has privately told European officials that it is pulling back from an international group investigating Russian leaders for the crime of aggression committed against Ukraine, the New York Times reported on March 17, citing undisclosed …

U.S. President Donald Trump said he plans to have a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 18 to discuss ending the war in Ukraine, Reuters reported.
“I’ll be speaking to President Putin on Tuesday. A lot of work’s …

Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, emphasized the challenges of implementing a ceasefire in Ukraine, citing the vast scale of the war.
Witkoff paid a visit to Moscow on March 13 for talks on the 30-day ceasefire proposal that …

Lviv’s Danylo Halytskyi International Airport may resume aviation operations as early as April or May, according to an optimistic scenario under government consideration, its general director told Vysokyi Zamok media outlet on March 15.
Other …

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on March 16 spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump for the first time since his second term began in January, with the conversation covering key issues, including Russia’s war against Ukraine.
During the …

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described a recent meeting between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin as “promising” while acknowledging the complexities of ending the ongoing war.
Speaking on CBS’s …

The Kremlin claims that calls for a ceasefire in Ukraine are merely an attempt to give the Ukrainian military time to regroup and rearm, according to Vladimir Putin’s aide, Yuri Ushakov.
“We see this as an effort to provide Ukrainian forces …

Key developments on March 15-16:

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer presented plans to send 10,000 peacekeeping troops to Ukraine at a high-level virtual summit in London on March 15.
The summit, which included 29 international leaders, was organized by the U.K. with the purpose of …

Serhii Shalaiev, the man detained and charged with the killing of Ukrainian activist Demyan Hanul, pled guilty to the murder in a closed court hearing on March 16, according to regional prosecutor Ruslan Veremchuk.
Hanul, 31, was shot dead in central …

Ukraine’s Air Force reported on March 16 that it had shot down 47 Russian Shahed and other drones across the country overnight.
Russian troops attacked Ukraine with 90 drones, targeting Kyiv, Kharkiv, Poltava, Sumy, Cherkasy, Zhytomyr, …
In a recent statement, Yuri Ushakov, an aide to the Russian president, hinted that a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump could be organized on short notice. "We are preparing for the meeting, and it …

U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to hold a phone call with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin this week, Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, said on March 16.
“I expect that there will be a call with both presidents …

The U.S. launched airstrikes against the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen on March 15 as President Donald Trump ordered “decisive” military action against the group.
Trump also said that the U.S. would hold Iran “fully …

Ukraine’s General Staff on March 16 confirmed Ukrainian troops' withdrawal from the logistics hub of Sudzha in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, days after Moscow claimed its capture.
Without confirming the withdrawal with a statement, the General …

U.S. President Donald Trump on March 15 denied reports that his special envoy Steve Witkoff had waited for hours for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
Sky News reported on March 14, citing footage, that Witkoff had waited at …

Canada contributed another 50 million Canadian dollars ($34.8 million) to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund, Ukraine’s Energy Ministry said on March 14.
Days prior, Ukraine received the first tranche of a loan of $1.7 billion covered by frozen …

Italy does not plan to participate in a peacekeeping force on the ground in eastern Ukraine to guarantee a potential ceasefire, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s office said on March 15.
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted an online …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
U.S. State Secretary Marco Rubio held a phone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on March 15 as Washington attempts to persuade Moscow to accept a 30-day …

Polish President Andrzej Duda denounced Russia for its “imperial greed” in a wide-ranging interview with the BBC published on March 15.
Duda called on the U.S. to deploy its nuclear weapons to Poland in an interview published on March 13. …

The Trump administration on March 15 followed up a on an executive order signed a day earlier by President Donald Trump vowing to gut funding for the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free …

The Trump administration dealt a blow to Russia’s energy sector last week after it let lapse an exemption allowing Russian banks to use U.S. payment systems for energy transactions.
The move closed an important financial channel for Russian oil …

U.S. President Donald Trump appointed General Keith Kellogg as Special Envoy to Ukraine on March 15, where he will communicate directly with Ukrainian leadership rather than participate in negotiations with Russia as previously intended.
Initially …
In a surprising twist, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have made claims about the encirclement of thousands of Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region that have left even Russian war correspondents baffled. Contrary to …
Ukrainian military journalist Yuriy Butusov has debunked claims that Ukrainian Armed Forces have been encircled in Russia's Kursk region.
Reports of a large encirclement in the area, allegedly mentioned by former U.S. President Donald Trump and …

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a decree on March 15 creating a new delegation for international peace negotiations.
The delegation will be led by Andriy Yermak, the head of Zelensky’s office, the decree, published on the …

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced today that an expanded coalition of nations is ramping up efforts to back Ukraine in peace negotiations with Russia, following a high-level virtual summit in London on March 15.
The coalition, which now …

Senator Mark Kelly said he was getting rid of his Tesla Model S after billionaire Elon Musk called the senator a “traitor” on his social media platform X for visiting Ukraine just days after the U.S. paused military aid to Kyiv.
“I’m here …

Editor’s Note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
A fire broke out in a field near the Sarepta railway station in the Russian city of Volgograd in the early hours of March 15, the Russian news channel Astra reported, citing local …

The White House has received “some pretty good news” regarding its attempts to secure a 30-day ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed during a speech at the Justice Department (DOJ) on March …

Despite tensions between the Trump administration and several U.S. allies over trade policies and other disputes, G7 foreign ministers meeting in Canada reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine.
The diplomats from Canada, the U.S., the U.K., France, …

The Trump administration sees “cautious optimism” in ongoing ceasefire negotiations following a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
The envoy is expected to return this weekend, after …

French President Emmanuel Macron called on Russia to accept a proposed 30-day ceasefire deal put forward by the United States and Ukraine.
Macron said he discussed the situation on March 14 with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Volodymyr …

Editor’s note: Soldiers interviewed for this article are identified only by their first name, callsign, or nickname due to security reasons.
William, a 25-year-old U.S. Army veteran, has come to Ukraine to join the Ukrainian military in its fight …

Key developments on March 14:

The fate of Ukraine’s Russian-occupied territories was discussed with the U.S. during the talks in Saudi Arabia earlier this week, President Volodymyr Zelensky told journalists on March 14.
Zelensky’s comments come days after Kyiv agreed …

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s conditions for a ceasefire are unrealistic and tantamount to demanding that Ukraine disarm itself and surrender, analysts say.
Putin said on March 13 that Russia was ready to agree to the U.S.-backed …

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on March 14 that Ukrainian soldiers must surrender in Kursk Oblast after U.S. President Donald Trump’s request to “spare” the troops he claimed are surrounded.
The General Staff said that …

The European Union has reached a deal with Hungary to renew sanctions on more than 2,400 primarily Russian entities and individuals hours before they were set to expire on March 15, an EU official with knowledge of the negotiations told the Kyiv …

Ukraine’s General Staff on March 14 denied claims that Ukrainian troops were encircled in Kursk Oblast amid Russia’s ongoing offensive in the region.
The General Staff said that Russia had been reporting an alleged encirclement of …

Russia has begun using cryptocurrencies in oil transactions with China and India to circumvent Western sanctions, Reuters reported on March 14, citing four sources familiar with the matter.
The cryptocurrency scheme currently represents a small …

U.S. President Donald Trump said his administration held “productive discussions” with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which he urged him to “spare” surrounded Ukrainian troops, he wrote in a Truth Social post on …

Ukraine has begun assembling a team to develop monitoring mechanisms for a possible 30-day ceasefire, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on March 14.
“We have already started forming a national team to develop appropriate processes to properly …

Belarus will not formally merge with Russia in the near future, Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko said on March 14 while addressing the Russian Federation Council.
“If we are going to burst through this open door, we will ruin everything …

U.S. Vice President JD Vance has said he would be “shocked” if the White House agreed to a Polish request to deploy American nuclear weapons on its territory as a deterrent against future Russian aggression.
“I haven’t talked …

Russia has sent “additional signals” to U.S. President Donald Trump regarding a proposed ceasefire through special envoy Steve Witkoff, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters on March 14.
Witkoff landed in Moscow on March 13 and …

As a U.S. delegation in Moscow worked to hammer out a ceasefire agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Russian leader responded by demanding extensive concessions in exchange for a ceasefire deal in Ukraine.
So far, Trump has made harsh …

Russian President Vladimir Putin has not abandoned his maximalist goal of controlling Ukraine, despite U.S. efforts to broker a ceasefire, the Washington Post (WP) reported on March 13, citing sources familiar with classified U.S. intelligence …

Russia has lost 891,660 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 March 14.
This number includes 1,410 casualties Russian forces suffered just over …

Some 56% of Americans believe that U.S. President Donald Trump is “too closely aligned” with Russia amid shifting U.S. foreign policy, a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on March 13 found.
A total of 40% of respondents disagreed with the …

Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion that the U.S. could annex Greenland in a Facebook post on March 13.
“The U.S. president has once again aired the thought of annexing us,” Egede wrote. …

U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, was excluded from peace talks between Russia and the United States after the Kremlin said it did not want him present, NBC News reported on March 13, citing U.S. and …

The Trump administration has toughened sanction on Russia’s oil and gas industry on March 13 by not renewing an exemption that allows Russian banks to access U.S. payment systems to conduct energy transactions.
The exemption, initially issued by …

Key developments on March 13:

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s remarks about a 30-day ceasefire indicate that he is preparing a rejection of the U.S. proposal, President Volodymyr Zelensky said during his evening address on March 13.
“Putin is afraid to say directly …

The U.S. opposes settling Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine as a frozen conflict, Presidential Office Head Andriy Yermak said on March 13.
“We have been very clear that we will never agree to a frozen conflict. We are very much against it, …

Instead of approaching the war in Ukraine from a geopolitical or moral perspective, U.S. President Donald Trump is framing his policy on Russia through the lens of his personal relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to former …

Fears of a Starlink shut-off at the front line have racked Ukraine. European satellite internet firms took the opportunity to step forward as replacements — but even collectively, they are unlikely to fill the void in coverage that Starlink’s …

Washington has discussed with Ukraine the control of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant as part of a potential peace deal, U.S. President Donald Trump said on March 13.
Trump’s remarks come days after Kyiv agreed to a 30-day …

The Kyiv Independent’s Kate Tsurkan sat down with former U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton to discuss why U.S. President Donald Trump considers Putin “a friend,” and why a ceasefire at this time would not be favorable for Ukraine.


For nearly a week, Ukraine was left in the dark by its once-close ally, deprived of American intelligence as Russia advanced. Civilians suffered missile and drone attacks, while the military faced Russian offensives. All of this was aimed at forcing …

It looks like Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected the 30-day ceasefire proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on the war against Ukraine. According to the Financial Times, citing an unnamed senior aide to Putin, Moscow does not want a …

Russia is signaling its intention to reject a U.S. ceasefire proposal already accepted by Ukraine in Jeddah this week, setting the stage for a likely diplomatic standoff between Washington and Moscow.
After nearly 48 hours of silence on the issue, …

Finland has announced its 28th military aid package for Ukraine, valued at approximately 200 million euros ($217.4 million), the Finnish Defense Ministry said on March 13.
Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen confirmed that the package includes …

London and Paris are leading discussions among 37 countries from Europe, Asia, and the Commonwealth on shielding Ukraine against any future Russian aggression in case of a peace settlement, Bloomberg reported on March 13, citing official sources.
The …

A plane carrying Steve Witkoff, U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, has landed in Moscow, Russian pro-government media Interfax reported on March 13, citing aviation services.
Witkoff’s visit comes as the U.S. seeks Russian …
Are the USA truly the main donor to Ukraine during the war, or is the support from a united Europe actually greater? Let’s examine the details of military, financial, and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
According to the Kiel Institute for the World …

France’s National Assembly, the lower chamber of the country’s parliament, passed a resolution calling for increased support for Ukraine and the seizure of frozen Russian assets, Le Figaro reported on March 13.
The resolution, whose …

Russia has presented the U.S. with a list of demands for a potential deal to end the war against Ukraine and reset relations with Washington, Reuters reported on March 13, citing two undisclosed sources.
According to the sources, Russian and U.S. …

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt declined to say whether or not the U.S. has enforcement mechanisms in the event Russia violates a potential ceasefire when speaking to reporters on March 12.
Ukrainian and U.S. officials met in Saudi Arabia …

EU lawmakers passed a wide-ranging joint declaration on March 12 condemning the U.S. for “blackmailing” Ukrainian leadership into capitulating to Russia.
The declaration comes a day after Ukraine’s Presidential Office announced it …

Ukraine has no more long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) in its arsenal, the Associated Press (AP) reported on May 12, citing unnamed U.S. and Ukrainian officials.
The news comes as the U.S. resumes the flow of military aid to Kyiv after …

A 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine may be finalized within “days,” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on March 12.
The temporary ceasefire agreement is contingent on whether Russia agrees to halt hostilities.
Ukraine …

Key developments on March 12:

The following is the March 11, 2025 edition of our Ukraine Business Roundup weekly newsletter. To get the biggest news in business and tech from Ukraine directly in your inbox, subscribe here.
For all the hype around foreign weapons producers setting …
Is Nate Vance - who criticized the Trump administration's reduction of support for Ukraine's defense against Russia's invasion - Vice President JD Vance's cousin? Yes, that's true: Nate Vance is the first cousin of JD Vance. His father, Jim Vance, is …

The “ball is in (Russia’s) court,” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on March 11 after Kyiv and Washington emerged from talks in Saudi Arabia in agreement over a ceasefire proposal.
After the negotiations with Washington, …

Over the course of a tumultuous few weeks of talks, U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed his frustration with Kyiv. On March 7, Trump declared that he finds it “more difficult, frankly, to deal with Ukraine” than Russia. …

American representatives are on their way to Russia to discuss a proposed 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, U.S. President Donald Trump said on March 12 during a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin in the White House.
“We have people …

Ukraine’s retreat from Kursk Oblast appears more likely as the latest news shows Russia taking ground amid intense attacks to drive Ukraine out, experts and soldiers say. Retaking Ukrainian-held territory in Kursk Oblast could leave Kyiv without its …

Small Russian infantry groups have stepped up assault operations in Ukraine’s south over the past two weeks as they look to improve Moscow’s battlefield positions, a spokesperson for the military told Ukrinform on March 12.
Thirty-five …

Ukraine will not recognize any occupied territories as part of Russia under a potential future peace agreement with Moscow, President Volodymyr Zelensky told journalists on March 12.
“We are fighting for our independence. Therefore, we will not …

The Kyiv Independent’s Chris York sits down with Michael McFaul, former U.S. ambassador to Russia and political scientist, to discuss the Ukraine-Russia peace negotiations, U.S. President Donald Trump’s approach to Russian President …

As Russian troops are set to push Ukrainian soldiers out of Kursk Oblast, experts say Kyiv’s withdrawal from the region could be “politically significant."
Ukraine’s seven-month-long hold of a small portion of Russia’s …
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced that Washington has not reached out to Moscow to arrange a call between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Peskov clarified that the Kremlin is not expected to respond swiftly to …

Moscow has remained tight-lipped over the news that Ukraine has accepted a full 30-day ceasefire proposal during negotiations with the U.S. in Jeddah on March 11.
After the negotiations with Washington, Ukraine’s Presidential Office announced …

After Ukrainian and U.S. officials met in Saudi Arabia for peace deal talks to end the war with Russia, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed on March 12 that potential “territorial concessions” from Ukraine were part of the …

Ukraine wanted to demonstrate to U.S. President Donald Trump and its European partners that it is serious about ending the war, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on March 12 about why Kyiv agreed to Washinton’s temporary truce proposal.
While …

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed on March 12 that Ukraine-U.S. talks in Saudi Arabia on March 11 included discussions about potential “territorial concessions” as part of a negotiated settlement with Russia.
“Yeah, …

The European Union announced measures in response to new U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, planning duties on over $28 billion worth of U.S. goods, according to an official statement published on March 12.
The move follows U.S. President …

Editor’s note: The article was expanded with a statement from Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
Russia is unlikely to agree to a temporary truce in Ukraine proposed by the U.S., feeling it has the upper hand on the battlefield and viewing the …

Tulsi Gabbard, the U.S. director of national intelligence, confirmed on March 12 that the U.S. had resumed sharing intelligence with Ukraine per President Donald Trump’s direction.
The move follows U.S.-Ukraine talks in Jeddah on March 11, …

U.S. President Donald Trump said on March 11 that President Volodymyr Zelensky is welcome to return to the White House following talks in Saudi Arabia, where Ukraine agreed to a temporary ceasefire.
Trump reiterated that Ukraine had accepted a full …

Kyiv and Washington have agreed to begin technical-level discussions on a temporary 30-day ceasefire in Russia’s war against Ukraine next week, Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak said on March 11 after talks in Saudi Arabia.
“Next …

A 30-day ceasefire plan agreed upon between the U.S. and Ukraine “is not a frozen conflict” but the “beginning of the path toward a just peace,” Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on March 11.
Kyiv agreed to …

Poland is prepared to resume the transport of American aid to Ukraine through its territory, according to Minister of National Defense Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz.
His comments followed the recent developments in the U.S.-Ukraine talks, including the …

Russia said on March 11 it may engage in talks with the United States in the coming days, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s statement that he might speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin this week.
“We do not rule out contacts …

The United States has resumed security assistance to Ukraine following high-level talks in Saudi Arabia, Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Pavlo Palisa announced on March 11.
“I have confirmation that security assistance from the U.S. has …

U.S. President Donald Trump hailed Ukraine’s agreement to a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire on March 11 as a significant step forward to a “total ceasefire.”
Speaking to reporters at the White House following the announcements from …

A Ukrainian delegation is on-site in Jeddah and preparing for key talks with U.S. officials on how to end Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine on March 11, Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak said.
“Protecting Ukrainian interests, …

President Volodymyr Zelensky apologized for the heated argument in the White House between him and U.S. President Donald Trump, U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff said in a television interview with Fox News on March 10.
Witkoff is part of a U.S. …

President Volodymyr Zelensky held talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on March 10, ahead of a planned meeting between U.S. and Ukrainian officials, the Presidential Office reported.
Zelensky’s team will remain in Jeddah to meet …

Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), called Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly a “traitor” in a post on X after the senator shared details of his visit to Ukraine.
In a thread on …

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer will host a virtual summit on March 15 to discuss support for Ukraine, following up on a similar meeting held in London earlier this month.
Downing Street confirmed the gathering, which will bring together world …

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on March 10 that Ukraine would need to make territorial concessions as part of any agreement to end the war.
Speaking while en route to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for discussions with senior Ukrainian officials, …

Key developments on March 10:

Neither Ukraine nor Russia “has the cards” in potential peace negotiations, U.S. President Donald Trump told journalists on March 10 ahead of talks between the U.S. and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia.
The Ukrainian and U.S. delegations are to …

Kyiv officials will meet their Washington counterparts in Jeddah on March 11 for talks which will impact the future of diplomatic relations between the two countries and likely the future of the war in Ukraine.
The Ukrainian side hopes the meeting …

The U.S. may resume military aid to Ukraine if there is progress during talks with Kyiv in Saudi Arabia this week, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told journalists on March 10 en route to Jeddah, The Guardian reported.
Ukrainian and U.S. …

For members of the U.S.-based charity organization Razom for Ukraine, U.S. President Donald Trump’s Feb. 28 verbal assault on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky felt like “a punch to the gut,” as it undermined years of the country’s diplomatic …

The Ukrainian delegation will propose a ceasefire in the sky and at sea during the upcoming talks with the U.S. this week on ending the war with Russia, the Ukrainian media outlet Suspilne reported on March 10, citing a Ukrainian official speaking on …

President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on March 10 to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, The Guardian reported.
Zelensky initially intended to visit Saudi Arabia as part of a Middle East tour in February but …

Just a few years ago, the biggest purveyors of disinformation on the internet were bots, conspiracy theorists and Russian propaganda outlets. Today the world is a very different place and two of the most prominent sources of lies and mistruths are …

Advisers to U.S. President Donald Trump are discussing easing sanctions against Russia, including those imposed on Russian oil, a major source of funding for the war in Ukraine, Bloomberg reported on March 10, citing sources.
The news comes as Ukraine …

Editor’s note: The story is being updated.
The U.S. has never stopped sharing intelligence with Ukraine that is needed for defensive purposes, U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, told Fox News on …

The unexpected negotiations between the United States and the Russian Federation that began in Saudi Arabia in February were strange. These off-line discussions in Riyadh, which included foreign ministers and presidential advisors from both …

Despite bans put in place by the U.S. and Europe on the supply of electronic components to Russia, dozens of Russian microelectronics suppliers continue to obtain and resell imported chips to Russian arms manufacturers successfully.
Without these …

Russian forces are attempting to establish a foothold near Novenke, a Ukrainian village in Sumy Oblast near the border with Russia’s Kursk Oblast, State Border Guard spokesperson Andrii Demchenko said on air on March 10.
The news comes after …

The U.S. has officially canceled 83% of U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) programs, with the roughly 1,000 remaining contracts to be administered by the State Department, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on March 10.
The decision to …

Russia said on March 10 it had stripped the accreditation of two British nationals linked to the U.K. Embassy in Moscow, accusing them of espionage and “subversive” activities and ordering them to leave within two weeks.
The move comes as …

No U.S.-Russia meetings will take place this week, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova told Russian state-owned news agency TASS on March 10, disputing claims in the media.
"(A meeting) is not planned. Moreover, we received no …

Drones attacked an oil refinery in Russia’s Leningrad Oblast overnight on March 8 in an operation carried out by Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR), a HUR source told the Kyiv Independent.
According to the HUR source, the drones …

Ukraine’s forces are considering a withdrawal from Kursk, with 10,000 Ukrainian troops at risk of encirclement after Russia broke through key defense lines and disrupted supply chains, The Telegraph reported on March 8.
The Telegraph’s …

The U.S. continues to share some intelligence with Ukraine to assist with defense operations, but not for attacks on Russian troops, CNN reported on March 7, citing two anonymous defense officials.
According to the sources, Washington aims to avoid …

Russia has lost 883,950 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 March 8.
This number includes 1,000 casualties Russian forces suffered just over …

Drones have reportedly struck the town of Starodub in Russia’s Bryansk Oblast in an overnight attack on March 7.
Starodub is located about 130 kilometers (80 miles) from the regional capital of Bryansk and about 32 kilometers (20 miles) from the …

Russian forces launched multiple strikes on Dobropillia, a city in Donetsk Oblast, late on March 7, resulting in casualties and injuries, according to the head of the Donetsk Regional Military Administration.
At least 4 people have been killed and 18 …

Work is underway with U.S. officials to “accelerate peace,” President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an evening address on March 7.
Ukrainian and U.S. delegations are preparing to meet in Saudi Arabia in the coming days following a meeting …

Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly considering a truce in Ukraine if certain conditions are respected, Bloomberg reported on March 7.
Russian and U.S. officials met in Saudi Arabia on Feb. 18 for preliminary talks regarding ending …

Editor’s Note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
Ostap Yarysh, a Ukrainian correspondent at Voice of America (VoA), was dismissed on March 7, reportedly following an inspection by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). …

As U.S. President Donald Trump continues to push for a swift end to the war in Ukraine, fears are mounting that Kyiv could be forced to accept a peace deal on unfavorable terms, and that will leave it vulnerable to future Russian attacks.
The fears …
Ukraine has reportedly been denied access to Maxar satellite images, with sources pointing to a decision by the Trump administration affecting intelligence sharing as the root cause, according to various media reports. The commercial service has …

Days after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a pause in sharing U.S. intelligence, the Ukrainian military has reported little effect from that decision on the front.
The pause is likely to have a higher toll on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, …

Ukraine’s largest state-owned energy company, Naftogaz, and Poland’s petroleum refineries company, Orlen, have signed a contract for the supply of approximately 100 million cubic meters (mcm) of liquefied natural gas (LNG), Naftogaz …

Key developments on March 7:

Republican lawmakers are calling on President Donald Trump to resume U.S. military and intelligence assistance to Ukraine, the Hill reported on March 7.
The Trump administration halted U.S. military aid to Ukraine and intelligence sharing with Kyiv …

U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to pause sharing intelligence with Kyiv has raised fears in major Ukrainian cities that Russian missile attacks could now occur without any warning.
“It will be a catastrophe,” Oleh Yeremenov, a …

U.S. President Donald Trump said at a press briefing on March 7 that he finds it more difficult to deal with Kyiv than with Moscow but admitted that “Russia is bombing the hell out of Ukraine.”
Earlier in the day, Trump said that he is …

In a city usually synonymous with bloated bureaucracy, not all official gatherings are worth the fuss. The emergency EU summit on March 6, however, was one to remember.
EU member states agreed to mobilize an unprecedented 800 billion euros ($867 …

Belarus and Russia ratified the Union State Security Pact, expanding the nuclear umbrella and military integration.
Belarusian dictator Aleksandr Lukashenko invites U.S President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Russian …

Russian forces have destroyed Ukrainian troops' logistics in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, and Ukrainian soldiers face the risk of encirclement, a Ukrainian soldier and a medic deployed in the region told the Kyiv Independent on condition of anonymity …

As Washington continues to pressure Kyiv intro submission, President Volodymyr Zelensky stands at a painful crossroads — agree to U.S. demands or chart a course without Washington, pinning Ukraine’s hopes for survival on Europe alone.
Neither …

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wants to grant Ukraine privileged access to the EU single market as part of a final peace deal, The Telegraph reported on March 7, citing an unnamed senior EU official.
Asked whether von der Leyen is …

Russia has proposed building a drone factory in neighbouring Belarus, Belarusian state media reported on Mar. 6.
Kremlin Deputy Chief of Staff Maxim Oreshkin made the announcement during a trip to Minsk where he met Belarusian dictator Alexander …
In response to U.S. media reports about discussions between American officials and teams of Ukrainian opposition politicians such as Petro Poroshenko and Yulia Tymoshenko regarding possible elections in Ukraine, both leaders have dismissed the idea. …

Editor’s note: This story is being updated.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on March 7 that he is considering imposing sweeping banking sanctions and tariffs on Russia until there is a ceasefire and peace agreement.
According to Trump, his …

