Russia carried out its biggest drone attack on Ukraine since the start of the war, hitting multiple places across the country. The attack happened overnight and involved a huge number of unmanned drones, with Ukrainian reports stating a total of 479 drones and 20 missiles were used. n440

Ukraine’s air defenses managed to stop most of the incoming threats, shooting down 460 drones and 19 missiles, but the attack still caused damage. One of the main targets was a military airfield near the city of Dubno, which is close to Ukraine’s border with Poland. According to Reuters, the airfield suffered some damage during the strike.

The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that all planned targets were successfully struck, saying the attack was in response to recent Ukrainian drone strikes that had damaged several Russian air bases earlier in the month. One of those strikes, “Operation Spiderweb,” reportedly damaged multiple Russian aircraft. This latest attack shows how the conflict is becoming more intense, with both sides carrying out bold, long-range strikes on military targets deep inside enemy territory.

Russia attacked Ukraine with biggest drone strike yet 1u1d37

The military airfield near Dubno was one of the most important targets in the Russian attack. Because the airfield is so close to Poland’s border, Poland quickly responded by scrambling Polish and allied fighter jets to protect its airspace. The attack also disrupted air travel in Russia, with several airports imposing flight restrictions due to the increased military activity.

In addition to the airfield strike, the Kyiv Independent reported another incident involving Ukrainian drones hitting a Russian facility. This attack targeted the JSC VNIIR Progress facility in Cheboksary, which is in Russia’s Chuvashia Republic. The facility works on developing and producing electronic warfare systems, including parts for guided bombs and Shahed-type attack drones.

Reports say the strike caused fires and explosions, damaging the facility. While the extent of the damage is unclear, the Ukrainian military said the attack weakened Russia’s ability to produce certain air attack systems. This strike follows an earlier attack in the same region that hit an oil refinery.

The increasing back-and-forth of long-range drone strikes shows how the war has reached a deadlock. Peace talks between Ukraine and Russia have not made any real progress, leaving both sides stuck in their positions. Ukraine is still calling for an unconditional ceasefire as a first step toward ending the conflict. However, Russia has repeatedly refused this idea, making the war continue and raising the risk of even more severe attacks. The large scale of Russia’s latest offensive and Ukraine’s counterstrikes highlights how the war is changing, with both sides carrying out more frequent and daring long-range attacks. The conflict remains unstable and complicated, with no clear path to peace and no signs of progress in diplomatic efforts.

Ukrainian security services have released new video footage showing the bold “Spiderweb” operation, a series of drone strikes aimed at Russian military airfields far inside Russia. The footage demonstrates the use of drones controlled by artificial intelligence in what Ukrainian officials say was a highly effective attack causing major damage to Russia’s air force. President Donald Trump privately praised the operation, describing it as both ‘strong’ and ‘badass.’

The SBU, Ukraine’s primary counterintelligence agency, explained that the operation used “modern drone control technology, which mixes self-operating artificial intelligence systems with manual control by human operators.” While flying, the drones relied on AI to guide them to pre-set targets if they lost communication signals, automatically detonating their explosives upon hitting their targets.

The video shows Ukrainian drones successfully damaging engines, antennas, wings, and other key parts of various Russian aircraft at four different airfields located thousands of kilometers inside Russia. According to Politico, the SBU specifically named the damaged aircraft as A-50, Tu-95, Tu-22, Tu-160, An-12, and Il-78 planes.

Ukraine’s airstrike was more devastating than first thought 3u102n

Independent experts and journalists, checking Ukrainian claims with satellite images, have confirmed that at least 11 strategic bombers were destroyed. The SBU calculates that the total cost of the damage to Russia’s air force exceeds $7 billion. According to the SBU, these airfields are often used by Russia to fire ballistic and cruise missiles at Ukrainian cities.