A team of foreign volunteers had just finished dinner at a cozy hotel restaurant in Kryvyi Rih — a city in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast where they had recently arrived to bring locals humanitarian aid — when a notification on their phones suddenly made the …

The American Chamber of Commerce in Russia (AmCham Russia) is preparing a report for the U.S. government recommending easing certain sanctions against Russia, pro-Kremlin outlet RBC reported on March 7, citing chamber chief Robert Agee.
The proposed …

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, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson said on March 7.
“We have not received …

Inducting Ukraine into NATO after forcing Russia back behind its pre-2014 borders has been the only strategic aim EU leaders have allowed themselves to contemplate since Russia’s full-scale invasion three years ago. Alas, well before U.S. President …

U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim to be the only person who knows why Russia wants to “make a deal” and end the war in Ukraine is “probably just bluster,” experts have told the Kyiv Independent.
Speaking to reporters in …

Germany should reduce its dependence on U.S. defense manufacturers amid shifting political signals from Washington, the CEO of Airbus Defense and Space, Michael Schollhorn, warned in an interview with Augsburger Allgemeine, published on March 7. …

Georgia is in a grim state. Once vibrant, welcoming, and hopeful, it has become a country where peaceful protesters are beaten and journalists are branded as traitors. Over the past year, the ruling Georgian Dream party has stifled civil society and …

President Volodymyr Zelensky said he would travel to Saudi Arabia on March 10 and meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman before talks with U.S. partners.
Zelensky initially intended to visit Saudi Arabia as part of a Middle East tour in February but …

President Volodymyr Zelensky’s approval rating has risen to 68% following his heated exchange with U.S. President Donald Trump, according to a poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology published on March 7.
The most significant jump …

Several EU members have pledged to provide up to 15 billion euros ($16.3 billion) in additional aid for Ukraine, European Council President Antonio Costa said at a summit on March 6.
EU leaders met in Brussels to discuss plans for boosting …

U.S. President Donald Trump cast doubt on Washington’s commitment to defending its NATO partners on March 6, saying that the U.S. will not protect those that fail to meet defense spending targets.
“If they don’t pay, I’m not …

Twenty-six EU member states denounced Russian aggression and pledged continued support for Ukraine in a joint resolution issued at an emergency summit on March 6, despite Hungary dissenting.
The lack of consensus on the declaration, which stopped …

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed on March 6 that French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent comments on nuclear deterrence pose a threat to Russia, according to the state news agency TASS.
During a televised address on March 5, …

During a meeting with his counterpart on March 6, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth hailed the United Kingdom for “stepping up” in taking a lead among European allies to support Ukraine.
“We are in the middle of a dynamic security …

U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, suggested on March 6 that Ukraine was to blame for the U.S. halting military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv, saying that the embattled nation “brought it on …

Norway’s parliamentary leaders agreed on March 6 to increase aid for Ukraine by 50 billion Norwegian krone ($4.6 billion) to a total of 85 billion Norwegian krone ($7.8 billion) in 2025.
“We are increasing support because there is a need …

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni suggested on March 6 that NATO could extend Article 5 protections to Ukraine without granting Kyiv membership in the alliance.
The collective defense principle enshrined in NATO’s Article 5 commits member …

The European Union reaffirmed its “continued and unwavering support” for Ukraine at a special summit in Brussels on March 6, but failed to say how Europe would provide lasting security guarantees without U.S. backing.
EU leaders convened …

The United States has “made a lot of progress” with both Ukraine and Russia in recent days, U.S. President Donald Trump said on March 6.
Trump has long promised to bring about a swift end to Russia’s war in Ukraine, though progress …

The White House has not come to a decision yet regarding the legal status of 240,000 Ukrainian refugees currently living in the United States, U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on March 6.
Earlier in the day, Reuters …

The United States is prepared to go “all in” on sanctions against Russia in order to pressure Moscow to the negotiating table, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on March 6.
Bessent’s remarks come shortly after Reuters …
The United States under Trump is no longer the United States these families started with. Instead, they had to gather at the United States embassy that is now represented by Donald Trump’s administration who just scorned and humiliated the President …

Key developments on March 6:

Editor’s note: In accordance with the security protocols of the Ukrainian military, soldiers featured in this story are identified by first names and callsigns only.
American volunteer soldiers fighting in Ukraine say that they feel “betrayed” by …

Ukrainian and U.S. delegations are set to discuss the framework for a potential peace agreement next week in Saudi Arabia, U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, told reporters on March 6.
“The idea is to …

The Istanbul talks can’t serve as the basis for a Ukraine-Russia peace deal, U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, said on March 6.
“The Istanbul accords happened 30 days after the invasion, and the …

Editor’s Note: Following a number of attacks against peaceful protestors in Serbia, the Kyiv Independent agreed to not publish the last names of people who gave comments for this story.
BELGRADE, Serbia — Thousands of protestors walked 300 …

Ukraine and U.S. delegations have resumed work and are scheduled to meet next week, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced at the Special European Council on March 6.
“Ukraine is not only ready to take the necessary steps for peace, but we are …

Editor’s note: This is the transcript of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s address to the Special European Council released by the President’s Office on March 6.
President Costa!
President von der Leyen!
Dear colleagues, glad to see you …

With every day of the new White House administration that passes, the chances of Russia being brought in from the cold on the international stage after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine appear to be increasing.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s …

China’s special envoy for European affairs, Lu Shaye, criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s treatment of European allies, calling it “appalling,” the South China Morning Post reported on March 6.
“When you look at how …

Relatives of Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) and missing persons held a peaceful rally outside of the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv on March 6, urging Washington to help secure the release of all Ukrainian soldiers and civilians held in Russian captivity. …

Ukraine’s National Bank (NBU) will raise the key policy rate from 14.5% to 15.5% per annum starting from March 7, chairman Andrii Pyshnyi said on March 6.
The move marks the second raise of the key policy rate since the beginning of 2025. In …

Polish and Lithuanian leaders spoke in positive terms on March 6 about French President Emmanuel Macron’s suggestion that Paris could extend its nuclear umbrella to protect European allies.
Macron proposed to start “strategic …

The Trump administration is preparing to revoke the temporary legal status of 240,000 Ukrainians who fled to the U.S. from Russia’s invasion, potentially paving the way for their deportation, Reuters reported on March 6, citing four undisclosed …

Paris in January 1973. Doha in February 2000. Saudi Arabia in February 2025 — all peacemaking summits with the same aroma and feel. But there are key differences before we assume the stage is simply being set for another American episode of …

The U.S. is destroying the world order as Washington is making overtures to the Kremlin, said on March 6 Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ukraine’s former commander-in-chief and current ambassador to the U.K.
Speaking at the Chatham House, Zaluzhnyi said that …

Editor’s note: The story is being updated.
President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Brussels on March 6 to attend an emergency EU summit, which was called to discuss further support for Ukraine and Europe’s efforts to boost its own defense …

In a dramatic confrontation that has reverberated far beyond Washington, the explosive Oval Office exchange on Feb. 28 between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky represents a broader U.S. foreign policy — one that …

Ex-President Petro Poroshenko’s team works “publicly and transparently” with U.S. partners to ensure bipartisan support for Ukraine, Poroshenko said on March 6, reiterating his opposition to elections during the war.
His comments …

Romania said on March 5 that it had expelled Russian military attache Victor Makovskiy and his deputy, Evgeny Ignatiev, for breaching diplomatic rules of conduct.
“It is an exceptional measure… It is not a measure taken easily, and it is …

The U.S. pause on sharing intelligence with Kyiv affects warnings against Russian drones and missiles striking Ukrainian military and civilian targets, the New York Times reported on March 5, citing undisclosed U.S. and Ukrainian officials.
The U.S. …

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on March 6 appointing Alexander Darchiev as Russia’s new ambassador to Washington.
Darchiev, a veteran diplomat with a half-decade of experience in Washington, previously served as Russia’s …

France is providing military intelligence to Ukraine, French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu said after the U.S. halted intelligence sharing with Kyiv, the BFM TV channel reported on March 6.
“We have intelligence resources that we are …

Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine is a “proxy war” between Moscow and Washington, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in an interview with Fox News on March 5.
Rubio’s remarks underscore how the Trump administration …

Four senior members of U.S. President Donald Trump’s team held secret discussions with political opponents of President Volodymyr Zelensky, Politico reported on March 6, citing three undisclosed Ukrainian lawmakers and a Republican foreign …

Russia has lost 881,800 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 March 6.
This number includes 1,140 casualties Russian forces suffered just over …

EU leaders are discussing how to handle a potential renewed wave of refugees from Ukraine in the face of uncertainty in U.S. policy and Russia’s ongoing offensives, Politico reported on March 5.
Following a heated argument between President …

U.S. President Donald Trump needs to stop appeasing Russian President Vladimir Putin, Representative Jasmine Crockett said in response to Trump’s congressional address on March 4.
Crockett, a Democrat, was asked by the digital media …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
The Netherlands will provide Ukraine with 3.5 billion euros ($3.8 billion) in combined government support in 2026, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof announced on March 5.
Schoof …

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on March 5 the Trump administration must adhere to a lower court ruling that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) restart payments worth nearly $2 billion for the remaining USAID projects.
The split 5-4 …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
Russian forces struck a hotel in Kryvyi Rih in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast with a missile on March 5, killing two people and injuring 7, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine reported. …

Listening to right-leaning alternative media in the U.S., one might come away with the impression — albeit without evidence — that Ukraine is irredeemably corrupt, President Volodymyr Zelensky is a dictator, and Russia’s invasion was somehow …
Jan Lipavský, the Czech Republic's Foreign Minister, emphasized the necessity for Europe to involve the United States in security discussions and to help pave the way for closer ties with Ukraine following the cessation of American military aid to …

Key developments on March 5:

France and the U.K. aim to finalize a peace plan with Ukraine “in days” to present to the United States, Reuters reported on March 6, citing diplomatic sources familiar with the matter.
The report follows President Volodymyr …

European countries have intensified talks on sending peacekeepers to Ukraine to monitor and enforce a possible ceasefire.
But the potential deployment of European peacekeepers to Ukraine faces a lot of challenges and uncertainties. There is no unity …

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration is reportedly ready to lift sanctions on Russia imposed after the start of the full-scale invasion, in a reversal of U.S. policy toward Moscow during its war against Ukraine.
The White House is preparing a …

U.S. President Donald Trump’s escalating pressure on Ukraine over the past week has shocked the global community as he pushes for a quick end to Russia’s full-scale invasion.
The news on March 3 that the U.S. would suspend all military aid to Ukraine …

Ukrainian and American delegations will meet “soon” for peace talks, President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak said on March 5, following discussions with U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz.
“We …

Ukraine and Europe are working on a plan for the first steps toward a just and sustainable peace as Russia’s full-scale invasion enters its fourth year, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on March 5.
“We are preparing a plan of first steps …

The following is the March 4, 2025 edition of our Ukraine Business Roundup weekly newsletter. To get the biggest news in business and tech from Ukraine directly in your inbox, subscribe here.
This week’s newsletter was originally going to be about the …

U.S. President Donald Trump entered the White House promising to bring a swift end to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and his first few weeks in office have proven he’s determined to follow through. While his endeavour to fulfil a campaign …

UKRAINE, KHARKIV, March 5 — Amid claims that the USA will take control of Greenland "one way or another" and declare a trade war with China, Canada, and Mexico, President Donald Trump, in his address to Congress, mentioned that he received a message …
Reports from various media indicate that the Franco-British satellite services firm, Eutelsat, is in talks with the European Union to potentially replace Starlink in Ukraine with its OneWeb satellites. This development, reported by Reuters on …
During an interview on Fox News, CIA Director John Ratcliffe has confirmed that the United States has suspended weapon and intelligence aid to Ukraine following an Oval Office meeting.
Ratcliffe expressed eagerness to lift the pause and resume …

U.S. President Donald Trump may lift the pause on military support for Ukraine once peace talks are arranged and more confidence-building measures are taken, White House national security adviser Mike Waltz said on March 5, according to Reuters.
Trump …

When President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived at the White House on Feb. 28 to discuss ending the war that had inflicted tremendous tragedy on his country since its escalation in 2022, he was asked a question he likely least expected to hear at such a …

Russia’s budget revenue from oil and gas trade in February decreased by 18% year-on-year and by 2.3% compared to January, Reuters reported on March 5, citing Russian Finance Ministry data.
Oil and gas revenues last month amounted to 771.3 …

Minsk could be the best place to host potential trilateral talks between the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told the Russian news agency Interfax on March 5.
Peskov’s statement follows a proposal by Belarusian …

The pause on U.S. military assistance for Ukraine will remain in place until U.S. President Donald Trump decides that President Volodymyr Zelensky supports peace talks with Russia, the Wall Street Journal reported on March 5, citing undisclosed U.S. …

A decision by the White House to suspend all military aid to Ukraine has stunned Kyiv and its European allies, throwing the very future of the established world order into doubt.
“I’m utterly staggered. It’s just …

Roughly two-thirds of the French favor maintaining or increasing aid to Ukraine and sending peacekeepers after the end of hostilities, BFM TV reported on March 4, citing a survey by the Elabe Institute.
Many European leaders have reiterated their …

Friedrich Merz, Germany’s likely next chancellor, said he wants a defense aid package for Ukraine worth roughly 3 billion euros ($3.2 billion) approved by the current, outgoing parliament, Le Monde and AFP reported on March 4.
Speaking at a …

An agreement between Kyiv and Washington on Ukraine’s natural resources is not finalized as U.S. President Donald Trump seeks a “bigger, better deal,” CBS News reported on March 4, citing undisclosed sources.
The painstakingly …

Russian attacks against Ukraine killed at least two civilians and injured at least seven others over the past day, regional authorities reported on March 5.
Russian forces launched 181 drones from the Russian cities of Oryol, Kursk, Bryansk, …

President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer might visit Washington as early as next week to present a “united front” on peace in Ukraine, the British tabloid Daily Mail reported on …

Russia has lost 880,660 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 March 5.
This number includes 1,250 casualties Russian forces suffered just over …

U.S. Vice President JD Vance disputed on March 4 that the Trump administration was not pressuring Moscow to bring it to peace talks, arguing that the existing sanctions are straining Russia’s economy.
“Well, I don’t think that’s right, …

Minsk is prepared to host the leaders of the United States, Ukraine, and Russia for talks on ending Russia’s war against Ukraine, Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko said in an interview on March 4.
Lukashenko’s remarks follow …

Editor’s Note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
U.S. President Donald Trump did not directly discuss his decision to halt military aid to Ukraine in his address to a joint session of Congress on March 4.
Multiple news outlets on …

U.S. President Donald Trump is “threatening the national security of our country,” top Democratic lawmakers said in a statement issued March 4.
The statement came hours before Trump is set to deliver a major address to a joint session of …
In a sensational report, Bild has revealed that former President Donald Trump and Russia are allegedly engaged in secret negotiations to reboot the Nord Stream 2 pipeline.
According to the media outlet, Trump and his team have been holding these …
Poland remains committed to aiding Ukraine in its defensive struggle against Russia. Shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a halt to military aid to Kyiv, said Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Pawel Wronski. Wronski stated …
As Europe searches for an effective mechanism, major European nations are contemplating seizing over €200 billion in frozen Russian assets, linking this issue to a potential ceasefire agreement in Ukraine. France and Germany, previously opposed to …

Russia’s civilian aviation sector is facing a severe crisis as Western sanctions block access to essential spare parts and maintenance services.
With more aircraft suffering mechanical failures, Russian airlines are resorting to smuggling components …
Marine Le Pen has condemned the U.S. government's decision to suspend military aid to Ukraine, according to a statement she made to Le Figaro. Le Pen described this as a "very harsh" move against Ukrainian soldiers "defending their country."
"In my …

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reportedly told Fox News on March 4 that there are no plans to sign a mineral resources deal with Ukraine following Donald Trump’s speech to Congress.
His statement comes after earlier reports suggesting Trump …
In a statement issued following a crucial meeting in Washington, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó raised concerns with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio about Europe's strategic stance on the war in Ukraine, reported the Hungarian news …
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has tasked Ukrainian officials with obtaining official information from the United States regarding reports that the U.S. has paused military aid to Ukraine, as international media outlets have alleged. Zelensky …

Key developments on March 4:

It’s a good decision, says Kremlin’s spokesman, following the U.S. pausing of all aid to Ukraine.
“The details remain to be seen, but if this is true, it is a decision that could indeed push the ‘Kyiv regime’ towards a …

President Donald Trump’s freeze on weapons is alarming Ukrainians, who look to U.S. air defense to stave off the worst of Russia’s missile attacks.
A White House representative on March 3 announced a “pause” on U.S. weapons aid to Ukraine …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
The U.S. and Ukraine are preparing to sign a mineral deal on March 4, according to Reuters, citing sources familiar with the matter.
The sources indicated that U.S. President …

Ukraine plans to import about 3.5 billion cubic meters of gas for the upcoming heating season due to ongoing Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure, Bloomberg reported on March 4.
Recent Russian missile and drone strikes have significantly …

The pause in U.S. military aid to Ukraine is temporary and tied to the fallout from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s heated Oval Office exchange with U.S. President Donald Trump, House Speaker Mike Johnson said on March 4. …

The U.S. has suspended military aid to Ukraine as part of a pressure campaign to push Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky toward negotiations with Russia, U.S. President Donald Trump’s senior adviser Jason Miller said on March 4. It’s just the …
In a briefing held Tuesday, March 4, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal expressed gratitude to the United States for its ongoing military support, which has been crucial in Ukraine's resistance against Russian aggression. Shmyhal assured that, …

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on March 4 that his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House “did not go the way it was supposed to be,” calling the fallout “regrettable."
The statement follows days of …
Did former Polish president Lech Wałęsa write a letter to President Donald Trump expressing "fear and distaste" at his February 2025 meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy? Yes, that's true: On March 3, 2025, Wałęsa shared these …

The U.S. continues to share intelligence with Ukraine despite President Donald Trump’s suspension of military aid, CNN reported on March 4, citing a source familiar with the matter.
Since the start of Moscow’s full-scale invasion, the U.S. has …

The U.S. has suspended military aid to Ukraine as part of a pressure campaign to push Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky toward negotiations with Russia, U.S. President Donald Trump’s senior adviser Jason Miller told CNN on March 4. …
In light of halted U.S. military support, Ukraine’s resilience may last roughly six months, says Fedir Venislavskyi, a prominent member of Ukraine’s parliament and defense committee. Efforts are underway to find alternatives, he told RBC-Ukraine. …

Moscow has pledged to help Washington in dealing with Iran over the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program and its support for regional anti-American proxies, Bloomberg reported on March 4, citing its undisclosed sources.
Since returning to the …
In a recent statement, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov suggested that halting U.S. military assistance could drive Ukraine towards peace talks. His comment comes in response to reports about a potential full stop to Washington's military support …

Editor’s note: The story is being updated.
The Trump administration halted military aid to Ukraine, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on March 4, citing Polish border reports, Rzeczpospolita reported.
Several media outlets reported earlier …

Even in a country grimly accustomed to negative news, the headlines that Ukraine woke up to on March 4 still came as a shock — the U.S. is freezing military aid.
“It hurts to watch it unfolding,” Volodymyr Dubovyk, the head of Odesa …

Editor’s note: The story is being updated.
U.S. military aid continued to flow to Ukraine as of late last night, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said on March 4 during his press conference in Kyiv.
The statement comes after several media outlets …

Oil prices have continued to drop after U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly suspended military aid to Ukraine, Reuters reported on March 4.
The news from the U.S. comes after a spat between Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office …

Editor’s note: This story is being updated.
EC President Ursula von der Leyen presented on March 4 the ReArm Europe plan aimed at strengthening the defense capabilities of European countries.
“The real question in front of us is whether …

Ukrainian drones attacked an oil refinery in the city of Syzran in Russia’s Samara Oblast overnight on March 4, Andrii Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation, said.
The first explosions occurred around 3 a.m. local time, …

The Pentagon has denied that U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered a halt to cyber operations against Russia, Bloomberg reported on March 4, citing an unnamed senior defense official.
The Record previously reported that U.S. Cyber Command was …

Russia has lost 879,410 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 March 4.
This number includes 1,340 casualties Russian forces suffered just over …
Editor’s note: Without a doubt, these are the darkest days for Ukraine since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Back us now to help support journalism that fights back.
The United States is pausing its military aid to Ukraine, …

U.S. President Donald Trump’s heated Oval Office meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky signals a major shift in U.S. foreign policy, one that a Kremlin spokesman says “largely aligns” with Russia’s interests.
Trump’s recent stance on …
Did President Trump just copy and paste another person's Facebook post about Ukrainian President Zelenskyy for a March 2, 2025 Truth Social post? No, that's not true: The X.com post suggesting Trump ripped off the post word for word failed to show …

As U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly halted all military aid to Ukraine, Vice President JD Vance criticized President Volodymyr Zelensky in a March 3 interview with Fox News, claiming Zelensky has shown a “clear unwillingness to engage in …

Editor’s Note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered a suspension of all military aid to Ukraine, escalating pressure on President Volodymyr Zelensky mere days after a heated exchange in the …
Does a video show Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy saying "fuck him" after a reporter asked him about Donald Trump as Zelenskyy entered a meeting with U.K. Prime Minster Keir Starmer? No, that's not true: The video uses a tone to cover a …

France, Germany, and the UK are exploring ways to seize over 200 billion euro ($210 billion) in frozen Russian assets as part of efforts to negotiate a ceasefire in Ukraine, officials familiar with the discussions told Financial Times (FT).
While …

The United States and Ukraine are making progress on a key mineral agreement that could strengthen long-term economic ties and pave the way for further security assistance, according to U.S. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick.
Fitzpatrick, who represents …

The United States is preparing a proposal to potentially ease sanctions on Russia as President Donald Trump works to restore diplomatic ties and negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine, a U.S. official and another source familiar with the discussions …

Key developments on March 3:

Western sanctions and shrinking export opportunities in Asia have triggered a severe crisis in Russia’s coal industry, particularly in Kemerovo Oblast, the country’s key coal-producing region, the Moscow Times reported on March 3. …

NATO membership for Ukraine is becoming increasingly elusive.
The previous U.S. administration has been silently opposing extending a NATO invitation to Ukraine. The current U.S. administration has made its opposition public.
“You can forget …

Ukraine remains committed to working with the U.S. and European partners to secure peace and expects continued American support, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on March 3.
“It is very important that we try to make our diplomacy really …

U.S. President Donald Trump criticized President Volodymyr Zelensky on March 3 for saying that a peace deal with Russia remains “very, very far away."
Zelensky made the remark in a March 2 interview with British media, saying that …

In the wake of the Feb. 28 clash between U.S. President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office, the Kyiv Independent went to the streets of Kyiv to ask Ukrainians what they think of the now infamous …

Editor’s note: This is an edited version of a guide for members of the Kyiv Independent community, published on Feb. 24, 2025. If you would like to join a community of people united by wanting to help Ukraine, consider becoming a member today.
U.S. …

Editor’s note: We originally shared a version of this guide for our members on Feb. 24, 2024. If you would like to join a community of people united by wanting to help Ukraine, consider becoming a member today.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s …

Ukraine’s international bonds fell to their lowest point in over a month on March 3 after a heated exchange between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump last week, Reuters reported.
According to Tradeweb data …

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration wants to hear from President Volodymyr Zelensky that he regrets the Oval Office clash, U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz told Fox News on March 3.
“What we need to hear from President …
In a calculated effort to sway Washington, the Kremlin is keen to underscore its preference for a rare-earth resources deal between Russia and the US over one with Ukraine. On February 23, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s press secretary questioned …
Russian president’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, described Zelensky as lacking diplomatic skills, according to reports from Russian media. He noted that the verbal spat between Zelensky and Trump underscored the difficulties in resolving the …
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that people would not accept an unjust end to the war if parts of Ukraine remain under Russian occupation. Zelensky expressed his conviction that if the Russian Federation continues to control occupied …

The American side deliberately orchestrated the confrontation during President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to the White House, Friedrich Merz, the head of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the likely chancellor, said on March …

The Russian army is trying to break through the Russia-Ukraine border in Sumy Oblast and cut Ukrainian forces off from its logistics routes, State Border Guard spokesperson Andrii Demchenko said on March 3 on national television.
Demchenko’s …

The showdown between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office on Feb. 28 shocked the entire world. But instead of analyzing its political impact, let’s focus on the details of manners, gestures, which …

U.S. President Donald Trump said on March 2 that the U.S. should “spend less time worrying about Putin,” and instead focus on immigrants who engage in a range of alleged criminal behavior.
“We should spend less time worrying about …

The ambush by hired hand U.S. Vice President JD Vance at the White House Oval Office at high noon on Feb. 28 made for great theater, more 24-hour TV than diplomacy. At first, it seemed like an absolute disaster for President Volodymyr Zelensky and …

Within a single week in February, several attacks against enlistment offices and personnel in Ukraine took place, resulting in injuries among both military and civilians. The most striking was the murder of an enlistment officer at a gas station in …

U.S. President Donald Trump and U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s verbal assault on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office will mark Feb. 28, 2025, as an infamous moment in American and world history. The United States is rapidly …

Russian attacks against Ukraine killed six civilians and injured 26 others over the past day, regional authorities reported on March 3.
Russian forces launched 83 drones from the Russian cities of Orel, Kursk, Millerovo, and Primosk-Akhtarsk at …

Preparations for a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin are now being “fast-tracked,” CNN reported on March 2, citing undisclosed sources.
The news comes after President Volodymyr Zelensky …

Russian forces struck a Ukrainian military training ground in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on March 1 during a formation exercise, Mykhailo Drapatyi, Commander of the Ground Forces of Ukraine, said on March 3.
A day earlier, reports of a Russian attack with …

U.S. President Donald Trump will discuss on March 3 the possible suspension or complete cancellation of military aid to Ukraine, including weapons pledged by the Biden administration, The New York Times (NYT) reported, citing an undisclosed source. …

French President Emmanuel Macron and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer are working on a plan to reach a one-month truce in Ukraine, Macron told Le Figaro on March 2.
Macron’s statement comes after European leaders met in London to discuss ending …
It is becoming increasingly clear to many Ukrainians that, in regards the war in #Ukraine, the U.S. will play a different role under #Trump – meaning Ukraine will increasingly look to European leaders as primary partners.

A large fire broke out overnight at the Ufimsky oil refinery in the Russian city of Ufa some 1,400 kilometers inside Russia, local authorities reported on March 3.
Regional emergency services said the fire had been extinguished, adding: “No …

Russia has lost 878,070 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 March 3.
This number includes 1,350 casualties Russian forces suffered just over …

U.S. respondents are split between supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, an opinion poll published by CBS News on March 2 found.
The White House has dramatically changed its approach to foreign policy following the inauguration …

The EU does not have a united stance on giving Ukraine frozen Russian assets, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on March 2 at a London summit focused on Ukraine.
Western nations froze $300 billion in Russian assets at the onset of Russia’s …

Kash Patel, the newly Trump-nominated director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), called on US Congress to investigate how aid money sent to Ukraine has been used, The Epoch Times reported on March 2.
“I’ve asked this Congress …

How will the latest high-level talks shape Ukraine’s trajectory? What are the key takeaways, and what should diplomats, humanitarians, and businesses anticipate in the coming weeks?
Join KI Insights for an exclusive spot briefing this Thursday, where …

Update: Browse the briefing presentation here.
How will the latest high-level talks shape Ukraine’s trajectory? What are the key takeaways, and what should diplomats, humanitarians, and businesses anticipate in the coming weeks?
Join KI Insights for an …

U.S. President Donald Trump reposted a claim on his social media network Truth Social on March 2 that President Volodymyr Zelensky “will have no choice but to concede” to Washington’s terms to the mineral deal because Kyiv cannot …

An agreement on Ukraine’s natural resources collapsed after a heated argument in the Oval Office on Feb. 28 between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump and his Vice President JD Vance, casting doubt on the deal’s …

In the latest episode of Ukraine This Week, the Kyiv Independent’s Anna Belokur breaks down the shocking argument that took place in the Oval Office on Friday, in which U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance berated Ukrainian …
In a move reminiscent of tactics employed by authoritative figures to consolidate power, President Donald Trump’s recent establishment of a U.S. Crypto Strategic Reserve raises significant concerns. This initiative, ostensibly designed to …

President Volodymyr Zelensky met with King Charles III on March 2 following the conclusion of the European leaders' summit hosted by U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The meeting, which sources tell BBC News lasted just under an hour, comes as a show …
An Open Letter to President Zelensky, From an Embarrassed American by John Pavlovitz #Zelenskyy #Ukraine #Trump #Musk

Key developments on March 1 - 2:

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on March 2 that the U.K. had reached an agreement with Kyiv to provide Ukraine with 1.6 billion pounds ($2 billion) for the purchase of 5,000 …

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on March 2 that a number of European nations, including the U.K. and France, are developing a ‘coalition of the willing’ that will include “planes in the air and boots on the ground” in an …
Norwegian oil company Haltbakk Bunkers has announced it will cease fuel supplies to the US military, according to Kystens Næringsliv. The decision comes on the heels of a contentious verbal sparring involving US President Donald Trump, Vice President …

A number of U.S. officials and Republican lawmakers are continuing their criticism of President Volodymyr Zelensky, with some suggesting that Zelensky may have to resign, following the president’s heated exchange at the White House with U.S. …

President Volodymyr Zelensky and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held a “productive meeting” on the sidelines of an international summit in London on March 2, the Presidential Office said.
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is …

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on March 2 that Italy and the U.K. could mediate between President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump following their dispute on Feb. 28, adding that any continued division “will make …

French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and other top Western officials arrived for a London summit to discuss support for Kyiv, the Guardian reported on March 2.
They are among the …

Russia and China are attempting to recruit U.S. federal employees working in national security who were impacted by the Trump administration’s layoffs, CNN reported on March 1, citing four undisclosed sources and an intelligence report.
In …

The Kremlin has praised what it perceives as the U.S.’s foreign policy shift, claiming on March 2 that it “aligns” with its “vision” after U.S. President Donald Trump’s public dispute with President Volodymyr …

Norwegian fuel supplier Haltbakk Bunkers will not deliver a “single liter” of fuel to the U.S. Navy until U.S. President Donald Trump “is gone,” the company’s owner told media outlet Kystens Noeringsliv on March 1 after …

The U.K., France, Ukraine, and possibly other countries will develop a ceasefire plan that will be presented to the U.S., U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in an interview with the BBC on March 2.
Starmer is hosting President Volodymyr Zelensky …

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are working behind the scenes to pacify relations between President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Volodymyr Zelensky following their public spat on Feb. 28.
Macron has …

Tech billionaire Elon Musk agreed on March 2 with a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, for the U.S. to exit NATO and the U.N.
“I agree,” he wrote in response to a post from a right-wing political commentator saying “it’s …

Leaders of Slovakia and Hungary on March 1 threatened to block EU statements during a key summit next week unless the bloc calls for an immediate ceasefire and launches talks with Russia.
European Council President Antonio Costa called a meeting of EU …

Russian attacks across Ukraine killed at least two civilians and injured at least 20, including a child, over the past day, regional authorities reported on March 2.
Ukraine’s air defense shot down 63 of the 79 drones Russia launched overnight, …

Russia has lost 876,720 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 March 2.
This number includes 1,110 casualties Russian forces suffered just over …

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered U.S. Cyber Command to suspend offensive cyber and information operations against Russia, according to a report by the Record.
The decision aligns with President Donald Trump’s efforts to negotiate an end to …

National Security Advisor Mike Waltz criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, suggesting he is not genuinely seeking an end to the war with Russia.
“It’s not clear that Zelensky truly wants to stop the fighting,” Waltz said …

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau departed for London on March 1 to take part in a European defense summit focused on shaping the conditions for a lasting peace in Ukraine.
The gathering, initially planned as a high-level European meeting, has …
Finnish President Alexander Stubb has declared that Ukraine's heroic struggle in the war initiated by Russia is a matter of its very survival as a nation. He emphasized that Finland understands what Ukraine is currently going through. Ukraine is not …

U.K.’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to deliver a stark message to European leaders, urging them to confront the “brutal reality” of growing security threats and commit to higher defense spending.
At a high-stakes security …

Rome signed an agreement with Kyiv on Feb. 28 to provide Ukraine with 13 million euros ($13.5 million) directed towards the country’s Energy Support Fund, Ukraine’s Energy Ministry announced.
The funding will be used to support “the …
Investigative journalist Roman Dobrokhotov asserts that the rift between President Zelensky and former President Trump may ultimately benefit Ukraine.
Offering his insights on social media platform X, Dobrokhotov, editor-in-chief of the …

A Russian ballistic missile struck the Odesa port on the evening of March 1, damaging port infrastructure as well as a foreign civilian ship flying the flag of Panama, Odesa Oblast Governor Oleh Kiper reported.
Two port employees were injured as a …
In a revealing blog post, Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation, suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin might need to abandon some of his ambitious plans amid a fallout in Washington.
Despite a tense …

Ukrainians and foreign donors have sent over 27 million hryvnia ($649,000) in donations to the fundraiser “for nukes” that was opened immediately after the publicized White House clash between U.S. President Donald Trump and President …
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre revealed in an interview with NRK that the government will soon approach parliament with a proposal to increase financial aid to Kyiv.
Late last year, the Norwegian Parliament agreed to provide 35 billion …
Germany's Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck has called for the swift allocation of €3 billion for Ukraine, emphasizing Europe's and Germany's support for the nation. Amid a dispute between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr …

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer reiterated his support for Ukraine during a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky on March 1.
Starmer’s comments come one day after a heated exchange between Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump in the …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
President Volodymyr Zelensky met with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer on March 1, one day after Zelensky’s heated exchange with U.S. President Donald Trump in the White …

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called on March 1 for President Volodymyr Zelensky to mend relations with U.S. President Donald Trump following a tense exchange in White House a day prior.
Zelensky left Washington early without signing a mineral …

The recent Oval Office meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wasn’t just a diplomatic disaster — it was a setup.
From the moment Zelensky walked into that room, the stage had already been set. This …
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has sharply criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, accusing him of failing to show "adequate gratitude" for the support provided by American leader Donald Trump. She warned that the U.S. …

During the month of February, Ukrainian forces destroyed the largest number of Russian vehicles since the start of the full-scale invasion, according to Ukraine’s Defense Ministry.
In the shortest month of the year, Ukrainians destroyed 3,472 …

An astounding political encounter played out in front of the world on Feb. 28, as a highly-anticipated meeting between Presidents Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump descended into a verbal brawl, the cancelling of a mineral deal and — …

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders sat down with the Kyiv Independent on Feb. 27 to share his concerns about Trump’s growing alignment with Russia and other authoritarian regimes, what a possible U.S.-Russia alliance would mean for the American people, the …

Several American and European actors and writers published words of support for Ukraine on their social media after the U.S. President Donald Trump clashed in a heated argument with President Volodymyr Zelensky in the White House.
Pedro Pascal, …
Editor’s Note: Trump has broken the U.S.-Ukraine alliance. This just meant that the war just became a lot more dangerous for anyone living in Ukraine.
During these extraordinary times, independent and trustworthy journalism from Kyiv is more important …

Several European politicians that are considered pro-Russian expressed their approval for the U.S. President Donald Trump after he clashed in a heated argument with President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban …

Russian drones attacked a medical facility in Kharkiv late on Feb. 28, sparking a fire in Ukraine’s second-largest city, Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported.
Drones also struck an area near a gas station and a building adjacent to a high-rise apartment …

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized President Volodymyr Zelensky after his Oval Office meeting with President Donald Trump turned into what Rubio described as a “fiasco.”
In an interview with CNN, Rubio said Zelensky should …

President Donald Trump on Feb. 28 called for an “immediate ceasefire” between Russia and Ukraine, warning President Volodymyr Zelensky that he must pursue peace or risk losing American support.
Trump has taken a confrontational stance …

Editor’s Note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
In an interview with Fox News on Feb. 28, President Volodymyr Zelensky attempted to mend any fractured relations that may have emerged following a heated exchange in the White House …

During his visit to Washington on Feb. 28, President Volodymyr Zelensky had a heated exchange with U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance over ways to end Russia’s war against Ukraine. Trump and Vance have repeatedly claimed …
An Ogre’s Priorities: Trump wanted a minerals deal, not a plea for survival. Zelenskyy stood his ground. Putin bombs, Trump smirks, counting profits over graves. The West must not follow his depravity. #Ukraine #TrumpBetrayal
Zelenskyy might have signed if the U.S. had the sense to secure real guarantees, even through Europe. Three years of war demanded recognition of truth.
#Trump had to choose his words right, frame the truth, make it plain. He failed. Not Zelenskyy.
You know what collapsed today?
The #Trump elected regime betrayal of #Ukraine.
Now it’s up to us in 🇪🇺to do what’s necessary, what’s right
Putin/Russia collapse in two years max if Ukraine is enabled to resist, defend itself, win. …

Key developments on Feb. 28:

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
U.S. President Donald Trump is considering ending ongoing shipments of military aid to Ukraine following a heated exchange in the White House between Trump and President Volodymyr …

It’s time to say it plainly. America’s leadership has switched sides in the war. The American people have not, and they should speak up.
In the past several weeks, the U.S. leadership has demonstrated explicit hostility towards Ukraine and aligned its …
#Trump wanted to exploit #Ukraine, to advance his own interests, Trump wanted “peace”, to get his #Nobel, Trump wanted to use #Zelenskyy to appear as peace-maker, not for Ukraine, but to himself. Zelenskyy walked out of a toxic …

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called on Feb. 28 for an “immediate” summit between the United States, EU, and Western allies to discuss Ukraine amid ongoing peace talks.
Meloni’s call for the summit follow a heated meeting …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
A number of European leaders on Feb. 28 reaffirmed their support for Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelensky, following his tense meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
U.S. lawmakers and officials voiced mixed reaction following a heated exchange between President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump on Feb. 28, that culminated in …
In the stark light of recent events, President Donald Trump’s open camaraderie with Vladimir Putin casts a long shadow over America’s commitment to global freedom. His public rebuke of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a man …

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) was instructed by the State Department to terminate initiatives set to help restore Ukraine’s energy grid, NBC News reported citing two USAID officials working on the matter.
The termination …

Russian officials commented on the heated exchange between President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Feb. 28, calling the clash “historic” and “a livid reprimand from the Oval Office.” …

Russia committed the first crime of aggression against Ukraine back in 2014 by occupying Crimea, but holding Russia’s high-ranking officials accountable became one of the major priorities for Ukraine’s international policy after Russia’s full-scale …

President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the United States for it’s ongoing support of Ukraine in a social media post following a tense meeting at the White House on Feb. 28.
“Thank you America, thank you for your support, thank you for this …

French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that Russia is the aggressor in its war against Ukraine following a heated exchange between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Feb. 28.
“There …

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk voiced supported for Ukraine following the dispute between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Feb. 28.
“Dear Volodymyr Zelensky, dear Ukrainian friends, …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
President Volodymyr Zelensky left the White House early without signing a mineral deal with the United States following a heated exchange with President Donald Trump on Feb. 28. …

The Kyiv Independent invited its American readers to share their thoughts on U.S. President Donald Trump’s policy on Ukraine and Russia on Feb. 24, the third-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine.
In less than a day, we …

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Feb. 28, after meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, that Zelensky “is not ready for peace."
“He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He …

Editor’s Note: This is a developing story.
President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump held a 45-minute-long press briefing in the Oval Office that ended in a heated argument about American aid to Ukraine.
“It’s …

U.S. President Donald Trump said he is “for both Ukraine and Russia” during a press conference with President Volodymyr Zelensky in the White House on Feb. 28.
Talking about his role in negotiations to end Russia’s full-scale …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Feb. 28 during a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington that security guarantees for Ukraine would be Europe’s …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Feb. 28 as the two leaders are expected to sign a framework deal on Ukraine’s natural …

Romanian prosecutors requested the temporary arrest of 21 individuals linked to far-right politician Calin Georgescu on Feb. 28, days after his detention, Reuters reported.
During raids at multiple addresses linked to Georgescu and his associates, …

Lifting sanctions was one of Moscow’s priorities during U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia earlier this month, Vladyslav Vlasiuk, the Ukrainian president’s commissioner for sanctions, told journalists on Feb. 28.
“Our understanding is that …
Did U.S. President Donald Trump call his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy "a dictator"? Yes, that's true: Trump used the word "dictator" to describe Zelenskyy in a February 19, 2025, Truth Social post. Despite that fact, Trump later …

Russia has received U.S. approval to appoint Alexander Darchiev as its new ambassador to Washington, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced on Feb. 28.
Darchiev’s departure for his post in Washington is expected soon, the ministry said.
Darchiev, …

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko announced on Feb. 28 that Petro Olenych, the deputy head of the Kyiv City Administration, and several other officials embroiled in a corruption probe would be dismissed.
A day earlier, Ukraine’s National …

Ukrainian forces destroyed a thermobaric munitions depot in Russian-occupied territory of Donetsk Oblast overnight on Feb. 28, the General Staff reported in a post on Telegram.
The post was accompanied by a video of the strike near the town of …

Russian infantry units are attempting to storm the Russia-Ukraine border in Sumy Oblast but are failing to achieve a breakthrough, claimed Andrii Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation, on Feb. 28.
The official’s comments …

It ended with a bang, not a whimper. By the close of this year’s Munich Security Conference, the old U.S.-led security order appeared to have changed unrecognizably. Now, as Russia’s full-scale war enters its fourth year and peace talks begin, …

Ukraine’s National Police is conducting searches at three of the country’s major pharmaceutical plants, Ukrainska Pravda reported on Feb. 28, citing its sources.
Earlier, the police announced that it was conducting investigations at four …

Europe has been left scrambling to find ways to boost defense spending and continue the flow of support to Ukraine after U.S. President Donald Trump made clear the continent won’t be able to rely on Washington for its long-term security needs. …

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer invited over a dozen European leaders, including President Volodymyr Zelensky, to a summit on Ukraine and security on March 2 in London, AFP reported on Feb. 28, citing Starmer’s office.
The news comes as Starmer …

French President Emmanuel Macron called upon Europe to “rediscover taste for risk, ambition, and power” and reject dependence on the U.S., the French news channel BFM TV reported on Feb. 28.
The comments come amid seismic geopolitical …

Ireland is open to sending peacekeepers to Ukraine to monitor a potential ceasefire, Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin told President Volodymyr Zelensky, the Irish Examiner newspaper reported on Feb. 27.
Zelensky’s visit to Ireland came …

Russian attacks against Ukraine killed three people and injured 20 others over the past day, regional authorities said on Feb. 28.
Ukrainian forces downed 107 out of the 208 drones, including Shahed-type attack drones, launched by Russia overnight, …

U.S.-Russia talks in Istanbul on Feb. 27 were “constructive” and helped identify “initial steps to stabilize bilateral mission operations,” the U.S. State Department said.
The already second round of high-level talks between …

London is ready to send its troops to Ukraine to secure a “good deal” on ending Russia’s full-scale war, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said at a press conference with U.S. President Donald Trump in the White House on Feb. 27.
The …

The framework agreement between Washington and Kyiv on Ukraine’s natural resources has been finalized and will be signed by the two countries' heads of state on Feb. 28, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Fox Business.
The …

Russia has lost 874,560 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 Feb. 28.
This number includes 1,060 casualties Russian forces suffered just over …

Vasyl Ratushnyi, an activist and drone pilot in Ukraine’s Armed Forces, died while fighting on the front lines on Feb. 27, according to his family.
Ratushnyi was the son of the writer Svitlana Povalyaeva and the brother of the prominent activist …

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas decried ruling out NATO membership for Ukraine in an interview with AFP published on Feb. 27.
To the dismay of Ukraine and its allies in Europe, U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly ruled out NATO membership …

The U.S. is open to a minerals deal with Russia, Steve Witkoff, U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, said in an interview with Fox News on Feb. 27.
Witkoff’s remarks come as President Volodymyr Zelensky prepares to sign …

Turkish imports of Russian oil have quietly plummeted since harsher sanctions were imposed earlier this year, the Moscow Times reported on Feb. 27.
The U.S. and U.K. passed sweeping sanctions against Russia’s oil sector on Jan. 10, particularly …

A peace deal to end Russia’s war against Ukraine will happen “quickly” or not at all, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Feb. 27 during a joint press conference with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The two leaders met earlier in …

European Union leaders will consider appointing a special envoy for potential negotiations to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine during a meeting next week, sources familiar with the discussions told Bloomberg.
The proposal follows growing concerns …

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has announced that alliance members are ramping up their defense investments and preparing additional financial support for Ukraine. His remarks came after a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump on Feb. 27. …

Ukraine is in talks with Western allies to ensure that any future military contingent monitoring a potential ceasefire also has a role in patrolling air and sea space, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi said at a news briefing on Feb. 27. …

Questions about U.S. President Donald Trump’s possibly shady relationship with Russia and the country’s security services have long swirled, even culminating in a special counsel investigation during his first term in office.
Though that …

U.S. President Donald Trump has extended some of the sanctions against Russia until March 6, 2026, according to a decree set to be published in the U.S. Federal Register on Feb. 28.
The decree, which is available on the U.S. Federal Register’s …

U.S. President Donald Trump met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House on Feb. 27, as Starmer sought to convince Washington to maintain its role in Ukraine’s security amid ongoing Russian aggression.
Starmer reiterated the …

Key developments on Feb. 27:

As Ukraine enters the fourth year of Russia’s full-scale invasion, shifting political dynamics in the U.S. threaten to influence the course of the war. U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly misrepresented the war’s origins, excluded …

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Feb. 27 that he could not believe he had called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky a “dictator.”
Trump made the comment at a briefing with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House. …

Independent Russian film critic Ekaterina Barabash was placed under house arrest by a Moscow court for posting “fake news” on her Facebook account about the war in Ukraine, her son Yurii Barabash reported on Facebook on Feb. 26.
Detained by the …

U.S. President Donald Trump considered canceling President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Washington but reversed the decision after speaking with French President Emmanuel Macron, the French TV network BFMTV reported on Feb. 27, citing a French …

Ukrainian lawmakers failed to secure enough votes on Feb. 27 to summon ministers for an explanation of the mineral agreement with the U.S. approved by the Cabinet.
On Feb. 26, Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers approved the decision to sign the …

As Ukraine entered its fourth year of Russia’s full-scale war, it was geopolitics, not the war itself, that dominated headlines, as Kyiv’s relationship with new U.S. President Donald Trump nosedived over a proposed minerals deal.
In the meantime …

As Kyiv and Washington celebrate agreeing to jointly develop Ukraine’s natural resources after weeks of tense negotiations, the deal still has a long way to go before the money starts flowing.
Officials, experts, and those close to the deal say the …

Turkey has indicated its openness to deploying troops in Ukraine as part of a potential peacekeeping force, Bloomberg reported on Feb. 27, citing sources familiar with the matter.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed the possibility with …

President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin on Feb. 27 at Shannon International Airport in County Clare, Ireland.
Zelensky’s visit to Ireland comes before his planned talks with U.S. President Donald Trump in …

Moscow and Washington are ready to re-establish cooperation, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Feb. 27 during a meeting of the Federal Security Service’s (FSB) board, praising the Trump administration for its “pragmatism."
In …

France and Ukraine have been discussing the use of Ukrainian minerals for the purposes of the French defense industry since October 2024, French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu said, as France Info reported on Feb. 27.
The comments come as the U.S. …

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Feb. 26 that a U.S. “backstop” for a potential Europeacekeeper contingent in Ukraine would be necessary to ensure a just and lasting peace, Reuters reported.
Starmer is heading to Washington to meet …

President Volodymyr Zelensky has been invited to a special EU summit on March 6 that will be dedicated to “European defense and Ukraine,” European Council President Antonio Costa said in an open letter dated Feb. 26.
The agenda for the …

EU officials are discussing ways to mobilize hundreds of billions of euros for defense spending amid the U.S.’s foreign policy shift away from Europe, Bloomberg reported on Feb. 27, citing undisclosed officials.
U.S. Donald Trump has said he …

American and Russian officials have identified the Arctic as a possible area of economic cooperation, Bloomberg reported on Feb. 26, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter.
U.S. President Donald Trump said that Washington and Moscow are …

Editor’s note: This is issue 15 of Ukrainian lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak’s weekly “Ukraine Reforms Tracker” covering events from Feb. 17–Feb. 23, 2025. The digest highlights steps taken in the Ukrainian parliament related to business, …

The following is the Feb. 25, 2025 edition of our Ukraine Business Roundup weekly newsletter. To get the biggest news in business and tech from Ukraine directly in your inbox, subscribe here.
After weeks of back-and-forth, during which U.S. President …

The Trump administration said on Feb. 26 that it is terminating over 90% of the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) foreign aid contracts, cutting $60 billion in foreign assistance, the U.S. media reported.
The step comes after …

U.S. President Donald Trump plans to impose 25% tariffs on imports from the European Union soon, he said during a cabinet meeting on Feb. 26.
In early February, Trump placed 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian goods, albeit postponing their …

Ukraine has regrouped its troops on the battlefield, slowing down Russian forces' advance in the most “threatening areas,” Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on Feb. 27.
Russian troops are actively pushing on the Novopavlivka …

Minderoo Foundation on Feb. 27 donated 5 million Australian dollars ($3.15 million) to support Ukrainian communities impacted by Russian aggression and affirm Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
The package builds upon 20 million Australian dollars …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
North Korea has deployed additional troops to Russia, an official for South Korea’s National Intelligence Agency claimed on Feb. 27.
An official from Seoul’s spy agency …

Finland announced on Feb. 26 that it would provide 660 million euros ($691 million) in military equipment for Ukraine, supplying the embattled country with domestically-produced equipment.
The announcement did not provide detail as to what kind of …

Romanian presidential candidate and right-wing populist Calin Georgescu was detained by police on Feb. 26 and charged by prosecutors for alleged crimes related to the country’s recent elections.
Georgescu, a pro-Russian candidate who has …

The Romanian parliament passed a law on Feb. 26 that allows the country to shoot down drones that violate its airspace.
The move comes after multiple incidents in which Russian drones crashed onto Romanian territory during attacks against neighboring …

U.S. and Russian officials will not discuss Russia’s war against Ukraine during their meeting in Istanbul on Feb. 27, a U.S. State Department spokesperson said in an email to Reuters.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced on Feb. 26 …

President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet with U.S. President Donald Trump on Feb. 28 to finalize a critical minerals deal between Ukraine and the United States, the president confirmed in his evening address on Feb. 26.
Previously, Trump announced that …

Key developments on Feb. 26:

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Feb. 26 that Ukraine will not be allowed to join NATO as part of a future peace agreement with Russia and ruled out lifting sanctions on Moscow before a deal is reached.
“You can forget about (NATO …

Craig Unger is an American journalist and writer who has written two books on Donald Trump’s connections to Russia’s security services and the Russian mafia stretching all the way back to the 1980s. Unger says he is “absolutely certain” that the U.S. …

Security guarantees Kyiv is seeking are not specified in a mineral deal agreement with Washington, but will be discussed in future rounds of negotiations with the U.S. and other allies, President Volodymyr Zelensky told journalists on Feb. 26.
The …

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will visit Washington on Feb. 28 to sign a minerals agreement between the two countries.
“It’s now confirmed, and we’re going to be signing an …

The Kyiv Independent has obtained from a source in the Ukrainian government the full text of the mineral deal agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine and is publishing the text in full.
Kyiv and Washington agreed on a deal on Feb. 25. The negotiations …

Journalist Tatiana Kulyk and her husband, surgeon Pavlo Ivanchov, were killed in their home by a Russian drone attack on Bucha district of Kyiv Oblast on Feb. 26, according to Ukrinform and Bogomolets National Medical University.
Russia attacked the …

Ukrainian drones successfully struck the Tuapse oil refinery in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai region overnight on Feb. 26, a source in Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) told the Kyiv Independent.
“According to intelligence sources, the …