Successfully hitting these targets deals a major blow to Russia’s military strength and its ability to carry out long-range attacks inside Ukraine. The operation has received mixed reactions from both sides. The Russian Ministry of Defense played down the scale of the damage, saying only two locations, in the Irkutsk and Murmansk regions, had bombers damaged.

They also claimed that attacks on airfields in Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur regions were stopped, with no military or civilian casualties reported. Russian officials are treating the incident as a terrorist act and are investigating. On the other hand, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the operation, saying at a press conference that the “Spiderweb” strikes destroyed 41 Russian aircraft, half of which cannot be fixed, while the rest will need years of repairs if they can ever be fully restored.

He stressed that these were valid military targets and that such operations were necessary to counter Russian aggression. Zelenskyy also connected the operation to ongoing ceasefire talks, saying the attacks would not have happened had Moscow accepted Ukraine’s earlier unconditional ceasefire proposal. He stated, “wanting a ceasefire doesn’t mean we do nothing in the meantime.”

The daring nature of the “Spiderweb” operation has attracted global attention. While some applaud Ukraine for its creative use of technology and for changing modern warfare tactics, others have raised concerns. U.S. Special Envoy on Ukraine Keith Kellogg expressed worry about the strategic risks of such attacks, saying that striking an opponent’s nuclear-capable forces could lead to unpredictable escalation. He pointed out the uncertainty of Russia’s reaction and the possibility of increased tensions because of such bold moves.

Recent drone attacks by Ukraine on Russian strategic bombers have highlighted the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with President Donald Trump’s response drawing attention to his complex relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Despite mounting challenges, including stalled frontlines, economic pressures, and potential new sanctions, Putin remains steadfast in his ambition to conquer Ukraine.

According to Politico, Former U.S. officials and analysts suggest that, rather than trying to convince Putin to abandon his goals regarding Ukraine, the focus should be on making Ukraine impossible for him to capture. This approach requires a combination of military aid, sanctions, and sustained diplomatic pressure.

Russia specialists note that Putin is likely aware of the concept of “TACO Trump” (Trump Always Chickens Out), which has gained traction in various sectors, including Wall Street. This perception suggests that while Trump might initially take a hard stance, he typically backs down, potentially giving Moscow room to maneuver.

New sanctions bill could test U.S.-Russia relations 1c1f47

A new sanctions bill ed by the majority of U.S. senators proposes severe measures against Russia, including 500 percent tariffs on countries continuing to purchase Russian energy exports. The bill’s implementation could significantly impact Russia’s economy, though concerns exist about its effects on global trade relations.

Trump’s approach to Putin has been marked by inconsistency. While the White House maintains that Trump “has always been tough on Putin,” his actions and statements often suggest otherwise. His campaign promises to end the war within 24 hours, and recent social media interactions with Putin have raised questions about his understanding of the Russian leader’s determination.

The Russian economy has adapted to wartime conditions, lasting longer than many Western analysts predicted. Even if U.S. sanctions were lifted, experts suggest American businesses would be hesitant to re-enter the Russian market due to various risks, including potential future sanctions.

Former U.S. intelligence official Andrea Kendall-Taylor emphasizes the importance of sustained pressure through various means, including Ukraine’s military achievements. The strategy requires patience and consistent application of multiple tactics to demonstrate to Putin that conquering Ukraine is beyond his reach, regardless of his unwavering belief in Russia’s claim to the territory.

President Donald Trump has privately praised Ukraine’s bold drone strike operation, called “Operation Spiderweb,” describing it as both “strong” and “badass.”. This iration comes amid Trump’s ongoing diplomatic efforts, including a recent offer to Putin aimed at de-escalating tensions.

As reported by The Sun, the operation used 117 drones and hit four important Russian airbases: Belaya Air Base (the farthest strike, located close to Mongolia), Olenya Air Base near Finland, and Ivanovo and Dyagilevo airbases near Moscow. The attack destroyed 41 Russian aircraft, which was a third of Putin’s most valuable planes, causing major harm to Russia’s air force and estimated to cost Russia $7 billion (GBP 5.2 billion).