U.S. and Russian officials will meet for a second round of Ukraine peace talks on Feb. 27 to discuss the reopening of embassies, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said.
“Such a meeting will take place tomorrow in Istanbul. I think that …

Editor’s Note: The following is a translated transcript of the address delivered by Roman Shvartsman, the chairman of the Odesa Association of Jews and a Holocaust survivor, at the Yalta European Strategy (YES) Special Gathering hosted by the Victor …

All civilian airports in Poland must be modernized and adapted for potential use by the country’s military, Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said on Feb. 25.
In comments reported by Polish Radio, Kosiniak-Kamysz said such …

Russian oligarchs could be eligible to apply for the “gold card,” a $5 million path to U.S. residency and citizenship that U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Feb. 25.
Trump unveiled his “gold card,” a scheme to attract …

Editor’s Note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
An agreement between Kyiv and Washington regarding Ukraine’s critical minerals and natural resources will grant Ukraine “military equipment and the right to fight …

Officials at the U.S. State Department are requesting exemptions to Washington’s freeze on foreign aid that would free up funds for Ukraine, Politico reported on Feb. 25.
The U.S. imposed a 90-day freeze on nearly all foreign aid projects when …

French President Emmanuel Macron did not receive any specific security guarantees from the United States regarding a plan to deploy European peacekeepers to monitor a future ceasefire in Ukraine, the Financial Times (FT) reported on Feb. 25.
Macron …

The victory of the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) led by Friedrich Merz was met with relief in Ukraine.
The conservative leader has long criticized the supposedly cautious Ukraine strategy of outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz, whose …

Key developments on Feb. 25:

Russian forces have ramped up attacks on Ukraine’s logistic networks in Kursk Oblast, further hampering the Ukrainian effort to hold on to the Russian territory it controls ahead of potential peace talks, analysts and soldiers on the ground told the …

Russia’s stated goals in its war against Ukraine remain unachieved despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to start peace negotiations, Russian Foreign Ministry’s Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik said on Feb. 25, according to the Russian …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story.
Ukraine has reached an agreement with the U.S. on a minerals deal, Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraine’s deputy prime minister and justice minister, told the Financial Times on Feb. 25.
President Volodymyr …

U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that the U.S. spent $350 billion on assistance for Ukraine. He also said he wants it back.
Trump has used the sum to pressure Ukraine into signing a deal that would give the U.S. at least a 50% interest in …

The media cycle around a natural resources deal between Washington and Kyiv has been nonstop as the two sides lock horns over an agreement that has escalated from speculative critical minerals to Ukraine’s fruitful oil and gas sector.
The relationship …
Russian president Vladimir Putin convened a meeting focused on the development of the rare earth metals sector in Russia, according to Russian media outlets. At the subsequent press conference, Putin asserted Russia's reserves of rare earth metals …

Washington voted against a UN resolution condemning Russian aggression against Ukraine because it contradicted U.S. efforts to bring both sides to the negotiating table, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Breitbart News on Feb. 24.
“We …

The U.K. aims to increase defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Feb. 25 during a speech in the British Parliament.
Starmer’s statement comes amid growing uncertainty about the security …

The cost of reconstruction and recovery in Ukraine after three years of Russia’s full-scale invasion will be $524 billion over the next decade, the U.N. reported on Feb. 25, citing data from Ukraine’s government, the World Bank, the …

After the top diplomats of Moscow and Washington met in Riyadh to discuss “peace” in Ukraine — without Ukraine at the table — the conversation quickly shifted to elections, as if they were the only topic discussed and the sole reason the war …
In a significant move, the European Union has proposed a deal to Ukraine for access to its "critical" resources, EU Commissioner for Industrial Strategy, Stephan Sejourne, announced on Monday, February 24. Sejourne indicated that "21 out of 30 …

Donald Trump is elected U.S. president after criticizing a war abroad and calling for its end. He negotiates a deal with an adversary of the United States under heavy sanctions, cutting an ally out of their own country’s peace talks. The disastrous …

Serbia erroneously voted in favor of a Ukrainian resolution at the U.N. General Assembly calling Russia an aggressor state, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Feb. 24, RTS reported.
The U.N. General Assembly approved the resolution on Feb. 24 …

Peace is an attractive, yet elusive, concept. It can mean different things to different people at different times. Ukraine is a case in point. The quest for peace could yield either of two fundamentally different outcomes: a Vichy-style capitulation, …

Russia will not be readmitted to the Group of Seven (G7), Germany’s finance minister, Joerg Kukies, told Reuters on Feb. 25, despite U.S. President Donald Trump saying he would “love” to see it happen.
“The condemnation of the …

Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, passed a resolution on Feb. 25 to hold elections after “a comprehensive, just, and sustainable peace is secured” in the country, lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak said.
The decision was supported …

Russia’s foreign ministry has said none of its representatives are scheduled to meet their U.S. counterparts in Saudi Arabia on Feb. 25, Russian state media RIA Novosti reported.
The statement comes after Euronews reported o0n Feb. 22 that U.S. …

The Group of Seven nations (G7) is still discussing a joint statement on the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine due to disagreements with the U.S., Reuters reported on Feb. 25, citing Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie …

The EU has offered Ukraine its own deal on the country’s natural resources, describing it as “mutually beneficial” and a “win-win partnership,” AFP reported on Feb. 24.
The European Commissioner for industrial strategy, …

Ukraine and the U.S. are close to signing a deal on rare earths worth “hundreds of billions of dollars,” Axios reported on Feb. 24 after receiving a draft of the document.
Negotiations on a deal to entrench U.S. interests in …

Russia has lost 869,530 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 Feb. 25.
This number includes 1,300 casualties Russian forces suffered just over …

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Feb. 24 that he believes Ukraine might be able to reclaim some of its territories occupied by Russia, but it would be challenging.
He stated this in response to journalists during a meeting with French President …

Editor’s Note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
Two people were killed, and six have been injured in Russian aerial attacks on Sumy Oblast on Feb. 24.
At least 169 explosions were recorded in Sumy Oblast by local authorities.
The …

French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed his commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty on the third anniversary of Russia’s war against Ukraine in a joint press conference with U.S. President Donald Trump on Feb. 24.
“I’m going to …

Ukraine and Russia have agreed to evacuate residents of Kursk Oblast through Belarus to other regions of the country, a Russian official claimed on Feb. 24.
“There are people who are already in Sumy (Oblast) today. And there is an agreement with …

U.S. President Donald Trump chose not to label Russian President Vladimir Putin a dictator, responding to journalists on the sidelines of a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron on Feb. 24.
“I don’t use those words lightly… …

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with officials on Feb. 24 to discuss rare earth metals production, calling it a strategic reserve crucial for Russia’s economic growth and global competitiveness.
He emphasized the importance of the newly …
Is the United States shutting down a Naval base in Alexandroupoli, Greece, as reported in February 2025? No, that's not true: A defense official told Lead Stories there is no "US base in Alexandroupolis." Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth denied the …

Key developments on Feb. 24:

Three years into Russia’s all-out war, Ukraine is under increasing pressure from Russia on the battlefield and the U.S. in high cabinets.
Russian troops have been gaining ground around Pokrovsk in Ukraine’s Donetsk Oblast, while U.S. President Donald …
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a "positive" conversation with former U.S. President Donald Trump amid the crucial G7 summit. This conversation reinforces Ukraine's aspiration for continued support from the United States alongside …

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Feb. 24 that Russia’s war against Ukraine could end “within weeks” and claimed Russian President Vladimir Putin would allow European peacekeepers to be stationed in Ukraine as part of a potential …

U.S. President Donald Trump said in a Feb. 24 Truth Social post that he hopes the minerals deal with Ukraine “will be signed very soon."
Trump reiterated his push for a deal between the U.S. and Ukraine, arguing that it would help …

The UN General Assembly approved a Ukrainian resolution on Feb. 24 condemning Russia’s full-scale invasion, with 93 countries voting in favor and 18 against.
The U.S., Israel, Hungary, Russia, and Belarus have voted against the resolution.
The …
This historical perspective from Professor Heather Cox Richardson provides crucial context for understanding the ongoing transformation of the United States under Trump’s second presidency.
The purge of military leadership, the dismantling of …

Among the bombshells coming out of the Trump administration in its first month in office is the president’s demand that Ukraine pledge $500 billion worth of mineral resources to the United States in return for American support. U.S. President Donald …
The United States has urged the United Nations General Assembly to support an American resolution marking the third anniversary of Russia's military invasion of Ukraine, with a crucial vote scheduled for Monday, February 24. As part of its diplomatic …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump during the G7 meeting held online on Feb. 24.
“As for Donald Trump… We have just had a conversation. …

The U.S. sent a letter to U.N. member states asking them to vote for the American version of a resolution marking the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine that does not name Moscow as the aggressor, Suspilne reported on …

Russia will agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine only once negotiations provide a “sustainable result” that “suits” the Russian leadership, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Feb. 24, Russian state-controlled news agency RIA …

Former U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson voiced support for the U.S.-proposed deal on Ukraine’s natural resources during an event in Kyiv on Feb. 24.
“The deal should be signed,” Johnson said, speaking at the YES conference event …

The U.K. is imposing its largest-ever package of sanctions against Moscow, targeting its “shadow fleet” of tankers and foreign-based companies providing military parts to Russia, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Feb. 24. …

The U.S.-Ukraine talks on the use of Ukrainian natural resources are in their “final stages” as “nearly all key details (have been) finalized, " Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and Justice …

Editor’s note: The story is being updated.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had provided U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration with a list of all ceasefires violated by Russia.
“Peace cannot be concluded in an hour, a day, …

The Australian and New Zealand governments announced new sanctions against Russia on Feb. 24 in a show of solidarity with Ukraine on the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion.
The new measures, imposed mere days after the EU’s 16th …

Switzerland could contribute around 200 troops to a prospective peacekeeping mission in Ukraine if such a request were received and if the government agreed, Swiss armed forces chief Thomas Suessli said on Feb. 23.
“We could probably field …

The U.K. will impose a travel ban on individuals who have significant ties to the Russian state or have built their wealth through Kremlin connections. The U.K.’s new sanctions come amid broader Western efforts to tighten pressure on Moscow as the …

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged U.S. President Donald Trump to ensure any peace agreement for Ukraine includes security guarantees and prevents further Russian aggression.
During a Feb. 22 phone call, Trudeau emphasized that any deal …

Germany’s center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is set to return to power, with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) emerging as the second-largest party, according to exit polls.
The snap election was driven by concerns over …

Thousands of people rallied in support of Ukraine on Feb. 23 ahead of the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion which began on Feb. 24, 2022.
Rallies were held across Europe on Sunday, with thousands of demonstrators lining the streets of …

The United States is reportedly nearing a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia, according to Steve Witkoff, the U.S. envoy to the Middle East. He said that any potential deal would require both territorial and economic concessions from both …

Key developments on Feb. 22-23:

President Volodymyr Zelensky lambasted ongoing calls to hold elections in Ukraine during a press conference on Feb. 23 amid an unstable security situation across the country.
“If we held elections right now, it’s understandable that for …
Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the European Union, along with its member states, has supplied Ukraine with over €134 billion in economic, humanitarian, and military aid, according to the press office of Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister …
Moscow has unexpectedly contradicted U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of a second round of negotiations with Russia about ending the war against Ukraine, slated for February 25 in Riyadh. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov …

President Volodymyr Zelensky said during a press conference on Feb. 23 that it was “dangerous” that members of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s team are spreading disinformation about the rationale for the start of the war to …
Speaking at the press conference "Ukraine: Year 2025", Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that he does not acknowledge the U.S. assistance as debt, contrary to U.S. President Donald Trump's claims. According to Zelensky, an agreement was …

President Volodymyr Zelensky pushed back at the U.S.’ demand for a $500 billion fund to be financed with Ukrainian natural resource revenue, saying that the U.S.’s aid grants are not debts, during the Ukraine: Year 2025 forum in Kyiv on Feb. 23. …

Ukraine has alternatives for the Starlink internet system widely used by front-line units and is making decisions about the use of the technology, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said at the Ukraine: Year 2025 forum in Kyiv on Feb. 23.
Tensions have …

President Volodymyr Zelensky is ready to step down as president if it means “peace for Ukraine,” he said during the Ukraine: Year 2025 forum in Kyiv on Feb. 23.
Talks about elections in Ukraine have amplified in recent months despite martial law …
According to Forbes, Russian forces, cornered and facing significant setbacks near Pokrovsk, are shifting their focus to alternative targets. The Russian command is now concentrating its efforts not on Pokrovsk, but on neighboring fronts in …

Ukraine has $350 billion worth of natural resources in the Russian-occupied territories, First Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said at the ‘Ukraine. Year 2025’ forum in Kyiv on Feb. 23.
The minister’s comment comes …

Ukraine plans to end the war this year with a just peace, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said at the Ukraine: Year 2025 conference in Kyiv on Feb. 23.
Sybiha noted that this is the goal of President Volodymyr Zelensky and told partners that …

Russia launched its largest single drone attack overnight since the start of the full-scale invasion with 267 drones entering Ukrainian airspace, Air Force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat said on Feb. 23.
Explosions were heard across the country, including …

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will tell U.S. President Donald Trump that Ukraine must be “at the heart” of any peace negotiations, the Prime Minister’s Office reported on Feb. 22.
In the leadup to the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale …

U.S. President Donald Trump is “very confident” that he will reach a deal to end Russia’s war against Ukraine, possibly as early as “this week,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Feb. 22. …

Arrangements for an in-person meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are already underway, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov claimed on Feb. 22.
Trump previously said he would …

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Feb. 22 that the United States would “get our money back” after Ukraine agrees to a deal giving Washington access to half its revenues from critical natural resources.
“We’re going to get …

Russia fulfilled its goal of mobilizing thousands of men in Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine last year, Bohdan Okhrimenko, head of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, told the news outlet Ukrinform in an …

The current U.S. proposal regarding Ukraine’s critical minerals seeks 50% of revenues from Ukraine’s natural resources while offering no security guarantees in return, according to a draft of the agreement seen by the New York Times …

President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that Ukraine anticipates continued deliveries of F-16 fighter jets from the Netherlands, emphasizing their importance in securing the country’s airspace.
Following his meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Dick …

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has denied reports that the United States threatened to shut off Starlink in Ukraine unless Kyiv agreed to a minerals deal.
Responding to a report by Reuters, Musk called the claim “false” and accused …
The United States is reportedly attempting to thwart a Ukrainian-led UN resolution condemning Russia for its aggressive war, marking the third anniversary of Moscow's full-scale invasion of its neighbor. This development was reported on February 22 …

The European Union is intensifying discussions on how to seize Russia’s frozen central bank assets to provide financial and military aid to Ukraine, as concerns grow that the United States may scale back its support.
EU officials are considering …
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced an upcoming meeting between Russia and the United States within the next two weeks.
In an interview with RIA Novosti, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said that the meeting will be …

Editor’s note: In accordance with the security protocols of the Ukrainian military, soldiers featured in this story are identified by first names and callsigns only.
DONETSK OBLAST – Scanning an array of nine video feeds from a command point in an …

U.S. President Donald Trump said a new phase of ceasefire negotiations between American and Russian delegations regarding the war in Ukraine would take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Feb. 25.
This meeting follows the first round of discussions …

Ukraine will start working to conclude an agreement with the U.S. for its natural resources on Feb. 24, Ruslan Stefanchuk, speaker of Ukraine’s parliament, told Japanese media outlet NHK.
The U.S. is reportedly looking to obtain an interest in …

NATO plans to construct a pipeline network connecting Germany with Poland and the Czech Republic to secure a swift jet fuel supply for fighter jets in case of a war with Russia, Reuters reported on Feb. 22, citing Der Speigel.
According to an …
Ukrainian MP Oleksiy Goncharenko, from the European Solidarity party, cited his sources, mentioning that the agreement would involve Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs Andriy Sybiha and the U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Goncharenko shared …

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has justified the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, saying that Russia had “serious security reasons” for it.
“No one is disputing that Russia’s use of military force in Ukraine was a …

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski met U.S. State Secretary Marco Rubio during his trip to the U.S. on Feb. 21, saying it was a “powerful conversation between close allies."
Sikorski said their meeting was “substantial and …

President Volodymyr Zelensky and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz discussed “ways to achieve just peace in Ukraine” during a phone call on Feb. 21.
According to a statement from Steffen Hebestreit, the German Federal Government spokesman, …

Editor’s note: The interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
Donald Trump’s return to the White House has forced Kyiv and other European capitals to ask themselves a sobering question: What will happen to Western support for …

Russia has lost 866,000 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 Feb. 21.
This number includes 1,140 casualties Russian forces suffered just over …

The United States has threatened to cut off Ukraine’s access to Starlink satellite internet terminals if Kyiv does not reach a deal with the U.S. regarding critical mineral resources, Reuters reported on Feb. 21, citing three sources familiar …

The United States has prepared its own draft of a United Nations resolution marking the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, rivaling Kyiv and European countries' joint statement, Reuters reported on Feb. 21.
The move …

The European Union is preparing a military aid package for Ukraine worth approximately 20 billion euros ($20.9 billion), Bloomberg reported on Feb. 21, citing a source familiar with the matter.
The latest package aims to bolster Ukraine’s …

U.S. President Donald Trump admitted on Feb. 21 that Russia launched the full-scale war by attacking Ukraine.
Earlier in the week, Trump blamed Ukraine for starting the war, saying Kyiv “should have never started it” and instead should …

The United States is “pretty close” to signing a rare earth minerals agreement with Ukraine, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed on Feb. 21.
Trump’s remarks come after reports that the U.S. sent Ukraine a revised version of the deal …

Austria is open to hosting Ukraine peace talks, Austrian Ambassador to Ukraine Arad Benko said in an interview with RBC-Ukraine on Feb. 21.
With U.S.-led peace talks to stop Russia’s war against Ukraine looming, various countries have put …

Editor’s Note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
A 60-year-old man was killed at a railway crossing in Kyiv Oblast, amid a Russian drone attack on the region, the Kyiv Oblast Military Administration reported.
The deceased man, an …

The Bulgarian parliament voted overwhelmingly in favor of a non-binding declaration on Feb. 21 that would seek to halt any deployment of military forces to Ukraine.
European leaders have increased discussions of sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine …

Ukrainian and U.S. officials were at the table overnight and into the morning discussing an “improved” bilateral rare earth mineral deal on Feb. 21, Axios reported.
The U.S. is looking to obtain 50% of Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, …

A total of 91% of Ukrainians surveyed oppose peace negotiations between the U.S. and Russia without Ukraine’s participation, a poll released on Feb. 21 by Ukrainian polling firm Rating suggests.
The poll, commissioned between Feb. 20 - 21, comes …

German opposition leader Friedrich Merz has criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s statements about Ukraine, calling them “shocking” and aligned with Russian narratives, the German TV news program Tagesschau reported on Feb. 21. …

U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that Ukraine’s president is an illegitimate “dictator” aligns with Kremlin war objectives and puts Volodymyr Zelensky in an almost impossible situation, experts and analysts have told the …

Canada, which currently chairs the Group of Seven (G7), opposes Russia’s return to the format, Canadian Ambassador to Ukraine Natalka Cmoc said on Feb. 21.
"Canada is not ready for a change in the membership of the G7 and is standing its …
In an ongoing diplomatic saga, the US is reportedly setting its sights on Ukraine's infrastructure and energy assets, superseding previous mineral interests.
Tensions persist as negotiations between Ukraine and the US gear up over a mineral agreement …

Key developments on Feb. 21:
Russian propagandists have been instructed by the Kremlin to advance narratives about Russia's victory in the war against Ukraine by the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion—February 24, 2025, reports the Main Directorate of Intelligence of …

Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed his Cabinet of Ministers on Feb. 21 to prepare for the return of Western companies, saying Russian firms should have “certain advantages” over those re-entering the market.
“We can adjust …

U.S. President Donald Trump claimed on Feb. 21 President Volodymyr Zelensky is not essential to negotiations to end Russia’s war in Ukraine.
“I don’t think he’s very important to be at meetings, to be honest with you,” …

U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz said on Feb. 21 that President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to sign a minerals deal with the U.S. “in the very short term,” the Guardian reported.
“President Zelensky is going to sign that …

I bet you woke up this morning, read the world news, and couldn’t believe it — how is this really happening? Has the world truly plunged into total chaos and madness? You just want to wake up from this nightmare, but instead, it keeps insisting on …
In an interview with American journalist Catherine Herridge on X, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that a potential meeting between U.S. and Russian Presidents, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, largely hinges on achieving progress in …
In a recent development, the Trump administration has presented Ukraine with a revised draft agreement concerning rare earth minerals. The move comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky infuriated former U.S. President Donald Trump by …
A recent poll conducted by the Onukh IBIF project has found that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's approval ratings among Ukrainians have increased by 7% between May 2024 and November-January 2025.
According to the survey results released by …

Around 53% of Danes are in favor of sending peacekeepers to Ukraine after Russia’s full-scale war ends, according to a poll published by Ritzau news agency on Feb. 21, Bloomberg reported.
The news comes amid growing Western deliberations over …

U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, lauded on Feb. 21 “positive discussions” he held with President Volodymyr Zelensky a day earlier.
“A long and intense day with the senior leadership of …

The share of Ukrainian refugees planning to return home has fallen to 43% by the end of 2024, compared to 74% in December 2022, according to a study by Ukrainian think tank the Center for Economic Strategy (CES) published on Feb. 21.
Around 5.2 …

The European Union will seek to increase gas purchases from the U.S. and other countries to replace Russian supplies, EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen said in a joint media interview, Reuters reported on Feb. 21.
Europe began to wean itself off …

Over 130 Ukrainian civil society organizations said that Russia’s war of aggression makes it impossible for Ukraine to hold presidential and parliamentary elections while martial law is in effect in a joint statement published on Feb. 20. …

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claimed on Feb. 21 that Russia did not ask the U.S. to withdraw troops from NATO’s eastern flank during talks in Saudi Arabia.
The spokesperson said this in reaction to an article by the Financial Times …

Around 63% of Ukrainians approve of Volodymyr Zelensky’s actions as a president, according to a survey carried out by the Identity and Borders in Flux: The case of Ukraine (IBIF) project in partnership with the Kyiv International Institute of …

The Swedish authorities have launched a sabotage investigation after an undersea telecoms cable was damaged in the Baltic Sea, the Swedish newspaper Goteborgs-Posten reported on Feb. 21.
The news comes following a string of cases of damaged undersea …

Educational technology company Headway has become the first Ukraine-born business selected to join Endeavor, a global network of entrepreneurs, the company announced in a press release on Feb. 21.
The selection marks a milestone for Ukraine’s …

Russia is instructing its propagandists to declare “victory” in the war “against Ukraine and NATO” on Feb. 24, the third anniversary of its full-scale invasion, Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) claimed on Feb. 21.
After …

Baku has ordered the suspension of the BBC News Azerbaijani office, allowing only one journalist to remain active in the country, the BBC said on Feb. 20.
The British broadcaster confirmed that it had taken the “reluctant decision” to …

The U.K. and Norway on Feb. 20 launched discussions on a major defense pact to deter possible Russian aggression in the Arctic region.
The agreement, designed to bolster British and Norwegian armed forces while deepening industrial cooperation, comes …

A possible meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin will largely depend on whether “we can make any progress” on ending the war in Ukraine, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in an …

Ukraine’s Defense Procurement Agency is launching a new supply model for delivering drones to the front line within weeks rather than months, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced on Feb. 20.
Kyiv has ramped up domestic drone production over …

There is no appetite for another assistance bill for Ukraine, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson said in an interview with Newsmax on Feb. 20 amid growing tensions between Washington and Kyiv.
U.S. President Donald Trump has pushed to mediate a peace …

Russia has lost 864,860 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 Feb. 21.
This number includes 1,280 casualties Russian forces suffered just over …

Europe needs a “massive defense plan” to face the growing threat from Russia, French President Emmanuel Macron said in a wide-ranging social media live feed on Feb. 20.
Macron’s remarks come ahead of his planned visit to Washington, …

China supports the “recent consensus” reached by U.S. and Russian officials regarding the war in Ukraine, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement published Feb. 21.
The statement came days after a U.S. delegation sat down with …

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Feb. 20 proposed a three-point plan to strengthen Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s full-scale invasion and enhance European security.
Tusk currently represents the rotating presidency of the EU Council. …

Unofficial U.S. and Russian representatives have been quietly meeting in Switzerland in recent months for informal discussions regarding Ukraine, Reuters reported on Feb. 21.
The disclosure comes shortly after Russia and the U.S. held preliminary …

U.S. Special Envoy Keith Kellogg’s visit to Kyiv “restores hope,” President Volodymyr Zelensky said following their meeting on Feb. 20.
Kellogg, U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, spoke to …

U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said that the Kremlin shows no interest in pursuing peace in Ukraine, following a speech by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at a closed-door session of the G20 foreign ministers' meeting in Johannesburg on …

The United States is opposing the use of the term “Russian aggression” in a planned G7 statement marking the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, creating tensions among allied nations, an official familiar …

The U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has presented Ukraine with an “improved” draft of a minerals agreement after President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected the initial proposal, Axios reported on Feb. 20, citing sources …

Within weeks of U.S. President Donald Trump saying he wanted to do a deal with Kyiv on its “rare earths and other things,” it became clear the U.S. wasn’t just interested in Ukraine’s critical minerals and rare earth elements.
U.S. Treasury Secretary …

Key developments on Feb. 20:

During U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, Moscow allegedly demanded that the U.S. withdraw NATO forces from eastern Europe as a condition for “normalizing relations,” the Financial Times (FT) reported on Feb. 20, citing two officials in …

A looming dropoff in U.S. weapons deliveries is threatening to strain Ukraine’s budding domestic arms production to the breaking point.
As U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration prepares negotiations with their Russian counterparts, Ukrainians …

Despite a long history of controversial and bombastic statements, U.S. President Donald Trump still managed to stun those watching this week by calling President Volodymyr Zelesnky a “dictator” and blaming Ukraine for Russia’s …
The recent statement by former U.S. President Donald Trump labeling Volodymyr Zelensky as a "dictator without elections" has fueled concerns among Ukrainians that U.S. military aid could soon be questioned by a new administration, according to a …

President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Keith Kellogg, U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, in Kyiv on Feb. 20.
“We discussed in detail the situation on the battlefield and how to return all our POWs (prisoners of war), …
Did U.S. President Donald Trump say that Ukraine started the war with Russia? Yes, that's true: On February 18, 2025, speaking from his Mar-a-Lago residence, he said that Ukraine should have never started the war. That followed talks between the U.S. …

U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz on Feb. 20 urged Kyiv to “tone down” its stance and sign a minerals deal that President Volodymyr Zelensky refused to make.
“They need to tone it down and take a hard look and sign that …
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has met with the U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg. The Ukrainian President's spokesperson, Nykiforov, disclosed that a press conference planned after their talks was canceled upon the …

U.S. President Donald Trump claimed on Feb. 19 that President Volodymyr Zelensky was a “modestly successful comedian” turned “dictator” who “refused to have elections.”
This was the latest in a series of false …

Ukraine’s State Bureau of Investigation and Justice Ministry are preparing to nationalize Poltava Mining, a subsidiary of London-listed Ferrexpo, which is majority owned by oligarch Konstantin Zhevago, the SBI announced on Feb. 20.
The move …

After the Trump administration accused European allies of not pulling their weight in the support for Ukraine, the Kyiv Independent sat down with the EU’s first-ever defense commissioner, Andrius Kubilius, to discuss whether Europe is ready to …

The U.S. is refusing to co-sponsor a UN resolution marking the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, which reaffirms Ukraine’s territorial integrity and condemns Moscow’s aggression, Reuters reported on Feb. 20, citing …

Ukrainian military intelligence head Kyrylo Budanov believes that Ukraine and Russia will reach a ceasefire this year, he said in an interview with Azerbaijani journalist Eynulla Fatullayev published on Feb. 18.
Budanov described the situation as …

European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will visit Kyiv on the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale war, Costa announced on Feb. 20.
Last week, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced …

Europe urgently needs to rearm. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the broader threat that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s regime poses to Europe, requires nothing less. U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has also now made clear that …

Moscow is worried about recent discussions by NATO countries about a potential deployment of peacekeepers in Ukraine, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, the pro-Kremlin news agency Interfax reported on Feb. 20.
Peskov made the statement in …
On the Kursk direction, Russian troops attacked in the area of Sverdlovka, Pogrebki, Cherkasskya Konopelka, Kurilovka, and attempted to advance east of Sverdlovka, southeast of Cherkasskya Konopelka, and north of Fanaseevka.
On the Kharkiv direction, …

The Trump administration may try to push through a simplified initial version of the U.S.-Ukraine deal on natural resources extraction, with details to be sorted out at a later date, Reuters reported on Feb. 20, citing two undisclosed sources.
The …

U.S. President Donald Trump said that Russia holds “the cards” in any peace talks with Ukraine as they occupy a significant part of Ukrainian territory, the BBC reported on Feb. 20.
“I think the Russians want to see the war end, I …

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer will present U.S. President Donald Trump with a plan to deploy up to 30,000 European troops in Ukraine backed by U.S. firepower, the Telegraph reported on Feb. 19, citing undisclosed Western officials.
Starmer and …

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Feb. 19 that he aims to “resurrect” talks on the agreement for the extraction of Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, CNN reported shortly after the U.S. president accused his Ukrainian counterpart of …

A number of European leaders on Feb. 19 reaffirmed their support for President Volodymyr Zelensky after U.S. President Donald Trump accused him of being a “dictator” and espousing false claims about Ukraine.
“Ukraine has been …
Did Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's approval rating plummet to 4 percent, as of February 2025? No, that's not true: Lead Stories found no publicly available poll confirming the figure voiced by President Donald Trump on February 18, 2025. …

Oil prices remained near a one-week high on Feb. 19 as concerns over supply disruptions in Russia and the U.S. continued to drive the market. Traders are also closely watching developments on potential sanctions relief, as Washington attempts to …

U.S. President Donald Trump on Feb. 19 launched an astonishing attack on President Volodymyr Zelensky, calling him a “dictator” with a “very low” approval rating that refuses to hold elections in Ukraine.
The comments came a …

Key developments on Feb. 19:

U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest comments about Ukraine are raising eyebrows — and spreading misinformation. He claimed that Ukraine was the one who started Russia’s war, said that Ukraine had been “blown to smithereens,” and claimed that …

Storm clouds are intensifying in Europe as Ukraine approaches the fourth year of the full-scale war with Russia.
Initial hopes that U.S. President Donald Trump’s new administration might adopt the “peace through strength” approach …

U.S. Vice President JD Vance criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Feb. 19, saying his public remarks about U.S. President Donald Trump were counterproductive.
“The idea that Zelensky is going to change the president’s mind …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
U.S. President Donald Trump called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky a “dictator” in a post on his social media platform Truth Social, accusing him of refusing to …

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Feb. 19 that he had been briefed on the outcome of U.S.-Russian talks in Riyadh, expressing willingness to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump.
“Yes, I’ve been reported. I rate them highly. There …

The following is the Feb. 18, 2025 edition of our Ukraine Business Roundup weekly newsletter. To get the biggest news in business and tech from Ukraine directly in your inbox, subscribe here.
Ukraine’s natural resources — We’ll take them …

Hungary negotiated exemptions for Moscow Patriarch Kirill and domestic use of Russian oil products during talks on the EU’s 16th package of sanctions, a Hungarian government spokesperson said on Feb. 19.
The statement came after EU ambassadors …

Russia is offering the Trump administration a deal on Russian natural resources and access to the Arctic, The Moscow Times reported on Feb. 18, citing Kirill Dmitriev, one of the Russian delegates in recent Saudi Arabia talks.
A Russian delegation led …

The U.S. helped Russian President Vladimir Putin to escape years of isolation, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Feb. 19 in reference to recent U.S.-Russian talks in Saudi Arabia.
A U.S. delegation led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio met on Feb. …

Ukraine’s wartime military costs have amounted to $320 billion, with the U.S. and the EU providing $200 billion of that sum in defense support, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Feb. 19.
“We, the people of Ukraine, (covered) $120 …

Ukraine is open to investment but does not want to become a “center for the extraction of raw materials for any continent,” President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with CNN Turk published on Feb. 19.
The comment comes after U.S. …

Ukraine understands that U.S. President Donald Trump’s false claim that President Volodymyr Zelensky holds a 4% approval rating comes from Russia, Zelensky said during a press conference on Feb. 19.
“We saw this disinformation. We …

Around 57% of Ukrainians trust President Volodymyr Zelensky as of February, marking an increase of five percentage points since December, according to a survey by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) published on Feb. 19.
The poll, …

U.S. President Donald Trump said he would “probably” meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin before the end of February, CNN reported on Feb. 19.
Since the first days after his return to the White House, Trump has been voicing his …

The second line of the Ukrainian national anthem — “Fate/luck still smiles on us, fellow Ukrainians” — sadly no longer holds. Much worse, we should extend this retreat of luck to Europe itself: Fate/luck no longer smiles on us, fellow Europeans. The …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
Keith Kellogg, U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, arrived in Kyiv on Feb. 19.
Kellogg is visiting Kyiv shortly after the U.S. and Russian delegations held …

Russian attacks across multiple Ukrainian oblasts over the past day killed at least one civilian and injured at least 14, including two children, regional authorities reported on Feb. 19.
Russia launched 167 Shahed-type drones and decoy drones against …

Editor’s note: The story is being updated.
A massive Russian drone strike against the southern city of Odesa and Odesa Oblast overnight on Feb. 19 injured at least four people, including a child, Governor Oleh Kiper reported.
All the victims have …

France will not send its soldiers to the frontline in Ukraine, French President Emmanuel Macron said in a television interview on Feb. 18.
Macron invited European leaders to an emergency summit in Paris on Feb. 17 in response to U.S. officials saying …

Canada is interested in partaking in conversations about security guarantees for Ukraine, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said on Feb. 18.
“We want to be part of these conversations regarding security guarantees,” Joly told …

Russian President Vladimir Putin is not serious about reaching a peace deal with Ukraine, NBC News reported on Feb. 18, citing unnamed Western intelligence officials and U.S. congressional officials.
Russian and U.S. delegations met in Saudi Arabia on …

Editor’s Note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Feb. 18 that he believes Ukraine should hold new elections, as the country has become a “massive demolition site” under President …

Editor’s Note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
U.S. President Donald Trump is “much more confident” that he will secure a ceasefire deal between Russia and Ukraine following talks between U.S. and Russian officials …

A relatively small contingent of Western troops could successfully provide security guarantees to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire with Russia, U.K. defense sources told the Guardian on Feb. 18.
Previously, President Volodymyr Zelensky told the …
Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Olga Stefanishina provided updates on discussions between Ukraine and the United States regarding critical mineral resources. During a briefing in Warsaw, Stefanishina explained that delays in formalizing an agreement …

Russia on Feb. 18 ended years of political isolation sparked by its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, as a delegation of Kremlin officials met with their U.S. counterparts in Saudi Arabia to discuss how to end the very war it started.
The talks ended …

Key developments on Feb. 18:

The emergency Ukraine summit held in Paris by European leaders on Feb. 17 exposed divisions between European countries, highlighting how they have so far failed to agree on a coherent plan for supporting Kyiv, analysts have told the Kyiv Independent. …

As U.S.-Russian talks on ending the war in Ukraine kicked off in Saudi Arabia on Feb. 18, Keith Kellogg, U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Russia and Ukraine, appears to have been partially sidelined from the negotiations.

As many others have now concluded, this year’s Munich Security Conference (MSC) was pretty remarkable. Indeed, it may have been as defining an event as Russian President Vladimir Putin’s infamous 2007 speech, which marked a shift toward a more openly …

The European Union must take greater control of its sanctions policy against Russia as U.S. priorities shift, EU Economy and Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis said on Feb. 18.
“With the current Trump administration, the EU will need to take …

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Feb. 18 that Turkey is an ideal host for potential peace talks on Russia’s war against Ukraine, offering Ankara as a venue for future negotiations.
“Our country is an ideal host for the …

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Feb. 18 that Moscow had not seen a three-point peace plan and warned that Russia would not accept the deployment of Western troops in Ukraine.
The alleged plan, which reportedly includes a ceasefire, …
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the upcoming visit of Donald Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, to Kyiv. Kellogg is expected to arrive on February 20. However, Russian media has already claimed that the potential visit …

Editor’s note: This story is being updated.
A member of Russia’s delegation that met with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia on Feb. 18 to discuss ending the war in Ukraine has said the talks were “not bad,” but it was “hard …

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin is ready for talks with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, but “legal aspects related to his legitimacy” must be considered, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Feb. 18 in an …

European countries have found themselves at “a separate kids' table” in the negotiations on Ukraine because of insufficient investment in their defense, Armin Papperger, chief executive of Rheinmetall, said in an interview with the …

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met with U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg in Brussels on Feb. 18, to discuss ending Russia’s full-scale invasion.
The meeting comes on the same day that Russia and the U.S. began …

U.S. President Donald Trump says he wants to bring peace to Ukraine. But his approach cannot work, because it fails to address the problem of security guarantees. There will be no peace as long as Ukraine must face Russia on its own. But perhaps this …

U.S. and Russian officials on Feb. 18 began talks in Saudi Arabia on how to end Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
A Russian delegation led by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is meeting a U.S. delegation led by State Secretary Marco Rubio, the first …

President Volodymyr Zelensky warned against a hastily negotiated peace deal from the Trump administration during a wide-ranging interview with German media network ARD published Feb. 17, reaffirming that Ukraine would not accept a peace deal …

French President Emmanuel Macron has reaffirmed the need for strong security guarantees for Ukraine, warning that a ceasefire without them risks collapsing like the failed Minsk agreements.
His Feb. 17 statement came after urgent talks with European …

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called on U.S. President Donald Trump to provide American military backing for a proposed European peacekeeping force in Ukraine, arguing that only a U.S. security guarantee can deter Russia from launching further …

U.S. special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, will arrive in Ukraine on Feb. 19, traveling by overnight train from Poland. His visit will last three days, though the schedule is still being finalized.
Speaking to journalists in Brussels on …

Key developments on Feb. 17:

With the Trump administration now in power in the U.S., there is a chance that the “hot phase” of Moscow’s war against Ukraine could soon end, Russian UN Representative Vasily Nebeznya said on Feb. 17 as cited by pro-Kremlin outlet …

After years of political isolation sparked by the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, U.S. and Russian officials will meet in Saudi Arabia this week to discuss how to bring an end to the war.
Neither Ukraine nor Europe has been invited to the main …
The U.S. administration has expressed displeasure with Kyiv’s decision to reject a proposed natural resource deal from President Donald Trump. Washington views Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's refusal as “short-sighted,” reports AP, citing a …

Ukrainian weapons startups are finally seeing an inflow of funds from Western investors who have long been intrigued by the Ukraine’s defense tech sector but have so far kept their money out of the war-torn country.
Financial analysis firm …
Russian and American officials are gearing up to orchestrate a summit between President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin, a prospect that could mark a significant diplomatic engagement between the two countries. Another critical subject on …

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Feb. 17 said there could be “no thought of” territorial concessions to Ukraine on the eve of talks with the U.S. over how to end Moscow’s full-scale invasion.
Russia illegally annexed …

President Volodymyr Zelensky will arrive in Saudi Arabia on Feb. 18, he said during a press briefing in the United Arabic Emirates, Reuters reported.
The Ukrainian president’s visit coincides with the U.S.-Russia talks on ending the war in …

Editor’s note: This article is an on-site version of KI Insights' The Week Ahead newsletter covering events from Feb. 17-Feb. 23. Sign up here to start your week with an agenda of Ukraine-related events, delivered directly to your inbox every …

Ukrainian drones, operated by the Special Operations Forces (SSO) and Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), hit the Ilsky Oil Refinery in Krasnodar Krai and the Kropotkinskaya oil pumping station in the Kavkazsky District of Kuban overnight on Feb. 17, …

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Kremlin foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov will fly to Saudi Arabia for talks with a U.S. delegation about how to end the war in Ukraine, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Feb. 17.
“They are …

French President Emmanuel Macron is hosting a Paris summit of European powers on Feb. 17 to discuss Ukraine’s potential NATO membership, among other issues, The Guardian reported.
The summit will be held on the same day a U.S. delegation arrives …

Ukraine will “never accept any decisions between the United States and Russia” regarding the outcome of peace negotiation without Ukraine’s participation, President Volodymyr Zelensky told NBC News in an interview published Feb. 16. …

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Feb. 16 that he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin “wants to stop fighting” Russia’s war in Ukraine, dismissing Moscow’s territorial ambitions in the embattled country.
“I think …

A U.S. delegation is set to meet with its Russian counterparts on Feb. 18 in Saudi Arabia, Axios reported on Feb. 16, citing two sources with direct knowledge of the meeting.
The delegation, led by State Secretary Marco Rubio, National Security …

A team of advisers to U.S. President Donald Trump is set to meet with Russian officials next week in Saudi Arabia to begin negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, two U.S. government officials familiar with the matter told CBS News.
The …

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has signaled that his country is prepared to send troops to Ukraine as part of a European-led peacekeeping force to enforce a future peace deal.
In an article for the Telegraph, Starmer acknowledged the gravity of …

Finnish President Alexander Stubb has emphasized that Ukraine’s membership in the European Union and NATO is non-negotiable, adding that these alliances are essential for ensuring the country’s sovereignty and security.
Speaking at the Munich …

The United States offered Ukraine “a colonial agreement” on exchanging Ukrainian rare earth minerals for U.S. military aid, a former senior Ukrainian official told the Associated Press (AP) on Feb. 16.
The comment comes after U.S. Treasury …

U.S. President Donald Trump wants to secure a ceasefire in Russia’s war against Ukraine by Easter, Bloomberg reported on Feb. 16, citing unnamed officials.
Trump has previously promised to end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours. Since his …

Key developments on Feb. 15-16:

Both Ukraine and Europe must play a role in serious negotiations with the U.S. and Russia to end the war, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told CBS News on Feb. 16.
Rubio’s comments come as he prepares to travel to Saudi Arabia to meet with …

Intelligence reports indicate that there is a “high risk” Russia is preparing troops for a possible invasion of NATO member states, President Volodymyr Zelensky told NBC News in an interview published Feb. 16.
Zelensky spoke to NBC on the …

The European Union needs a special envoy to Ukraine peace talks to avoid being cut out of negotiations, Finnish President Alexander Stubb said on Feb. 16 at the Munich Security Conference.
Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith …

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Feb. 15 that success “already feels possible” as his administration begins collaborations with U.S. President Donald Trump’s team.
Zelensky noted that he had a good phone call with Trump before the Munich Security …

European leaders are set to gather in Paris on Feb. 17 for an emergency summit over concerns that the U.S. is advancing peace talks with Russia without Europe, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski announced on Feb. 15.
This comes amid recent …

U.S. President Donald Trump’s phone call to Russian President Vladimir Putin was a mistake, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said at the Munich Security Conference on Feb. 15.
Trump spoke to Putin in a phone call on Feb. 12, holding a …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor to President Volodymyr Zelensky, denied on Feb. 15 that Ukraine will participate in an upcoming meeting between Russia and the United States in Saudi …

Senior U.S. officials are heading to Saudi Arabia for peace talks with Russian and Ukrainian representatives, Politico reported on Feb. 15, citing a Republican lawmaker and two U.S. officials familiar with the meeting.
U.S. President Donald Trump has …

U.S. State Secretary Marco Rubio held a phone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Feb. 15, just days after U.S. President Donald Trump spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“Building on the Feb. 12 phone conversation …

U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, attended a panel discussion during the Munich Security Conference on Feb. 15 where he called for the the U.S. to implement additional sanctions on Russia’s …
Ukraine and the United States are engaged in ongoing negotiations concerning Ukrainian rare earth metals.
"We continue the talks," said President Volodymyr Zelensky during the main session of the Munich Security Conference. Earlier, on February 12, …

After pledging for months to swiftly end Russia’s war in Ukraine, U.S. President Donald Trump has started to take first steps toward peace negotiations this week.
After holding a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Feb. 12, Trump …

Ukraine is not yet ready to sign a mineral resource agreement with the United States, President Volodymyr Zelensky said at a news conference at the Munich Security Conference, stating that the agreement “was not ready to protect” Ukraine …

U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, said on Feb. 15 that Europe will not be directly involved in negotiations to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, but its interests will be considered. …

Russia has to pull back its troops to at least the front line as it was before the full-scale invasion in 2022, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Feb. 15 in an interview with Newsmax.
Zelensky’s comments come after earlier in the week, U.S. …
Editor’s Note: We use deeply-reported human interest stories, personal narratives, to make the news more thoughtful. We believe empathetic writing is a powerful antidote to authoritarianism.
Join our cause: become a paid subscriber today!

President Volodymyr Zelensky’s speech on the second day of the Munich Security Conference on Feb. 15 was met with several rounds of applause.
The Ukrainian president called for the creation of an “army of Europe” and emphasized the …

The U.S. seeks to obtain 50% of Ukraine’s rare minerals and has signaled openness to deploy American troops to guard them if there is a deal with Russia to end the war, NBC reported on Feb. 15, citing unnamed American officials.
U.S. Treasury …

Russian attacks against Ukraine killed three and injured 12 civilians over the past day, regional authorities reported on Feb. 15.
Russian forces launched 70 drones from the Russian cities of Orel, Millerovo, and Primosk-Akhtarsk, as well as from Cape …

There is “no point trying to negotiate” with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Yulia Navalnaya, widow of the late Russian dissident Alexei Navalny, said at the Munich Security Conference on Feb. 14.
Navalnaya’s comments come two …

President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed steps towards ending Russia’s war against Ukraine in a phone conversation on Feb. 14.
The call followed Zelensky’s meeting with U.S. officials, including Vice …

U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Feb. 14 reiterated that Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine “is between Russia and Ukraine” and accused the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) of “twisting (his) words” in a recently published …

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that his country faces an uphill battle for survival without continued U.S. military assistance.
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, he told NBC News that it would be “very, very, very …

A 28-year-old U.S. citizen was detained at Moscow’s Vnukovo airport after Russian authorities allegedly found food items containing cannabis derivatives in his luggage. The man had arrived from Istanbul on Feb. 7 when a customs inspection led to his …

U.S. Vice President JD Vance stunned those watching on Feb. 14 when his speech at the Munich Security Conference turned into a searing attack on Europe’s ideals and a call to embrace far-right political parties.
At an event focused almost …

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced criticism from Senate Armed Services Chair Roger Wicker after suggesting that Ukraine’s return to its pre-war borders was “unrealistic."
While Hegseth has since walked back some of his comments, …

Key developments on Feb. 14:

A Ukrainian delegation led by President Volodymyr Zelensky met with representatives of the U.S. government, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance, at the Munich Security Conference on Feb. 14.
The meeting was initially postponed, allowing the U.S. …

Ukraine has recorded 6,129 cases of the use of munitions containing hazardous chemicals by Russian troops since February 2023, the Foreign Ministry reported on Feb. 14.
Russia has been intensifying its use of chemical agents on the battlefield in …
Live from Germany, where I’m attending the Munich Security Conference, Steven Beschloss from America, America and I talked about the terrible road ahead…
… But also what we each do to stave of cynicism and apathy about the news (even as we receive a …

Russia attacked Ukraine’s decommissioned Chornobyl nuclear power plant on Feb. 14 just as world leaders gathered for the Munich Security Conference — in Moscow’s latest nuclear threat against Kyiv.
Videos shared by Ukrainian President Volodymyr …

Saudi Arabia supported the proposal to hold a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Riyadh, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said on Feb. 14.
The statement came days after Trump held separate calls with Putin …

The U.S. administration is ready to hand Russia a win in its brutal war against Ukraine.
That’s the only conclusion we can make after following the news this week. If anyone held onto hopes that U.S. President Donald Trump would be tough on Russia’s …

Ukraine is not talking about any peace deal now, President Volodymyr Zelensky said at the Munich Security Conference on Feb. 14.
“Today, we are not talking about any peace agreement. Frankly to say, it is unfortunate,” Zelensky said. …

Russian President Vladimir Putin is assembling a team of veteran negotiators to engage with U.S. President Donald Trump’s representatives in potential talks to end Russia’s war against Ukraine, Bloomberg reported on Feb. 14, citing …

Ukraine brought back the bodies of 757 soldiers who died fighting against Russia, the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of the Prisoners of War announced on Feb. 14.
The bodies were recovered from the Pokrovsk, Bakhmut, Vuhledar, Luhansk, …

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Feb. 14 that Russia would be reintegrated into the world economy and Europe’s energy system once a peace deal is reached in the Russia-Ukraine war, Reuters reported.
“If the U.S. president …

North Korean troops fighting for Russia against Ukraine have suffered 4,000 casualties, two-thirds of whom have been killed, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Feb. 14.
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Zelensky said the morale of …

The following op-ed is based on a broader report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), published on Feb. 11, 2025.
Some peace deals lead to peace; others lead to more war. The Minsk II deal, aimed at ending Russia’s initial invasion of Ukraine …

A federal judge ordered the Trump administration on Feb. 13 to temporarily lift its funding freeze on U.S. foreign aid programs, including development work worldwide, the Associated Press reported.
The ruling marks a significant setback for the …

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth did not rule out that future U.S. aid to Ukraine could become a bargaining tool in negotiations to end Russia’s war, CNN reported on Feb. 13.
Speaking at a press conference in Brussels, Hegseth said that U.S. …

A U.S. Air Force plane carrying U.S. State Secretary Marco Rubio and Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch was forced to return to Washington due to a technical malfunction, the Associated Press reported on Feb. 14.
Rubio and Risch …

Russia has lost 855,480 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 Feb. 14.
This number includes 1,200 casualties Russian forces suffered just over …

The European Business Association (EBA) urged the Ukrainian government to declassify its information on mineral deposit data, in a statement on Feb. 13.
The association argued that current restrictions hinder international agreements and discourage …

U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, said in an interview with Fox News on Feb. 13 that “formalizing Ukraine’s territorial losses” in a potential peace deal “will not equate to …

During a phone call between President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump, Zelensky reportedly told Trump that Russian President Vladimir Putin is pretending “he wants a deal only because he is afraid of you,” Axios …

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer reiterated Ukraine “irreversible path” to NATO membership during a news conference on Feb. 13, just days after the United States declared that Ukraine’s accession to NATO was not a “realistic …

President Volodymyr Zelensky had imposed sanctions against the official leader of the opposition, ex-President Petro Poroshenko. The following decree was published on Feb. 13.
Despite the official reasoning given by the country’s Security …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Feb. 13 that U.S. representatives will attend a meeting with their Russian and Ukrainian counterparts during the Munich Security Conference on …

European nations, particularly Ukraine’s neighbors and the Baltic states, were stunned when the U.S. President Donald Trump suddenly announced the start of peace negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine.
“We …
Europe, Stand Strong for Ukraine
Recent actions by the Trump administration have starkly illuminated a betrayal of Ukraine that Europe cannot ignore.
In a recent 90-minute phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump praised Putin and …

Key developments on Feb. 13:

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Feb. 13 that he would “love” to see Russia readmitted into the Group of Seven (G7), calling Russia’s 2014 expulsion from the group a “mistake."
“I’d love to have them back. I …

After holding a phone call with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed on Feb. 12 that “millions” of lives had been lost in Ukraine due to the “very bloody war."
It was not the first time …

After holding a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Feb. 12, U.S. President Donald Trump once again claimed the “horrible, very bloody war” in Ukraine had cost “millions” of lives.
It’s not the first time Trump …

After holding a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed in February that “millions” of lives had been lost in Ukraine due to this “very bloody war."
It was not the first time Trump …

Recognizing that returning to Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders is not a concession to Russian President Vladimir Putin, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said at a briefing in Brussels on Feb. 13.
Hegseth made comments on Feb. 12 that Ukraine is …