According to Axios, Operation Spiderweb, which has been compared to the boldest World War II missions, was carefully planned over 18 months under the direction of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Drones and their parts were secretly brought into Russia and put together without being detected. Plain-looking shipping containers parked near the airbases were used as hidden launch sites.

Ukraine’s latest attack on Russia was pretty cool z2jq

The drones were sent out on the morning of June 1, hitting their targets accurately. Video from the drones was sent back to Ukraine, showing the destruction and heavy damage, including huge clouds of black smoke rising from the attacked areas.

While Trump privately ired the operation’s boldness and success, telling one source the attack was “pretty strong” and another that he “thought it was badass,” he also shared worries about possible escalation. He reportedly said, “We want this war to end. We want it to calm down. So if Putin reacts violently, yeah, the president has concerns.” A senior White House official agreed, saying that Trump “wants the fighting to stop, so it upsets him whenever there is an attack like that.”

This shows Trump’s continued effort to manage his relationships with both Moscow and Kyiv, including a recent 75-minute phone call with Vladimir Putin to talk about growing tensions. During this call, Putin reportedly said he would have to respond to the Ukrainian attack.

The Kremlin’s first response was a threatening statement: “Russian Federation will respond to the attack on airfields when and in the way that the military decides is appropriate.” This warning led to retaliatory strikes on several residential areas in Ukraine, causing civilian deaths, including a baby, their mother, and grandmother, who were killed in a Shahed kamikaze drone attack.

Other deaths and injuries were reported in Chernihiv and Kharkiv. The chance of more retaliation by Putin remains a serious concern, with possibilities including the use of small nuclear weapons, hypersonic missiles, or another large-scale military attack. Despite Trump’s private praise, a Trump advisor described the situation from a global view as “a chihuahua causing real harm to a much bigger dog,” pointing out the uneven nature of the conflict and the effect of Ukraine’s strategic operation.

has announced a military aid package worth 5 billion euros (approximately $5.4 billion) for Ukraine, a decision that has caused strong reactions around the world. Russia responded angrily, warning that this move could lead to a dangerous escalation in the ongoing war. The aid package was revealed after a meeting between German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Russia reacted immediately, and Express reported that Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had accused of ing the war directly and taking a dangerous risk,” is being directly drawn into this war.”. Lavrov suggested that was repeating past mistakes that had led to disaster. He warned that this decision could push the conflict toward a larger war, possibly even a world war. If Russia declared war on , as it sounds like the country is considering here, things could spiral.

The risk of this situation spiraling out of control is serious. If and Russia were to clash directly, other NATO countries would likely get involved, rapidly expanding the war. Given Russia’s massive military power and nuclear weapons, the consequences could be catastrophic. While the aid package is meant to strengthen Ukraine’s defense, it also raises the possibility of the war growing much larger.

Russia warns that it ed the war with its aid 735y4u

It marks a major increase in ’s for Ukraine, going beyond just sending weapons. The package includes direct funding for Ukraine’s defense industry and sets up a partnership for t weapons production between and Ukraine. The aid package includes significant funding to develop and produce long-range weapons inside Ukraine.

Russia’s Foreign Secretary Sergey Lavrov said, “We already have German tanks occasionally driving around our territory. They mostly burn rather than drive… Direct involvement in the war is already obvious. is sliding down the same slippery slope it has already followed a couple of times in the last century – down towards its collapse.”

This includes money for manufacturing BARS and AN-196 drones, as well as Flamingo drone interceptors, all of which are meant to help Ukraine hit targets far behind Russian-controlled areas. The package also s the production of other long-range weapons, with many expected to be ready by late 2025. Additionally, will send four more IRIS-T air defense systems to Ukraine, strengthening its ability to defend against Russian missile and drone attacks.

Russia is pretty vocal about the wars of the past, which seems to make their statues of Stalin make more sense. However, a bigger war could lead to Putin’s fear of being overthrown becoming a reality.