Europe’s main stock market and currencies are gaining amid growing optimism about a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia, Reuters reported on Feb. 13.
U.S. President Donald Trump held phone calls to Russian President Vladimir Putin and …

After promising to quickly resolve the war in Ukraine, U.S. President Donald Trump and his top officials’ actions on Feb. 12 appeared to undermine Ukraine’s leverage in peace talks, renewing fears that his plans for a quick resolution could amount to …

Ukrainian drones hit the Andreapol oil pumping station in Russia’s Tver Oblast for the second time in two weeks overnight on Feb. 13, a source in the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) told the Kyiv Independent.
According to the source, the oil …

Like people in other regions, Europeans face the challenge of discerning what motives underlie U.S. President Donald Trump’s verbal provocations. After all, what Trump really wants is often unclear, which makes it difficult to devise a strategically …

Moscow believes that the U.S. is its “main counterpart” in negotiations to end Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told Channel One on Feb. 13.
According to Peskov, Kyiv “will definitely …

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Feb. 13 it “was not very pleasant” that U.S. President Donald Trump first held a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin before calling Zelensky, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported.
A …
According to Carlo Masala, an expert from Munich's Bundeswehr University, the U.S. withdrawal from the Russia-Ukraine war signifies a victory for Russia. However, Ukrainian officials dismiss this perspective as "utter nonsense."
Talks between Russia …

The U.S. will continue providing security assistance to Ukraine, and NATO is assuming a greater role in supporting the country, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said on Feb. 13 during a joint speech with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
“The …

U.S. President Donald Trump on Feb. 13 described recent talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin “great” and expressed optimism about ending the war.
“Great talks with Russia and Ukraine yesterday. …

The European Union cannot fully replace U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funding but sees the situation as an opportunity to make its aid more visible, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said, ENR reported on Feb. 13.
“We …

On Feb. 10, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that he aimed to secure “$500 billion worth of rare earth” minerals as part of negotiations over continued U.S. support for Ukraine amid its war with Russia.
When history repeats itself, it’s time …

European nations fear they will be left to shoulder the costs of post-war security and reconstruction in Ukraine as they remain excluded from U.S.-Russia talks on ending the war, the Financial Times reported on Feb. 13, citing senior European …

President Volodymyr Zelensky approved a National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) decision on Feb. 13 to impose indefinite sanctions on several high-profile politicians, oligarchs, and businessmen.
Sanctions were imposed against oligarch Ihor …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
Russia has started forming a group for talks with the United States, including on the war with Ukraine, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told Russian media on Feb. 13.
He said …

Russia’s Lipetsk Oblast came under a “massive raid” by drones on the night of Feb. 13, regional governor Igor Artamonov said.
The drones allegedly targeted the Novolipetsk Steel (NLMK), Russia’s largest steel mill, which …

Several Russian drones launched in a mass overnight attack on Ukraine on Feb. 13 flew into Moldovan airspace with at least one exploding, and one crashing on the country’s territory, Moldovan media outlet NewsMaker reported.
“Russian …

Chinese officials have proposed arranging a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, but the idea has been met with skepticism, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on Feb. 13, citing sources familiar with …

There are still many questions about what to expect from the Trump administration’s approach to ending Russia’s war in Ukraine. With some in Congress questioning continued military aid and loans for Ukraine, the application of economic statecraft …

U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, will visit Ukraine as part of a European tour, the U.S. State Department announced on Feb. 12.
Kellogg will travel to Germany, Belgium, and Ukraine from Feb. 13 …

Russian President Vladimir Putin held his first official phone conversation on Feb. 12 with Syria’s new leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, following the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad.
The Kremlin described the discussion as “constructive and …

Oil prices dropped more than 2% on Feb. 12 after U.S. President Donald Trump took a significant step toward ending the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, which has contributed to higher oil prices due to concerns over global supply disruptions.
By 1:38 p.m. …

U.S. President Donald Trump held phone calls with both Russian leader Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelensky, announcing on Feb. 12 that negotiations to end the war would begin “immediately” and a ceasefire in Ukraine is in the …

Russia’s military spending, driven by President Vladimir Putin’s efforts to put the country’s economy on a war footing, has now surpassed the combined defense budgets of all European nations, according to a new study.
In 2024, Russia’s total defense …

Editor’s Note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Feb. 12 that his first meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin will take place in Saudi Arabia as part of efforts to negotiate an end to …

Key developments on. Feb. 12:

Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) has imposed sanctions against ex-President Petro Poroshenko, the former president said in a statement.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said that an official decree will be published on Feb. 13, …
As Russia grapples with economic challenges, its primary financial cushion—the National Wealth Fund—could become depleted within six months if oil prices significantly drop.
The National Wealth Fund, once bolstered by substantial revenues from oil …

Ukraine faces a delicate balancing act — mobilizing enough people to fend off the immediate threat posed by Russia’s full-scale invasion, and preserving enough of the country’s youth to weather longer-term demographic concerns.
On top of …

U.S. President Donald Trump on Feb. 12 held phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, saying that negotiations to end the war in Ukraine will start “immediately."
“I just spoke to …

Alexander Vinnik, a Russian cybercrime boss who was serving a prison sentence in the U.S., will be released in exchange for the return of American teacher Marc Fogel, Reuters reported on Feb. 12, citing an unnamed U.S. official.
Trump praised Russian …
During the World Government Summit in Dubai, Polish President Andrzej Duda expressed hope that U.S. leader Donald Trump could leverage the necessary influence to bring Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table.
"I'm counting on …

Editor’s Note: This is a developing story, it is being updated.
U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone conversation with President Volodymyr Zelensky on Feb. 12.
“Just spoke with Donald Trump. Long conversation. About the possibilities of …

The U.S. Senate voted to confirm Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence on Feb. 10. The former lawmaker has previously blamed NATO for Russia’s war against Ukraine, and faced scrutiny for her controversial foreign policy views.
As …

Editor’s note: This is a breaking story and will be updated regularly.
U.S. President Donald Trump held a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin and agreed that negotiations to end the war in Ukraine will start “immediately,” he …

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent met with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Feb. 12 and passed him a draft of the Ukraine-U.S. minerals agreement, Interfax Ukraine reported.
President Donald Trump announced the day prior that Bessent would …

Ukraine is not giving up on its NATO aspirations, but if denied an invitation to the alliance, it “must build NATO on its territory” by strengthening the military, President Volodymyr Zelensky told the Economist in an interview published …

The following is the Feb. 11, 2025 edition of our Ukraine Business Roundup weekly newsletter. To get the biggest news in business and tech from Ukraine directly in your inbox, subscribe here.
Ukraine’s steel industry — one of its most critical sectors …

“The biggest problem is the lack of people.”
These words, heard by journalists, including myself, from Ukrainian soldiers and commanders across the front line for the past year, are no outlier. For most of 2024 and into 2025, Ukraine’s biggest issue …

Washington agreed to release a Russian national held in a U.S. prison after Moscow freed American citizen Marc Fogel, said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, the pro-state Russian news agency Interfax reported on Feb. 12.
“A Russian citizen …

President Volodymyr Zelensky is ready to meet his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump, in the U.S. once the date and other details are agreed upon, Zelensky said in an interview with The Guardian published in full on Feb. 12.
“As for President Trump, …

Russia has ruled out any discussion of exchanging territories in potential negotiations with Ukraine, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Feb. 12, according to the state news agency TASS.
Peskov’s statement follows President Volodymyr …

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth arrived at the NATO headquarters in Brussels on Feb. 12 as the allies gather for a Ramstein-format meeting.
The U.K. has taken over the U.S.’s role in chairing the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) as …

U.S. President Donald Trump met Marc Fogel at the White House on Feb. 11 after the U.S. schoolteacher was freed from a Russian prison in a deal negotiated between Moscow and Washington.
Fogel, arrested at a Russian airport in 2021 for possessing …

Russia may find the opportunity to launch a large-scale war on Europe within five years, if Moscow “perceives NATO as militarily weakened or politically divided,” an unclassified intelligence assessment from the Danish Defense …

Hungarian Deputy Foreign Minister Levente Magyar criticized Ukrainian officials for a so-called “slanderous campaign” against Hungary in a visit to Kyiv on Feb. 11.
Hungarian authorities have criticized Ukraine in the past, often repeating …

The United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia jointly imposed sanctions on the Russian cyber company Zservers for its role in ransomware attacks, the U.S. Treasury Department announced on Feb. 11.
Zservers, a bulletproof hosting (BPH) services …

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi denied corruption allegations by far-right American commentator Tucker Carlson in a social media post on Feb. 11.
Carlson had earlier claimed that U.S. weapons sent to Ukraine are resold on the black …

Steve Witkoff, U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, has been secretly tasked with helping negotiate an end to Russia’s war against Ukraine, the New York Times (NYT) reported on Feb. 11, citing undisclosed …

The Kremlin on Feb. 11 released Marc Fogel, a U.S. schoolteacher jailed in Russia on drug charges, in a deal negotiated with U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff.
Fogel, a history teacher from …

Key developments on Feb. 11:

The U.K. is set to gather the Ukraine Defense Contact Group on Feb. 12, taking over the role the U.S. had assumed at the start of the all-out war.
With U.S. President Donald Trump pulling his country out of established international agreements and …

The U.S. plans to review the deployment of its troops around the world but is not going to send them to Ukraine, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said during a press conference on Feb. 11.
Hegseth’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions among …

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will visit Ukraine this week to discuss a potential deal between Kyiv and Washington on critical minerals, Bloomberg reported on Feb. 11, citing undisclosed sources.
In recent days, U.S. President Donald Trump …

President Volodymyr Zelensky said he planned to exchange territories if U.S. President Donald Trump succeeds in bringing Ukraine and Russia to the negotiating table, according to an interview with The Guardian published on Feb. 11.
Ukraine launched a …

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov met with U.S. Ambassador Lynne Tracy in Moscow on Feb. 11, Russian state media outlet TASS reported without providing details on the content of the discussions.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry …

As Ukraine nears the fourth year of full-scale war with Russia, it is launching a major army reform aimed at improving its efficiency and organization on the battlefield.
"We need the corps system," President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Feb. …

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the international community has sent nearly $11 billion in humanitarian aid, with billions more from individuals, charities, and Ukrainians. The UN recently announced a new $3.3 billion …

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has paused the development of a Ukraine peace plan to hold consultations with European allies, The Telegraph reported on Feb. 10, citing undisclosed sources.
Keith Kellogg, Trump’s envoy for …

Russia launched an airstrike against the village of Zolochiv in Kharkiv Oblast on Feb. 11, injuring at least six people, Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported.
A 12-year-old boy was among the injured. Three of the victims have been hospitalized, while the …

Russian officials are concerned that the Western sanctions are undermining Russia’s economic influence over countries in its close neighborhood and the Global South, the Financial Times reported on Feb. 10, citing a leaked government report. …

Editor’s note: This story was updated with a statement from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Feb. 10 imposing a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, with no …

U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that Ukraine may or may not lose its sovereignty to Russia, adding he wants compensation for the provided U.S. aid regardless of how the war ends, he said in an interview with Fox News published on Feb. 10. …

U.S. Republican Congressman Joe Wilson announced his plan to introduce the Freedom First Lend-Lease Act to Congress, on Feb. 10.
Reauthorizing this program would grant U.S. President Donald Trump the authority to send Ukraine weapons through …

The European Union will review its multibillion-euro foreign aid program to align the distribution of funds “more closely” with its foreign policy interests, Bloomberg reported on Feb. 10.
The EU’s move coincided with the Trump …

Key developments on Feb. 10:

U.S. President Donald Trump’s freeze on foreign funding has begun to affect international efforts to hold Russia accountable for war crimes in Ukraine, Reuters reported on Feb. 10, citing eight unnamed sources and an obtained Ukrainian …

WIG Ukraine, Ukrainian companies' stock price index on the Warsaw Stock Exchange (WSE), rose by almost 25% in a few days, reaching pre-war levels, Polish media outlet Puls Biznesu reported.
Financial markets have reacted positively to the U.S. …

Representatives of U.S. President Donald Trump’s team are visiting Ukraine this week, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Feb. 10 during a press conference in Kyiv, Ukrinform reported.
Zelensky announced on Feb. 4 that the Ukrainian government …

Keith Kellogg, U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, is still “preparing options” for ending Russia’s war in Ukraine to present them to the president later, Semafor reported on Feb. 10, citing …

The European Union and NATO must strengthen cooperation to protect critical energy infrastructure from attacks, which pose a growing threat to European stability. The Kremlin, with its history of weaponizing energy, remains a prime suspect. NATO must …
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov announced ongoing diplomatic dialogue between Russia and the United States at the level of their respective foreign ministries. However, in a statement to Russian media, he refrained from confirming …

Editor’s Note: This article was published by the twice-weekly newsletter “The Counteroffensive with Tim Mak” on Feb. 8, 2025, and has been re-published by the Kyiv Independent with permission. To subscribe to The Counteroffensive, click here.

Kharkiv …

The European Commission on Feb. 10 threatened retaliatory measures if U.S. President Donald Trump goes forward with his plan to impose a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports.
Trump said on Feb. 9 that Washington would announce tariffs on steel …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) head, Nadia Calvino, arrived in Kyiv on Feb. 10, the EU Ambassador to Ukraine, Katarina Mathernova, announced.
The news comes as 19 EU member …

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Feb. 9 that the United States had made progress in talks to end Russia’s war against Ukraine but declined to disclose details about his communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Speaking to …

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. Vice President JD Vance are expected to meet during the Munich Security Conference later this week, CBS News reported on Feb. 9, citing undisclosed sources.
The news comes amid U.S. President …

United States National Security Adviser Mike Waltz said on Feb. 9 that U.S. officials will discuss the future of Washington’s financial support for Ukraine during meetings in Europe this week.
Waltz’s comments come ahead of the Munich …

Elon Musk will likely uncover billions of dollars in wasteful and fraudulent spending at the U.S. Defense Department, U.S. President Donald Trump said in an interview with Fox News on Feb. 9.
Musk, currently the world’s richest man, heads the …

Key developments on Feb. 8-9:

Tech billionaire Elon Musk on Feb. 9 called for shutting down U.S.-funded media outlets Radio Free Europe and Voice of America.
Responding to comments by U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Special Missions Richard Grenell, Musk wrote on X: …

Germany’s Bundeswehr is investigating potental espionage after unidentified drones were spotted six times in January flying over a sensitive German military base where Ukrainians have been training, Der Spiegel reported on Feb. 9.
Germany …

The following is the Feb. 4, 2025 edition of our Ukraine Business Roundup weekly newsletter. To get the biggest news in business and tech from Ukraine directly in your inbox, subscribe here.
President Donald Trump came out on Feb. 3 saying he wanted …

U.S. President Donald Trump said he had spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin about ending the war in Ukraine but declined to say how many times they had spoken, the New York Post reported on Feb. 8.
Trump also claimed that Russia’s full-scale …

Russia has yet to see any positive developments from the new U.S. administration regarding disarmament, Russia’s permanent representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Gennady Gatilov, said on Feb. 9.
He noted that while Moscow remains open to …

International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim Khan, who oversaw the court’s arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin in March 2023 over Moscow’s deportation of Ukrainian children, was named in the U.S.' as-of-now unpublic …

Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in a Feb. 8 interview that discussions over Germany potentially deploying its peacekeeping troops to Ukraine are “premature and inappropriate.”
He told the German newspaper RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland (RND) …

Ukraine’s military said on Feb. 8 that it had downed a Russian Su-25 attack aircraft near the town of Toretsk in Donetsk Oblast.
“One more Russian attack aircraft has been lost in the Toretsk direction thanks to our air defense …
<img src=“https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/110176/2025/2ccbd76b2d.jpg" alt=“Security guarantees for Ukraine ‘main issue” in talks with Trump, Zelensky says”>
President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a Feb. 7 …

Ukraine’s Air Force reported on Feb. 8 that air defense had shot down 67 Russian Shahed and other drones across the country overnight.
The drone attack targeted Kyiv, Kharkiv, Poltava, Sumy, Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia, Zhytomyr, …

Russia has lost 847,860 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 Feb. 8.
This number includes 1,210 casualties Russian forces suffered just over …

The United States has a key message for the upcoming Ramstein-format summit in Brussels: end the war in Ukraine “as quickly as possible,” U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Feb. 7.
The Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) will …

Kash Patel, U.S. President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), received $25,000 in 2024 from a film company run by pro-Kremlin filmmaker Igor Lopatonok, the Washington Post (WP) reported on Feb. 7.
A number …

A United States federal judge on Feb. 7 imposed a temporary restraining order on U.S. President Donald Trump’s plans to place thousands of employees at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) on administrative leave.
Before the …

President Donald Trump called on Feb. 7 for the immediate closure of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), just hours before most of its staff faced suspension or layoffs.
Writing on Truth Social, Trump accused the agency of …

President Volodymyr Zelensky is pushing for a deal with the United States that would grant American companies access to Ukraine’s vast reserves of rare earth minerals in exchange for continued financial and military support.
During an interview with …
In a recent phone conversation, Head of Ukraine's Presidential Office, Andriy Yermak, engaged in talks with U.S. Special Envoy to Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg.
Among the topics discussed was Kellogg's impending visit to Kyiv. According to a …

Key developments on Feb. 7:

President Volodymyr Zelensky may meet with his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump next week in Washington, Trump said on Feb. 7.
“I will probably be meeting with President Zelensky next week, and I will probably be talking to President (Vladimir) …

The International Criminal Court (ICC) will continue to carry out its functions in holding Russia accountable for crimes committed during the full-scale war against Ukraine, regardless of U.S. sanctions, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi …

Nursultan Mussagaleyev, a former Russian army commander suspected of involvement in war crimes, has been appointed as an acting deputy minister for regional and information policy in Russia’s Orenburg Oblast, Denis Pasler, the region’s …

The Russian government is planning to expand its authority to seize the frozen assets of companies and investors from countries that have sanctioned Moscow over its war against Ukraine, Reuters reported on Feb. 7, citing sources familiar with the …

Syria’s new government will decide the fate of Russian military bases based on national interests, Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra told The Washington Post on Feb. 6.
Russia’s ability to retain its naval base in Tartus and airbase …

President Volodymyr Zelensky will lead Ukraine’s delegation to the Munich Security Conference next week, Zelensky’s Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak said on Feb. 7.
Yermak noted that the Ukrainian delegation will present the country’s …

Ukraine is working to secure alternative funding sources for critical programs previously supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and has already reached preliminary agreements on some, Deputy Prime Minister and Justice …

Thirty-seven Ukrainian lawmakers have traveled to the United States at their own expense to strengthen ties with U.S. officials, Ruslan Stefanchuk, speaker of the Ukrainian parliament, said on Feb. 7.
“Ukraine is facing a critical task — to …

U.S. President Donald Trump is prepared to double down on the sanctions against Russia to pressure the Kremlin into ending its war against Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, the U.S. special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, told The New York Post in an interview …

Ukraine is preparing to host U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, in February, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak said on Feb. 7.
According to sources in …

Czech President Petr Pavel signed a law on Feb. 6 to extend the protection period for Ukrainian refugees, the Czech news site České Noviny reported.
The law also criminalizes unauthorized activities in favor of a foreign state and tightens …

U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Feb. 6.
The sanctions could involve banning ICC officials and their families from entering the U.S. as well as freezing assets. …

The U.S. Justice Department is shutting down a program that sanctioned Kremlin-linked oligarchs, launched in 2022, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on Feb. 5.
In Bondi’s memo, she stated that the program known as “Task Force KleptoCapture” will be …

Ukraine will “reach a point” where it must hold elections in order to maintain the health of its democracy, Keith Kellogg, U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, said on Feb. 6.
Kellogg previously said …

U.S. President Donald Trump plans to eliminate the majority of the positions at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the New York Times (NYT) reported on Feb. 6, citing three people with knowledge of the plans.
The cuts will reduce …

U.S. President Donald Trump does not have an official plan to end Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Feb. 6, Interfax-Ukraine reported.
“There is no official plan yet. What is in certain …

French point man for foreign trade, Laurent Saint-Martin, came to Kyiv during a turbulent time.
As U.S. aid to Ukraine was drying up, President Donald Trump had made public his desire to get a hold of Ukraine’s rare earth minerals in return for a new …

Washington will not present a plan to end Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine during the Munich Security Conference next week, U.S. special envoy for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg said on Feb. 6.
Speaking to Newsmax TV, Kellogg denied …

London will host the next Ramstein-format Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) summit in Brussels on Feb. 12, rather than the U.S., the U.K. Joint Delegation to NATO confirmed on Feb. 6.
This will be the first Ramstein summit held under the U.K. since …

Keith Kellogg, U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, dismissed the possibility of Ukraine regaining nuclear power status in an interview with Fox News on Feb. 6.
“The chance of them getting their nuclear …

U.S. actor Ben Stiller has denied social media reports on Feb. 5 that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funded his humanitarian trip to Ukraine, calling the claims “lies coming from Russian media."
“I completely …

Ukrainian forces' operation in Russia’s Kursk Oblast may become an “important part” of the negotiation process to end Russia’s war against Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Feb. 5 after a meeting with British …

Funds that Congress approved for weapons packages to Ukraine during the Biden administration are nearly empty, with most weapons already in Ukraine.
A Dec. 30 package from former U.S. President Joe Biden used up the last of the funding from the …

U.S. President Donald Trump’s team may present a plan to end Russia’s war in Ukraine during the Munich Security Conference next week, Bloomberg reported on Feb. 5, citing its undisclosed sources.
Keith Kellogg, special envoy for Ukraine …
In response to U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks about Washington's active negotiations with both Kyiv and Moscow, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has confirmed that Russia and the United States are engaging in robust interagency contacts …

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Feb. 3 he was looking to cut a deal with Ukraine by giving the war-torn country weapons and aid in return for its “rare earths and other things.” But what exactly did Trump mean and what does Ukraine have to offer …

The next Ramstein-format summit of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) will take place on Feb. 12 under the chairmanship of the U.K. instead of the U.S., Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) reported on Feb. 5, citing its undisclosed …
In a surprising turn of events, Moscow appears ready to negotiate with Zelensky after a series of sharp threats from Trump, despite Putin's earlier firm rejection of the possibility.
Putin's Russia seems so intimidated by Donald Trump that it's …

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Feb. 4 that foreign aid should serve U.S. interests rather than function as charity, emphasizing that the Trump administration does not intend to halt all international assistance.
“I continue to …

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is split over how to end the war in Ukraine, NBC News reported on Feb. 5.
Citing U.S. and Ukrainian officials, the outlet said Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, General Keith Kellogg, and …

Ukraine could store U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) in its underground facilities to bolster bilateral cooperation and Europe’s energy security, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on Feb. 5 at a press conference attended by the Kyiv …

Keith Kellogg, U.S. Donald Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, said on Feb. 5 he plans to attend the Munich Security Conference next week to discuss ending the war.
“I look forward to speaking about (Trump’s) goal to end …

London does not see indications that Russia is ready for serious negotiations about peace in Ukraine, U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said on Feb. 5 at a press conference in Kyiv attended by the Kyiv Independent.
“We do not see (that) Russia …

Around 40% of the weapons and equipment Ukraine uses on the battlefield are Ukrainian-made, while the U.S. contributes roughly 30%, President Volodymyr Zelensky told U.K. journalist Piers Morgan in an interview published on Feb. 4.
“This does …

The U.S. is in contact with both the Russian and Ukrainian leadership about the war, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Feb. 4, calling the talks “constructive."
“But we are having very good talks, very constructive talks on Ukraine. …

The U.S. should provide Ukraine with an alternative security guarantee, such as nuclear weapons, if it is not ready to accept the country into NATO, President Volodymyr Zelensky suggested in an interview with U.K. journalist Piers Morgan published on …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrived in Kyiv on Feb. 5 to discuss bilateral cooperation and Ukraine’s security, said Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ukraine’s ambassador to …

The Trump administration’s foreign aid freeze impacted programs supporting the prosecution of Russian war crimes and the restoration of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure after attacks, Ukraine-born Democratic Congressman Eugene Vindman said …

In a stunning proposal on Feb. 4, U.S. President Donald Trump asserted that the United States “will take over” the Gaza Strip, potentially with the help of American troops.
“(The United States will) own it and be responsible for …
Andriy Yermak, the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, held his first telephone conversation with U.S. National Security Advisor Michael Votz. Yermak shared this update on his Telegram channel.
The discussion revolved around primary …
Andriy Yermak, the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, held his first telephone conversation with U.S. National Security Advisor Michael Volz. Yermak shared this update on his Telegram channel.
The discussion revolved around primary …
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed Ukraine's readiness to engage with partners in mining rare earth metals, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks on the matter. Zelensky emphasized that if Russia controls these deposits, …

President Volodymyr Zelensky is ready to sit at the negotiating table with Russian President Vladimir Putin if it is the only setup that will bring peace to Ukraine, the president told U.K. journalist Piers Morgan in an interview published Feb. 4. …

The Ukrainian government is finalizing details for the first visit of a U.S. delegation to Ukraine since Donald Trump’s return to the White House, President Volodymyr Zelensky said during a Feb. 4 press briefing in Kyiv, RBC Ukraine reported.
Earlier …

President Donald Trump came out on Feb. 3 saying he was looking to cut a deal with Ukraine by giving the war-torn country weapons and aid in return for its “rare earths and other things.”
“We’re looking to do a deal with Ukraine, where …

Ukraine is open to mining rare earths with its partners, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Feb. 4 during a press briefing in Kyiv, NV reported.
Zelensky’s statement comes after U.S. President Donald Trump said that Washington was seeking …
Moscow expressed skepticism over the idea of "aid for resources" for Ukraine. The Kremlin claims that Trump's proposal to assist Kyiv in exchange for Ukraine's rare earth metals essentially amounts to purchasing that aid.
During a press conference on …

More than a decade after Ukraine’s pro-democracy EuroMaidan Revolution, the false — but persistent — claim that the movement was a Western-backed “coup” refuses to die.
Elon Musk on Feb. 2 boosted to his more than 215 million followers a …

Ukraine won’t hold elections until Russia’s war is over, Ukraine’s Ambassador to the U.S. Oksana Markarova told Suspilne in an interview published on Feb. 4.
Markarova’s statement comes after Keith Kellogg, Trump’s …
Ukrainian Presidential Communications Advisor Dmytro Lytvyn publicly opposed a call made by U.S. Special Representative Keith Kellogg for holding elections in Ukraine by the end of the year. The Ukrainian official shared his remarks on social media …

Europe’s window to ban Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) is closing faster than we think.
As a second Trump administration takes shape, Europe’s opportunity to impose new, meaningful measures on Russian fossil fuels is rapidly diminishing. …

American oil producers and Saudi Arabia are pushing back against U.S. President Donald Trump’s call to ramp up oil production, signaling reluctance to align with his strategy to lower global energy prices, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported …

Democratic lawmakers in the U.S. Congress on Feb. 3 protested the merging of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) under the State Department, warning that the decision threatens global aid programs, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty …

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to tie military aid for Ukraine to access to the country’s rare earth resources, calling it “very selfish and self-centered,” Spiegel reported on …

U.S. President Donald Trump on Feb. 3 officially appointed retired General Keith Kellogg as a special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Voice of America correspondent Kateryna Lisunova reported.
“We made a lot of progress on Russia-Ukraine,” …

U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to announce on Feb. 4 that the United States will withdraw from the United Nations Human Rights Council and extend a freeze on funding for the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, a White House official …

The United Kingdom will provide more military support to Ukraine in 2025 than it ever has before, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Feb. 3.
The U.K. previously announced plans to deliver unprecedented military assistance to Ukraine this year, …

The United States briefly stopped shipping weapons to Ukraine as the new White House administration debated its policies toward Kyiv, Reuters reported on Feb. 3, citing four sources familiar with the matter.
U.S. President Donald Trump took office on …

Ukraine’s Armed Forces are transitioning to a new organizational structure intended to modernize the army, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Feb. 3.
The announcement comes after Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said that reforming the …

U.S. President Donald Trump appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio as acting adminstrator over the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), according to a statement published Feb. 3.
The announcement comes shortly after billionaire Elon …

Key developments on Feb. 3:

U.S. President Donald Trump is seeking to have Ukraine supply the U.S. with rare earths as a condition for aid for the war-torn country.
“We’re looking to do a deal with Ukraine, where they’re going to secure what we’re giving …

Editor’s note: This article is an on-site version of KI Insights' The Week Ahead newsletter covering events from Feb. 3-Feb. 9. Sign up here to start your week with an agenda of Ukraine-related events, delivered directly to your inbox every …

The United States and the European Union should join Ukraine and Russia at the negotiating table in future peace talks, President Volodymyr Zelensky told the Associated Press (AP) in an interview published Feb. 1.
The comments come a day after U.S. …

U.S. President Donald Trump signed executive orders on Feb. 1 imposing steep tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico, potentially triggering a trade war between the U.S. and its largest economic partners.
The orders placed 25% tariffs on Mexican and …

NATO membership is the “cheapest” possible security guarantee for Ukraine and a chance for U.S. President Donald Trump to score a geopolitical victory over Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an …

The United States is urging Ukraine to hold elections, possibly by the end of the year, particularly if a truce with Russia is reached in the coming months, according to President Donald Trump’s top Ukraine official.
Keith Kellogg, …
In a bid to sway public opinion, the Kremlin-linked bot network 'Doppelgänger' has begun disseminating pseudo-journalistic articles advocating for a recent decision by the new U.S. President Donald Trump to freeze aid programs for Ukraine.
The …
In this exclusive interview, retired FBI Assistant Director for Counterintelligence Frank Figliuzzi discusses the controversial demands made by Donald Trump to fire or …

Join our exclusive KI Insights Monthly Briefing to gain critical perspectives on the prospects of a peace process in Ukraine under the new US administration. We will analyze the various involved stakeholders and their negotiation stances and discuss …

Russia has lost 839,040 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 Feb. 1.
This number includes 1,430 casualties Russian forces suffered just over …

Former U.S. President Donald Trump said on Jan. 31 that his team has already engaged in “very serious” discussions with Russia about its war in Ukraine. He suggested that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin could soon take …

Editor’s Note: The Kyiv Independent isn’t a recipient of U.S. foreign aid, and its funding wasn’t affected by the aid freeze.
With the stroke of a pen, U.S. President Donald Trump last week put a freeze on projects that have helped Ukraine become …
In recent discussions surrounding the geopolitical corridors of power, rumors of a phone conversation between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have been swirling. However, the Kremlin has stepped in to clarify: …

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has launched a criminal investigation following media reports alleging that Ukraine’s spy chief made a statement about a threat to the country’s existence during a closed-door parliamentary meeting, Ukrainska …

U.S. President Donald Trump vowed on Jan. 31 to impose 100% tariffs on BRICS countries if they attempt to use new or existing currency to replace the U.S. dollar in international trade.
“We are going to require a commitment from these seemingly …

China became Russia’s sole supplier of gallium, germanium, and stibium, chemical substances needed to produce weapons, including nuclear ones, after the introduction of EU and U.S. sanctions in 2022, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s …

Tulsi Gabbard, U.S. President Donald Trump’s nominee for national intelligence director, fielded questions about her record on foreign affairs and past statements about Russia during her Senate confirmation hearing on Jan. 30.
Gabbard has …

The Kyiv Independent launched a fundraiser to support three independent local media outlets in Ukraine, whose funding was cut as a result of a 90-day pause on U.S. foreign aid ordered by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The goal is to raise 40,000 pounds …

In late January, President Volodymyr Zelensky slapped sanctions on 18 people, both Russians and Ukrainians.
The list included 10 Ukrainian nationals, four Russians, and four people with both Ukrainian and Russian citizenship.
Among them were Ukrainian …

Russian billionaire and politician Suleyman Kerimov held at least a 1% stake in SpaceX through a trust, even after the U.S. sanctioned him in 2018 for aiding President Vladimir Putin’s policies, Bloomberg reported on Jan. 30, citing undisclosed …

Lithuania will likely consider deploying military personnel to Ukraine for a potential peacekeeping mission, Lithuanian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Raimundas Vaiksnoras said on Jan. 30, according to the LRT broadcaster.
“If you ask whether …

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry on Jan. 30 condemned Romania’s far-right presidential candidate Calin Georgescu’s statement that Ukraine is a “fictional state” whose partition is “inevitable,” labeling his …

Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, concerns over the security of energy and communication infrastructure in the Baltic Sea intensified. Initially, focus was placed on the threat of hybrid attacks from Russia.
However, it …

Far-right Romanian politician Calin Georgescu called Ukraine a “fictional state” and claimed that the eventual partition of its territories is “inevitable” in an interview published on Jan. 29.
“On 100% it will …

Russia has lost 835,940 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 Jan. 30.
This number includes 1,270 casualties Russian forces suffered just over …

The European Commission will not propose implementing a ban on Russian liquified natural gas (LNG) imports in its upcoming sanctions package amid concern among member states about first securing an alternative from other countries, including the …

Editor’s Note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
A Russian drone attack struck a residential building in the northeastern city of Sumy overnight on Jan. 30, injuring at least seven people, local authorities reported.
Conflicting …

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is on course to fulfill its promise to send approximately $41.6 billion (40 billion euros) in security assistance to Ukraine by the end of the year, NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska said …

President Volodymyr Zelensky has directed the government to identify domestic and European funding sources for key projects in energy infrastructure, veterans' affairs, and border checkpoints during the 90-day freeze on U.S. foreign aid.
U.S. …

Ukraine’s parliamentary humanitarian and information policy committee launched consultations with their European counterparts on a temporary replacement of American funding under the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the …

Russia has increased its military budget by 25% in 2025, underscoring the need for stronger sanctions, more weapons, and greater assistance from Ukraine’s international partners, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said on Jan. 29.
“Russia …

In times of war, the fundamental questions of survival, morality, and identity not only dominate the discourse but also expose the fissures in global political ideologies. Amid the clamor of media narratives and entrenched partisan frameworks, a few …

Russian President Vladimir Putin is starting 2025 with a bang. In a nod to U.S. President Donald Trump’s desire for a settlement in Ukraine, the Kremlin has announced its readiness for negotiations “without preconditions.”
However, the devil is in …

U.S. State Secretary Marco Rubio has backtracked on a near-total freeze of U.S. foreign aid, issuing a waiver for “life-saving humanitarian assistance,” the Washington Post (WP) reported on. Jan 28 citing memos sent to aid organizations. …

President Volodymyr Zelensky has ordered a report on U.S.-funded projects in Ukraine affected by President Donald Trump’s freeze on foreign assistance, he said during his evening address on Jan. 28.
U.S. President Donald Trump suspended all U.S. …

A Lukoil oil refinery in the Russian oblast of Nizhny Novgorod was struck by multiple Ukrainian drones in the early hours of Jan. 29, a military intelligence (HUR) source told the Kyiv Independent.
Drone strikes were reported by local officials across …

EU Chief Diplomat Kaja Kallas spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Jan. 28 in their first official phone conversation since the Trump administration took office.
“Good call with Sec. Rubio,” Kallas wrote on X.
“We discussed global …

A federal judge temporarily halted the Trump administration’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memo that sought to freeze up to $3 billion in funding for various U.S. federal aid programs, the New York Times (NYT) reported on Jan. 28.
U.S. …

China urged the United States and Russia on Jan. 28 to “further reduce” their nuclear stockpiles as a necessary step before Beijing would consider joining potential disarmament talks proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
In a video …

It probably made sense on paper.
In his first week in office, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a 90–day freeze on U.S. foreign aid to review whether the distribution aligned with his foreign policy. I can see how Trump supporters and his team …

Key developments on Jan. 28:

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated his claim that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is “illegitimate” and said that he has no right to sign any documents in potential peace negotiations, according to an interview with …

For those with a vested interest in Ukraine, U.S. President Donald Trump’s first week in office was a bit of a rollercoaster.
His inauguration speech on Jan. 21 made no explicit mention of Ukraine or Russia’s full-scale invasion, prompting …

The Italian parliament’s lower house on Jan. 28 approved the prolongation of military support for Ukraine until Dec. 31, 2025, the Italian news agency ANSA reported.
Earlier, the Italian Senate approved the measure with 192 votes in favor and …
In a recent press conference in Berlin, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed deep concern over ongoing damage to underwater cables in the Baltic Sea.
"The latest incident involving an underwater cable in the Baltic Sea highlights the threat posed …

Trade for March-loading Russian oil in China and India has stalled due to soaring shipping costs triggered by U.S. sanctions introduced on Jan. 10, Reuters reported on Jan. 28.
The sanctions target nearly 200 vessels in Russia’s “shadow …

“We’re at yet another turning point,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told global leaders in Davos last week, “which some see as a problem for Europe, but others call a chance. Europe must establish itself as a strong global player, as an …

Just one week into his presidency, U.S. President Donald Trump has hinted at his approach to U.S. sanctions on Russia. On Truth Social last week, he called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to “settle now and STOP this ridiculous War! IT’S ONLY …

President Volodymyr Zelensky on Jan. 25 criticized Ukraine’s decision to give up its nuclear weapons in the 1990s without receiving strong security guarantees in return.
Ukraine relinquished the Soviet-era nuclear arms stationed on its territory …

The U.S. has suspended its refugee program for Ukrainians called “Uniting for Ukraine,” the country’s Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website showed on Jan. 28, more than a week after U.S. President Donald Trump issued …
Peace negotiations to resolve the ongoing war in Ukraine might likely kick off between April and May 2025. According to the reports from pro-government Turkish newspaper Hürriyet, a high-profile meeting between the Presidents of Russia and the United …
In a confidential meeting at Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada, the head of military intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, has issued a grim forecast, urging swift negotiations to end the conflict with Russia. Ukrayinska Pravda reports, citing it sources, that, …

U.S. President Donald Trump may have helped persuade Hungary to lift its veto on the European Union’s extension of sanctions against Russia, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said on Jan. 27, according to the Polish news outlet RMF 24. …

Key developments on Jan. 27:

U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to freeze foreign development assistance for 90 days has thrown Ukrainian organizations into turmoil, in some cases threatening their very existence and leaving the people they support in limbo.
These …

Lithuania and Estonia have become the first NATO members to meet U.S. President Donald Trump’s call to raise defense spending to more than 5% of GDP, Financial Times reported on Jan. 27.
Trump reiterated his demand on Jan. 7, urging NATO allies …

U.S. President Donald Trump needs to “understand where the threat is” and not “force Ukraine into a bad deal,” U.K. lawmaker Iain Duncan Smith told the Kyiv Independent.
In an interview in Kyiv alongside another U.K. lawmaker …

David Arakhamia, the parliamentary leader of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Servant of the People party, was among the few foreign dignitaries that attended U.S. President Donald Trump’s inauguration last week, Independent reported on Jan. 26. …

The EU has provided Hungary with “requested guarantees” regarding its “energy security” concerns, namely the transit of fossil fuels to EU member states, Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on Jan. 27.
“The …

Editor’s note: The story is being updated.
President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Poland for a commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi Auschwitz death camp, Zelensky’s spokesperson, Serhii Nykyforov, told Ukrinform on Jan. …

Key developments on Jan. 25-26:

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), one of the largest official aid agencies in the world, has been told to stop projects in Ukraine following a 90-day foreign aid freeze imposed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ukrainian media …

Editor’s note: This article is an on-site version of KI Insights' The Week Ahead newsletter covering events from Jan. 27-Feb. 2. Sign up here to start your week with an agenda of Ukraine-related events, delivered directly to your inbox every …

Russia fired 1,250 aerial bombs, over 750 attack drones, and 20 missiles at Ukraine in the last week, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Jan 26.
The attacks targeted Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv, Donetsk, Kherson, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Dnipropetrovsk …

Three Ukrainian sailors held captive by Houthi militants for 14 months returned to Ukraine on Jan. 25, Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR) reported.
The Yemeni rebel group captured the Galaxy Leader commercial vessel and detained its …

U.S. President Donald Trump aggressively defended his plans to take over Greenland in a phone wall with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, the Financial Times (FT) reported on Jan. 24.
In the weeks leading up to his inauguration, Trump has …

U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed 15 inspectors general, including those in the Defense and State departments, in a late-night purge on Jan. 24, the Washington Post (WP) reported on Jan. 25.
The move is the latest action the new administration …

U.S. President Donald Trump could potentially fulfill his promise to end the war in Ukraine, but only if he involves Kyiv in any discussions, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky.
While the specifics of a potential agreement under Trump remain …

U.S. diplomats are urgently seeking an exemption for Ukraine-related programs from a 90-day foreign aid freeze imposed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to documents reviewed by the Financial Times (FT) and sources familiar with the …

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security suspended a number of programs that allowed immigrants to temporarily settle in the country, including an initiative for Ukrainians, the New York Times (NYT) reported on Jan. 24.

The U.S. government is considering purchasing American weapons for Ukraine with money received from frozen Russian assets, Keith Kellogg, U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace envoy for Ukraine and Russia, told Fox News on Jan. 24.
President …

The U.S. Senate confirmed Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense on Jan. 24 in a tie-breaking vote.
Hegseth, a combat veteran and former Fox News host, was confirmed with the Senate split 50-50.
Vice President JD Vance cast the deciding vote, as three …

The Foreign Ministry denied Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s claim that Ukraine is connected to a cyberattack on Slovakia’s national insurance company, according to a statement on the Ministry’s website on Jan. 24.
“We categorically …

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Jan. 24 that Russian President Vladimir Putin is attempting to “manipulate” U.S. President Donald Trump. Zelensky’s warning came after Putin expressed willingness to engage in talks with Trump and …

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Jan. 24 new guidance that halts spending on most foreign aid grants for 90 days. This directive, which took State Department officials by surprise, appears to include funding for military assistance to …

U.S. military equipment sales to foreign governments jumped 29% in 2024, reaching a record $318.7 billion, according to the State Department. Countries ramped up purchases to restock supplies sent to Ukraine and prepare for potential large-scale …

Key developments on Jan. 24:

Over the last week, Ukraine House Davos opened its doors to world leaders and investors for the sixth year in a row during the World Economic Forum in Switzerland.
Ukraine House this year was adorned with the slogan “Your Country First, Win With Us.” …

Protests erupted in more than 20 Slovak cities on Jan. 24 under the slogan “Slovakia is Europe,” targeting the government of Prime Minister Robert Fico, Slovak media Aktuality reported.
Protesters chanted slogans like “Enough of …

Ukraine’s lengthy efforts to clean up its weapons procurement are in danger of being unwound as the Defense Ministry strangleholds the Defense Procurement Agency, say anti-corruption activists and lawmakers.
Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced on …

Stricter measures targeting Russia’s oil industry could pressure the Kremlin to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, incoming peace envoy for U.S. President Donald Trump, told FOX News on Jan. 24.
The proposal comes as Trump …

Only days after U.S. President Donald Trump returned to the White House, he dialed up the heat on Russia with a threat of sanctions, tariffs, and negotiating “the hard way” if Russian President Vladimir Putin fails to come to the table …

President Donald Trump has accused Russia of stealing U.S. plans for a hypersonic missile during the administration of President Barack Obama, telling Fox News’s Sean Hannity on Jan.23 that “some bad person gave them the design." …

Russian President Vladimir Putin told reporters on Jan. 24 that Russia is ready for talks with U.S. President Donald Trump on ending the war in Ukraine.
“Regarding negotiations, we have always said — and I want to emphasize this again — that we …
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has addressed U.S. President Donald Trump's plans to lower oil prices. Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready for discussions with President Trump. According to Peskov, Moscow is "waiting for signals," as …

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry dismissed Russia’s demand to cancel NATO’s 2008 promise of eventual membership for Ukraine, calling it “utter bulit” in a Jan. 24 statement.
The response comes after Russian Deputy Foreign …

Moscow sees a ban on Ukraine’s entry to NATO as a key condition in resolving the Russia-Ukraine war, the pro-Kremlin news agency Interfax reported on Jan. 24, citing Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko.
“And will not only seek …

U.S. President Donald Trump said in an interview on Jan. 23 he intends to again engage North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, signaling a shift from the previous Biden administration.
“I’ll reach out to him again,” Trump said in the …

Friedrich Merz, the leading contender to become Germany’s next chancellor, said that if elected, his strategic priorities would include a just end to Russia’s war against Ukraine, Der Spiegel reported on Jan. 23.
The statement comes after …

Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to hold talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Jan. 24 during a press briefing.
Trump has previously said he wants to meet with Putin “very quickly” …

Deploying a NATO peacekeeping contingent to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire in the war with Russia could lead to “uncontrolled escalation,” Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova claimed on Jan. 23 during a press …

U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky share the blame for the Ukraine-Russia war in an interview segment with Fox News released on Jan. 23.
“Zelensky… …

The U.S. Senate formally confirmed John Ratcliffe as the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) on Jan. 23.
Ratcliffe, who served as President Donald Trump’s director of national intelligence during part of Trump’s first term in …

U.S. President Donald Trump said that he wanted to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin as soon as possible to end the war in Ukraine, Reuters reported on Jan. 23.
Trump also said that he wanted to explore reductions in nuclear arms.
“I really …

U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order suspending foreign aid programs for 90 days does not apply to military assistance for Ukraine, the Pentagon confirmed to the Ukrainian Service of Voice of America on Jan. 23.
“Security assistance to …

Key developments on Jan. 23:
Secretary General of NATO Mark Rutte has urged the United States to continue its arms supplies to Ukraine, asserting that Europe is ready to "foot the bill."
According to Rutte, former President Trump's insistence that European allies increase their …
As the situation in eastern Ukraine stagnates, Russian President Vladimir Putin may be contemplating a move to annex another country, posits analyst Anatoly Nesmiyan, also known as El Murid. He argues that a compromise between Ukraine and Russia, as …

Russian military bloggers, known as milbloggers, have responded in defiant terms to Donald Trump’s ultimatum to his Russian counterpart, describing it as “blackmail” from a U.S. president acting more like a “king of the …

A growing portion of Russia’s oil tanker fleet is being forced to reflag as U.S. and U.K. sanctions intensify pressure on Moscow’s shipping network, Bloomberg reported on Jan. 23.
The removal of these flags disrupts Russia’s oil …

A majority of Ukrainians — 57% — believe any peace agreement that does not fully restore Ukraine’s territorial integrity is destined to fail, according to a survey by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) published on Jan. 23. …

President Donald Trump said on Jan. 23 he will ask the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to lower the price of oil, saying it would end Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine “immediately."
“If the price …

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called on the United States to continue supplying weapons to Ukraine, pledging that Europe will shoulder the financial burden, Reuters reported on Jan. 23.
“If this new Trump administration is willing to keep …

The end of the war must be a victory for U.S. President Donald Trump, not for Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview for Bloomberg TV on Jan. 22.
Zelensky’s statement comes amid Trump’s calls …

President Volodymyr Zelensky on Jan. 23 clarified his earlier comments on the number of European peacekeepers needed to maintain peace in Ukraine, saying the required numbers would depend on the size of Ukraine’s own military.
The statement comes …

The Kremlin sees nothing new in U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to impose sanctions if no deal on the war in Ukraine is reached, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Jan. 23 during his press briefing.
A day earlier, Trump said that …

Russian President Vladimir Putin appears increasingly concerned about the country’s economy as U.S. President Donald Trump calls for an end to the war in Ukraine, Reuters reported on Jan. 23, citing five undisclosed sources.
Throughout the …

U.S. podcaster Lex Friedman plans to visit Russia to interview Russian President Vladimir Putin, Fridman said on Jan. 22 at Joe Rogan’s podcast.
The podcaster previously interviewed President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv. Following the interview, …

Ukrainian society largely does not want to mobilize. Nearly 6 million Ukrainian men have not updated their information in military enlistment centers, and most of them likely don’t have grounds for a deferment or exemption. Forced mobilization …

U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz has launched a full vetting of the National Security Council (NSC) staff, including those working with Ukraine, in line with Donald Trump’s America First agenda, the Washington Post (WP) reported on …

Russia will have to determine what U.S. President Donald Trump means by “deal” before entering into negotiations to end the full-scale war in Ukraine, Russia’s Deputy U.N. Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy said on Jan. 22. …

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Jan. 22 that any effective peacekeeping force in Ukraine must include U.S. troops, emphasizing the critical role of the United States in deterring Russian aggression.

The European Union will provide 35 billion euros ($36 billion) in financial assistance to Ukraine in 2025 through the G7 ERA credit initiative and the Ukraine Facility program, European Commission’s vice-president and trade commissioner …

Key developments on Jan. 22:

Seeing the face of Ukrainian soldier Maksym Kolesnykov light up with joy over an apple upon his release from Russian captivity last February was enough to bring anyone to tears.
During nearly a year in captivity, Kolesnykov lost over 30 kilograms and …
In the wake of former President Donald Trump's announcement about renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the 'American Gulf,' enthusiasm in Russia has been stirred for a similar initiative. Inspired, Denis Bulanov, a deputy from the Saratov regional Duma …
Drones and thermal imaging cameras are set to enhance surveillance and detection capabilities, particularly in combat zones with challenging visibility conditions.
This technological upgrade will allow Ukraine to better monitor enemy movements and …

U.S. President Donald Trump called on Russia to “make a deal” to end the war in Ukraine on Jan. 22, warning that failure to reach an agreement would lead to increased sanctions, tariffs, and taxes on Russian goods.
“If a deal is not …
In a stark warning, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, cautioned that Russia might launch military aggression against an EU country as early as 2028. Speaking at the European Defence Agency’s (EDA) annual …
In a stark warning, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, cautioned that Russia might launch military aggression against an EU country as early as 2028. Speaking at the European Defence Agency’s (EDA) annual …

Hours after taking office, U.S. President Donald Trump put a stop on U.S. foreign development assistance for 90 days to review and ensure it aligns with the new administration’s policy.
Ukraine tops the recipient list of U.S. development …

Russia lacks sufficient forces for a big breakthrough in Ukraine, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, General Christopher Cavoli, said during a discussion on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos on Jan. 21.
“I’m …

Russia wanted to install pro-Kremlin oligarch Viktor Medvedchuk as Ukraine’s president after forcing President Volodymyr Zelensky to step down, the Ukrainian head of state said on Jan. 22, citing a Kremlin ultimatum he received in the early …

Ukraine’s ascension to NATO ultimately rests on U.S. President Donald Trump’s will, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 21.
“Everything depends on the United States. If …

The U.S. and European countries remained in contact with Russia throughout the full-scale war, namely on the level of intelligence agencies, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. …

The Trump administration is working to attain a sustainable peace in Ukraine so that the war with Russia does not begin anew in two to four years, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Jan. 21.
“We are going to engage in making it (the …

Elise Stefanik, U.S. President Donald Trump’s nominee for United Nations ambassador, said on Jan. 21 that Trump should be given “maximum flexibility” to end Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine.
Trump nominated Stefanik, a …

Indian banks has begun blocking payments for Russian oil imports following the latest round of U.S. sanctions against Russia’s oil industry, according to a report from Energy Intelligence, an energy information company.
The U.S. on Jan. 10 …

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Jan. 21 that he pressed Chinese President Xi Jinping to help put an end to Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump claimed he brought the matter up with Xi …

U.S. President Donald Trump’s foreign aid pause may hinder Ukraine’s ability to rebuild energy facilities damaged by Russian attacks, Politico reported on Jan. 21, citing Ukrainian officials.
Trump issued an executive order imposing a …

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Jan. 21 that he would likely impose additional sanctions against Russia if Russian President Vladimir Putin fails to negotiate a peace deal with Ukraine.
“Sounds likely,” Trump said responding to a …

At least 200,000 European soldiers would be required to serve as peacekeepers on Ukraine’s eastern front for a peace deal to be enforced, President Volodymyr Zelensky said during a panel at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on Jan. …

Russian President Vladimir Putin was quick to congratulate his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump, issuing a short statement before the start of the inauguration ceremony in Washington.
“We were always ready to support relations of equal cooperation …

Key developments on Jan. 21:

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Jan. 21 reiterated his commitment to ending Russia’s war in 2025 “not just quickly but fairly and reliably.”
Speaking at at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Zelensky stressed …

Donald Trump was sworn in as U.S. president on Jan. 20, giving a speech containing a bombastic series of announcements and executive orders, not to mention the declaration of two national emergencies.
Setting out the goals of his second term, with …

Ukraine is actively working to arrange a meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump, Zelensky announced on Jan. 21 during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
“The teams have been working on a …

Members of U.S. President Donald Trump’s team may meet a Ukrainian delegation during Ukraine Week in Washington in early February, David Arakhamia, head of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s faction in parliament, said on Jan. 21. …

Key developments on Jan. 20:

Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States in a ceremony held in the United States Capitol on Jan. 20.
“Golden age of America begins right now,” Trump said.
Vice President J.D. Vance took the oath of office …

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on his upcoming inauguration and expressed readiness for dialogue during a Russian Security Council meeting on Jan. 20.
Putin emphasized his openness to engaging with the …

The impending Donald Trump presidency has fueled market speculation that a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine could be reached soon — bolstered by Trump’s campaign trail rhetoric promising to end the war within days of taking office, if not …

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has tasked his aides with organizing a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the days after he is sworn in, CNN reported on Jan. 19, citing undisclosed sources.
Trump has previously said he wants to meet with …

Editor’s note: This article is an on-site version of KI Insights' The Week Ahead newsletter covering events from Jan. 20-Jan. 26. Sign up here to start your week with an agenda of Ukraine-related events, delivered directly to your inbox every …

Key developments on Jan. 19:

As U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office on Jan. 20, Ukraine’s fate hangs in the balance.
While some potential details of Trump’s future peace proposals have been leaked, the overall plan still remains unclear.
Since the …
Ukraine has issued a stark warning on the eve of Donald Trump's inauguration, cautioning that premature talks with Russia could have catastrophic consequences.
Kyiv insists that Moscow should engage in negotiations out of necessity rather than …

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has emphasized the critical role of the United States and NATO in ensuring Ukraine’s independence amid Russia’s invasion.
Speaking at the North Rhine-Westphalia CDU’s New Year’s reception …

President-elect Donald Trump has expressed interest in visiting China shortly after assuming office, potentially within his first 100 days, sources familiar with the matter told the Wall Street Journal.
This potential trip would aim to stabilize …
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban has once again caused waves with his latest controversial comments, particularly directed towards Ukraine. As reported by Telex, Orban suggested in a radio interview that if Donald Trump had been re-elected in …

Key developments on Jan. 17:

In his farewell speech from the White House on Jan.15, outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden took the opportunity to highlight his achievements in office in an attempt to help cement his legacy.
Yet, despite being one of the world’s biggest …

Basic general military training for students of Ukrainian higher education institutions will begin in September 2025, the Defense Ministry announced on Jan. 17.
President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier approved amendments to the law on military duty and …

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban urged the European Union to lift sanctions on Russia, news portal Telex reported on Jan. 17.
According to the Hungarian outlet, Orban said it’s “time to throw sanctions out the window” and …

Incoming U.S. President Donald Trump promised to end the Ukraine-Russia war during his campaign. As inauguration approaches on Jan. 20, the Kyiv Independent’s Francis Farrell lays out the four scenarios that could see an end to the war in Ukraine — …

Listening to the confirmation hearings of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s various appointees in Congress this week, it’s becoming clear there is no meaningful grand plan from Trump to end the war in Ukraine quickly. In fact, Trump, …

The United States assured Russian President Vladimir Putin it would not deploy nuclear weapons in Ukraine, outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden said in a Jan. 17 interview with MSNBC.
“Tactical nuclear in Europe scares the hell out of everybody, …

The incoming Trump administration will be in a position to broker a “good” and “strong” peace deal in Ukraine, provided that Kyiv agrees, outgoing U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at a press briefing on Jan. 16. …

NATO has taken over some responsibilities in coordinating aid for Ukraine from the U.S. with Washington’s consent, ensuring a stable support mechanism going forward, NATO Military Committee Chief Admiral Rob Bauer said on Jan. 16.
“And …

Germany is not currently seen as a “driving force for peace policy in Europe,” German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock told Politico in comments published on Jan. 17, criticizing her own government for hesitancy in support of Ukraine. …

The United Kingdom will play its “full part” in supporting efforts to maintain an enduring peace in Ukraine, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer told Sky News on Jan. 16.
Starmer’s remarks followed his meeting with President Volodymyr …

The Biden administration believes that large-scale sanctions have been more effective politically than designating Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism, Ukrinform reported on Jan. 16, citing U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller.
“We …

NATO scrambled Norwegian F-35 fighter jets stationed in Poland for the first time to protect airspace during a Russian attack on Ukraine on Jan. 15, the NATO Air Command reported on X.
Russia attacked Ukraine using cruise and ballistic missiles on …

Key developments on Jan. 16:

For Moscow, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to Russia on Jan. 17 is a diplomatic victory.
The trip’s centerpiece will be the finalization of a long-heralded partnership deal between Russia and Iran, signed by Pezeshkian and …

In the run-up to his departure from the White House, President Joe Biden has slapped a number of major new sanctions on Russia’s financial systems and energy sector.
The U.S. originally threatened Russia with “the mother of all sanctions” as Moscow …

Advisers to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump are developing a comprehensive sanctions strategy aimed at facilitating a diplomatic resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war, Bloomberg reported on Jan. 16, citing anonymous sources familiar with the …

Ukrainian soldiers struck the Liskinskaya oil depot in Russia’s Voronezh Oblast with drones overnight on Jan. 16, Ukraine’s General Staff reported.
According to the military, the targeted oil depot stored fuel, which was used for the needs …

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump can end Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with Polish media released on Jan. 16, not ruling out that it may happen in 2025.
“These are his …

Kyiv is extending its cooperation with Norwegian defense company Kongsberg, one of the suppliers of NASAMS air defense systems to Ukraine, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said on Jan. 16.
The defense minister met with Eirik Lie, executive vice …

Ukrainian paratroopers and other units captured 27 Russian service members during hostilities in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, the Airborne Assault Troops' press service said on Jan. 16.
“Among them are officers, sergeants, and privates from …

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto arrived in Kyiv on Jan. 16 for a “series of institutional meetings,” Italy’s Defense Ministry announced.
Crosetto arrived in Kyiv on the same day as U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is in …

Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden briefly mentioned Ukraine during his farewell speech on Jan. 15, saying his administration helped to preserve the country’s freedom.
“Ukraine is still free, and we’ve pulled ahead of our competition with …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Kyiv on Jan. 16 on an unannounced visit to the Ukrainian capital, where Starmer is set to sign a wide-ranging “100 Year …

Several advisors to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump have accepted a timeline of several months to strike a deal to settle the Russia-Ukraine war, Reuters reported on Jan. 15, citing two Trump associates who directly spoke to the president-elect …

NATO and EU membership, as well as the country’s own military strength are key security guarantees for Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky said at a press conference alongside Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Jan. 15.
With U.S. …

The U.S. Department of the Treasury on Jan. 15 sanctioned Russia’s Federal State Unitary Enterprise Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, a Moscow-created entity that took control of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia power plant in the partially …

Russia will demand that Ukraine cut its ties with NATO and become “a neutral state with a limited military” during talks with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, Bloomberg reported on Jan. 15, citing its sources.
Trump has previously …

Key developments on Jan. 15:

Just days out from the return of Donald Trump to the White House, the future of Russia’s war against Ukraine is dominated by a great unknown: whether the incoming president will manage to push Moscow to stop its advance on the battlefield, or whether …

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk advocated for increased defense spending across NATO on Jan. 15, arguing that if all European members matched Poland’s spending, NATO’s defense budget would be ten times that of Russia’s.
“No one but Europe will …

Vilnius would consider deploying troops to Ukraine with its allies in the future if Kyiv were to make such a request, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys told LRT TV on Jan. 14.
The proposal for an international peacekeeping force has gained …

There is no clear consensus among Ukrainians about what a potential peace agreement with Russia should look like, a new global poll published on Jan. 15 has found.
The poll, conducted by the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), presented …

President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for defense secretary was grilled over the war in Ukraine during a confirmation hearing on Jan. 14, after he failed to mention Russia’s full-scale invasion during his opening remarks.
Speaking to the Armed …

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan signed a strategic partnership commission charter between the U.S and Armenia on Jan. 14 in Washington, D.C.
The agreement comes as Armenia, once a close ally of …

The European Union is considering a gradual ban on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) and new restrictions on Russian aluminum as part of its next round of sanctions, Bloomberg reported on Jan. 14, citing undisclosed officials.
The EU has begun …

Key developments on Jan. 14:

U.S. President Joe Biden will be passing around $3.8 billion in the so-called Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) to his successor — Donald Trump.
On the campaign trail, Trump has repeatedly criticized the Biden administration for providing Ukraine …

Kyiv’s European partners are growing optimistic that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump will not pressure Ukraine into accepting a painful peace deal, Bloomberg reported on Jan. 14, citing undisclosed European officials.
Following closed-door …

NATO should raise its current 2% of GDP defense spending goal, or the allies can begin taking “Russian language courses or move to New Zealand,” Secretary General Mark Rutte jokingly told the European Parliament on Jan. 13.
Voices calling …

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said on Jan. 13 that he plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin “very quickly,” adding that the Russian leader “wants to meet” as well.
The incoming U.S. president echoed his previous …

President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed the situation on the front line and the possibility of sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine in a phone call on Jan. 13.
The idea of deploying a peacekeeping force on the …

Russian President Vladimir Putin has failed to meet any of his strategic objectives in Ukraine, U.S. President Joe Biden said at a foreign policy address on Jan. 13.
Biden’s remarks come as his term as president comes to an end and …
Editor’s Note: We aim to bring you stories about the war that no one else does.
Learning about Ukrainian society and culture is one way to make sure that people abroad don’t forget about what’s happening here. Support our mission? Upgrade now.

Like Czar Nicholas II, Russian President Vladimir Putin has misidentified his primary foe. Fighting a war of choice, he allows the real menace to his country to gather strength. China, not Ukraine, constitutes Russia’s existential threat. In the …

I must admit that I occasionally enjoy podcasts explaining the secrets behind well-known magic tricks (the three-shell game, mentalism, levitation, etc.). After reading recent news from Russia, I’ve come to the conclusion that these tricks offer a …

The Biden administration is focused on securing a strong foreign policy foundation for U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration, including on the Russia-Ukraine war, outgoing U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on …

Ukraine is preparing to send rescuers, including 150 firefighters, to the U.S. state of California to help combat the wildfires that have devastated the region in recent days, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Jan. 12.
Wildfires have ravaged the …

Serbia will officially offer to host the upcoming meeting between U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said in a television broadcast on Jan. 12.
Trump announced on Jan. 9 that …

Editor’s note: This article is an on-site version of KI Insights' The Week Ahead newsletter covering events from Jan. 13 to Jan. 20. Sign up here to start your week with an agenda of Ukraine-related events, delivered directly to your inbox …
Switzerland is reportedly organizing a meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin to end the war, circumventing the arrest warrant. Both the Swiss President and the Foreign Ministry of Switzerland announced in January their attempts to achieve …

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to hold a telephone call “in the coming days and weeks,” Mike Waltz, Trump’s nominee for national security adviser, told ABC News on Jan. 12. …
In a tragic incident in Sudzha, Kursk Region, a Russian airstrike targeted a nursing home hosting elderly civilians, including many individuals with disabilities, reported Olekisy Dmitrashkovsky, the press officer of the Ukrainian military …

Switzerland has expressed its readiness to host a high-level meeting between U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Nicolas Bideau, head of communications at the Swiss Foreign Ministry, told Swiss newspaper Le Temps. …

Russia criticized the latest U.S. sanctions targeting its energy sector on Jan. 11, describing them as an effort to harm Russia’s economy while risking instability in global markets. Despite this, the country’s Foreign Ministry said …
The United States has imposed secondary sanctions on Serbia's oil company NIS due to its Russian ties with "Gazprom." Washington has given Belgrade a razor-thin 45-day timeline to pull Russian capital out of NIS or face the full brunt of the …

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s main goals in any peace negotiations include prohibiting Ukraine from ever entering NATO and reducing allied military presence in the eastern flank, the Financial Times reported on Jan. 10, citing a former …

Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden said on Jan. 10 he did all he could to help Ukraine and voiced hope that U.S. support will continue even after he leaves office.
“There is a significant number of Democrats and Republicans on the (Capitol) Hill …

NATO allies are unlikely to meet U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed spending target of 5% of GDP but are open to an increase from the current 2%, Reuters reported on Jan. 10, citing comments from officials and analysts from various …

President Volodymyr Zelensky said it is Ukraine’s “dream” to end the war in 2025, as the country seeks to obtain security guarantees that would “prevent Russia from returning with aggression,” the president said in a …

U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said that neither Russia nor Ukraine is currently prepared for negotiations to end the war, according to his comments at a briefing on Jan. 10.
President Volodymyr Zelensky previously suggested that …

Key developments on Jan. 10:

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to visit Ukraine in the coming weeks to discuss the potential deployment of an international peacekeeping force, Bloomberg reported on Jan. 10, citing sources familiar with the matter.
This would mark …

The Trump administration’s Ukraine peace envoy Keith Kellogg postponed his planned visit to Ukraine for legal reasons, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi said on Jan. 10, in comments reported by Radio Free Europe/Radio …

The Kremlin on Jan. 10 said it “welcomed” President-elect Donald Trump’s “readiness” for talks, but added plans for any face-to-face meeting would not be drawn up until after his inauguration later this month.
Trump said …

Norway has allocated 2 billion euros ($2.1 billion) for military aid to Ukraine in 2025, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said following a meeting with his Norwegian counterpart on Jan. 9.
Norway has been one of Ukraine’s staunchest supporters in …

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said on Jan. 9 that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to meet with him, and that preparations for the meeting are underway.
“He wants to meet, and we are setting it up,” Trump told reporters at his …

Russia is closely watching U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s statements about a possible military takeover of Greenland, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claimed on Jan. 9.
Peskov’s comments come after Trump on Jan. 7 refused to rule …

Key developments on Jan. 9:

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has revised his campaign promise to end the war in Ukraine within “24 hours,” now suggesting a timeline of several months. European officials view this adjustment as an indication that his administration …
In a shifting geopolitical landscape, experts are suggesting that President-elect Donald Trump may be pulling back on his earlier urgency to resolve the war in Ukraine quickly. This sentiment is reflected in the postponement of Special Representative …

The European Union is prepared to take a leading role in supporting Ukraine if U.S. backing wanes, EU chief diplomat Kaja Kallas said on Jan. 9 at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, German media outlet Tagesschau reported.
“If the United States is …
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has announced an additional $500 million military aid package for Kyiv and has reaffirmed the United States' continued support for Ukraine.
"Ukraine's struggle is important for all of us," Austin declared on …

Russia’s military intelligence (GRU) offered a $200,000 bounty to Afghan militants for every U.S. or coalition soldier killed before Washington announced its withdrawal from the country, The Insider and Der Spiegel reported on Jan. 8.
The joint …

President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Italian President Sergio Mattarella in Italy on Jan. 9, Suspilne reported, citing its undisclosed source.
Zelensky is attending the Ukraine Defense Contact Group …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
Outgoing U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced on Jan. 9 a $500 million aid package for Ukraine, including air defense missiles, ammunition, and equipment for F-16 fighter …

Editor’s note: This story is being updated.
President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived at the Ramstein airbase in Germany on Jan. 9 to take part in the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting.
Zelensky is expected to hold a series of bilateral …

NATO membership is the only credible long-term guarantee Ukraine can secure to defend against future Russian aggression, Finland’s Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen told Reuters on Jan. 8.
While Donald Trump’s upcoming return to the White …

Russia does not hold all the advantages in the full-scale war against Ukraine, outgoing U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in an interview with Bloomberg News on Jan. 8.
Austin’s comments come on the eve of the Ukraine Defense Contact …

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump aims to end Russia’s war against Ukraine within 100 days of his inauguration, Keith Kellogg, Trump’s choice for special Ukraine peace envoy, told Fox News on Jan. 8.
The comments come a day after Trump …

Key developments on Jan. 8:

President-elect Donald Trump, on Jan. 7, blamed the outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden for Russia’s all-out war against Ukraine.
Trump said Biden’s support of Ukraine’s NATO membership had led to Russia’s war against the …

The final military aid package from the Biden administration to Ukraine, amounting to $500 million, is set to be officially announced on Jan. 9, Voice of America correspondent Carla Babb reported on Jan. 8 from Ramstein Air Base.
The package, drawn …

The Russian opposition is an odd bunch. While not supporting Russia’s brutal all-out war against Ukraine and its people, the leaders of the so-called opposition don’t want their country to lose.
A number of those who oppose Russian …

President Volodymyr Zelensky called for caution in interpreting U.S. policy following President-elect Donald Trump’s comments linking Ukraine’s NATO aspirations to Russia’s invasion, during a Jan. 8 meeting with Finnish Foreign Minister Elina …

Russian losses in Ukraine are helping fuel a demographic timebomb that could see the country’s population reduced by half by the end of the century, experts have told the Kyiv Independent.
“The impact on Russian society is devastating,” said Harley …

Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz announced on Jan. 8 his participation in the upcoming Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting on Jan. 9, hinting that it could be the group’s last meeting in the current format. …

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said on Jan. 7 that NATO should raise its defense spending benchmark from 2% of GDP to 5%, echoing his earlier calls for Europe to spend more on its security.
“I think NATO should have 5%,” Trump said at a …

Laura Cooper, senior Pentagon official leading the Russia and Ukraine office, stepped down as Donald Trump’s inauguration looms, Politico reported on Jan. 6, citing one former and three current officials.
A veteran civil servant, Cooper has held …

The Jan. 9 Ramstein-format summit of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) will focus primarily on supporting Ukraine’s defense capabilities in establishing a “credible deterrent force” through 2027, the Pentagon said on Jan. 7. …

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
A large fire engulfed an oil depot overnight on Jan. 8 in the city of Engels in Saratov Oblast, various Russian Telegram media channels reported.
Saratov Oblast Governor Roman …

The Biden administration plans to unveil a significant final weapons aid package for Ukraine during Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s visit to Germany on Jan. 9.
Austin is set to meet representatives from around 50 nations that have supported Ukraine …

Key developments on Jan. 7:

During a Jan. 7 press conference, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump blamed President Joe Biden for provoking Russia’s full-scale invasion by supporting Ukraine’s NATO membership aspirations.
Trump argued that Ukraine’s potential NATO membership has …

The U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on Jan. 7 against Antal Rogan, a senior Hungarian government official and close associate of Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
Rogan is the first high-ranking …

As Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine nears its fourth year, a worsening battlefield situation and the election of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency signal that the war could soon be entering a volatile and unpredictable endgame.
In …

Some 52% of Ukrainians trust President Volodymyr Zelensky, a drop of seven percentage points from October 2024 and 12 points from February, according to a survey by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) published on Jan. 7.
In turn, 39% …

Europe might soon feel “intense pressure” to reach some sort of an agreement with Russia regarding its war against Ukraine, Poland’s Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said in a post on X on Jan. 6.
His words came only two weeks before …

Russia sent one of its top generals, General Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, to organize Russia’s defense in Kursk Oblast against a renewed Ukrainian attack, The Telegraph reported on Jan. 5.
Ukrainian troops recently launched a renewed offensive against Russian …

The Trump administration’s Ukraine peace envoy, Keith Kellogg, has postponed a visit to Kyiv until after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated on Jan. 20, Reuters reported on Jan. 6, citing four sources with knowledge of the trip. …

Key developments on Jan. 6:

In a newly released three-hour interview, Moscow-born U.S. podcaster Lex Fridman tried to persuade President Volodymyr Zelensky that Russian President Vladimir Putin is “a serious person who loves his country."
“He loves his inner circle. It’s …

Since the election of Donald Trump as president of the United States, the question on everyone’s mind is whether Europe, including the U.K., can replace the military assistance the U.S. is giving Ukraine. The short answer is no. The reasons for …

As Ukraine and Europe enter 2025 with a worsening situation on the battlefield and the incoming Trump administration hoping to quickly reach some kind of peace in Russia’s all-out war, the first months of the year look to be fundamental in deciding …

French President Emmanuel Macron on Jan. 6 called on Ukraine to have “realistic discussions on territorial issues” as they alone can conduct them.
“There will be no quick and easy solution in Ukraine,” Macron said in an address …

Ukraine has 980,000 people in arms as it fights Russia’s all-out war, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with U.S. podcaster Lex Fridman published on Jan. 5.
Zelensky presented Ukraine’s Armed Forces as the largest in …

Outgoing U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Jan. 6 that Ukrainian positions in Russia’s Kursk Oblast could play an important role in possible talks with Russia, the AFP news agency reported.
The Biden administration, whose term …

Ukraine has not received even half of the $177 billion the U.S. allocated to support Kyiv throughout the full-scale war, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with U.S. podcaster Lex Fridman released on Jan. 5.
Zelensky implied that this …

Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration plans to introduce a “big package” of sanctions on Russia’s shadow fleet and individuals, Reuters reported on Jan. 6, citing sources familiar with the matter.
Despite Western efforts to …

President Volodymyr Zelensky previously offered U.S. President-elect Donald Trump for Ukraine to buy American weapons at the expense of $300 billion in frozen Russian assets, Zelensky said in an interview with American podcaster Lex Fridman published …

A total of 3,800 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded by Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with American podcaster Lex Fridman on Jan. 5.
Pyongyang sent upwards of 12,000 …
In On Tyranny, the first of Snyder’s 20 lessons is: “Do not obey in advance.” To many, media owners’ decisions to accommodate Trump seem textbook rule violations, instances of “anticipatory obedience”, which “teaches power what it can do”. source

China may have talked Russian President Vladimir Putin out of deploying nuclear weapons amid Russia’s war against Ukraine, outgoing U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in an interview with the Financial Times (FT) on Jan. 3.
Beijing has …

Key developments on Jan. 3:

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s team has not presented anything “interesting” to Moscow regarding ending the war in Ukraine, Russia’s envoy to the U.N., Vasily Nebenzya, said on Jan. 3 in an interview with the …

Around 38% of Ukrainians are open to conceding some of the territories while preserving independence in order to end the war with Russia as fast as possible, according to the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) survey published on Jan. …

The next Ramstein-format summit of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) will take place on Jan. 9, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) reported on Jan. 3, citing the U.S. Air Force.
The meeting will be the first since the leader-level summit …

Ukraine’s incursion in Russia’s Kursk Oblast is a “very strong trump card in any negotiations,” President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview on Ukrainian television released on Jan. 2.
“Especially with countries that …

Ukraine will not hold elections under martial law even if Russia puts it forward as one of the pre-conditions for negotiations, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview on Ukrainian television released on Jan. 2.
Ukraine was scheduled to hold …

President Volodymyr Zelensky, joined alongside his wife First Lady Olena Zelenska, delivered a candid, wide-ranging interview on Ukrainian television released on Jan. 2, laying out his vision for Ukraine’s prospects for a potential peace in …

As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine inches toward the three-year mark, all eyes are on a potential peace agreement to end the war.
If the parameters of any peace deal are likely to remain obscured for months to come, Ukraine’s ex-Foreign Minister Dmytro …

A Russian attack overnight killed a civilian in the town of Stepnohirsk in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Governor Ivan Fedorov reported on his Telegram channel on Jan. 2.
The victim’s body was found under the rubble of a five-story building after a more than …

The two victims killed in Russia’s Jan. 1 drone strike on Kyiv were a married couple who both worked as scientists, Education and Science Minister Oksen Lisovyi announced.
Prominent neurobiologist Ihor Zyma and doctor of biological sciences …

President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his condolences to the families of the victims of a deadly vehicle attack in the U.S. city of New Orleans on New Year’s Day.
A truck driver in New Orleans intentionally rammed into a crowd on Jan. 1, …

Key developments on Jan. 1:

President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his New Year video greeting late on Dec. 31 that no one would give peace to his country as a gift, but he believed the United States would stand together with Ukraine as it fights to stop Russia’s full-scale …

Key developments on Dec. 30:

The United States made a $3.4 billion payment in direct budget support to Ukraine, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said on Dec. 30.
The payment is the final portion of funds allocated under the bipartisan Ukraine Security Supplemental …
Moscow does not support proposals from President-elect Donald Trump's team aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine. In a conversation with Russian media, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticized plans to delay Ukraine's NATO membership and …

Key developments on Dec. 28 - 29:

Russia is dissatisfied with the reported peace deal proposals on Ukraine from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s team, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Dec. 29, according to state-owned TASS.
Earlier reports from the Wall Street Journal …
Russia has firmly dismissed the notion of a ceasefire with Ukraine, labeling it a "road to nowhere". Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has critiqued Western discussions around a ceasefire, arguing that they serve only to "pump Ukraine with …
On the Kursk direction, fighting continued near Leonidovo, Cherkasskya Konopelka, Guevo, Kurilovka, and in the forests of the Sudzha district.
The “Siversk” Operational Tactical Group (OTG) counterattacked near Guevo and Leonidovo, slowing the …

Construction has begun on a new railway linking China to Central Asian countries Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov announced at the Dec. 27 groundbreaking ceremony.
The new route, part of China’s economic expansion …
Nearly half of Ukrainians believe that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s victory in the presidential election could bring peace closer in the ongoing war, according to a poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology published on Dec. 27. …
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is determined to confront China economically and strategically. This is a difficult problem, because so many goods purchased in the United States have supply chains with deep roots in the Chinese manufacturing …
President-elect Donald Trump has made the cessation of hostilities in Ukraine a top priority. However, Moscow remains hesitant, signaling no “real impulses” towards negotiation. Russian President Vlad Source : …
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Dec. 22 announced five nominees for high-level positions at the Pentagon, including deputy defense secretary. Trump takes office on Jan. 20, 2025, and has begun se Source : kyivindependent.com/trump-nam…

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Dec. 22 said that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to hold a meeting with him “as soon as possible.” Trump delivered the remarks to conservative activisits a Source : …