This aid is important not just for the weapons it provides now but also because it helps Ukraine build its own defense industry. By investing in local production, will help Ukraine to rely less on foreign aid in the future. The long-range weapons could also allow Ukraine to strike key Russian supply routes, including the bridge to Crimea, which is vital for Russian military operations. Disrupting these routes could weaken Russia’s ability to fight effectively.

Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, however, thanked for its strong and for helping Ukraine build a stronger defense industry. He emphasized how crucial ’s assistance is in Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression.

The current war in Ukraine has reached a very serious stage, with rising violence and reports of increased Russian military operations. During this escalation, some reports claim that Vladimir Putin is deeply worried about his future, fearing possible consequences if his military efforts in Ukraine do not succeed. These fears are said to come from his sense of being exposed to danger and the heavy losses Russia has suffered in the war.

Intelligence reports acquired by The Sun indicate that Russia is gathering around 50,000 soldiers near the Ukrainian border, which could mean they are preparing for another large attack. This troop buildup is happening at the same time as a major increase in Russian bombing and drone strikes, including what is being called the biggest drone attack since the war started, with more than 350 drones used in just one night.

This increase in attacks is happening even though President Donald Trump has tried to arrange peace talks, efforts that so far have not worked. Trump has openly criticized Putin’s actions, calling him “crazy” and suggesting that new sanctions might be imposed.

Putin needs to win the war to survive 4162m

Macer Gifford, a British volunteer soldier who has fought in both Ukraine and Syria, shared his thoughts on the situation. He believes Putin’s strong desire to take control of Ukraine comes from his wish to achieve what he sees as an ideological goal to bring back the Soviet empire. He also said that Putin fears his failure and would be “hanging from a lamppost in six months” if he doesn’t take Ukraine.

Gifford points out the clear difference between the Ukrainian people, who want closer connections with the EU and a brighter future for their children, and Putin, whose actions seem driven by his own personal legacy. Gifford suggests that Putin is very afraid of being removed from power if he loses in Ukraine, and he might end up like other dictators who were overthrown.

Adding to these concerns are the extremely high Russian military losses. Estimates say that more than 10,000 tanks, 22,000 armored vehicles, 26,000 artillery systems, and over 700 aircraft have been destroyed. The human cost is even more shocking, with Western officials reporting over 900,000 Russian casualties, including around 250,000 deaths. These losses create a grim background for Putin’s reported fears about his own safety and future.

David H. Carstens, a former Army intelligence officer, analyzed Putin’s weaknesses. Carstens notes that despite huge losses, especially in the first four months of 2025 (with estimates of more than 160,000 casualties), Putin does not seem pressured to seek peace. He partly blames this on what he sees as a lack of long-term for Ukraine and divisions in the European Union’s unity on the issue. Carstens stresses that Russia thinks it is negotiating from a strong position, even with its heavy losses. His analysis highlights the big risk Russia is taking, possibly leading to its highest yearly casualty numbers since the war began.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said publicly that there is no sign Putin is truly interested in peace, which s the idea that a major attack is coming. Zelensky’s statement is backed by growing intelligence that Russia is getting ready for a new large-scale assault, showing that the war is not close to ending and that Putin’s reported fears may be pushing him toward even more aggressive actions.

Families gathered along roadsides in northern Ukraine on Friday, wrapped in Ukrainian flags and holding photographs of captured soldiers. They are eagerly awaiting the return of prisoners in the largest exchange between Russia and Ukraine since the war began.

The prisoner swap, which is the only concrete outcome from direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul last week, will see both sides release 1,000 prisoners each. The process moved rapidly after the agreement, with families rushing to designated meeting points without knowing if their loved ones would be among those freed.

According to The Washington Post, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that 390 people would be returned initially, with more expected throughout the weekend. “We are bringing our people home,” he wrote. The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the delivery of 390 prisoners to Ukraine, comprising 270 soldiers and 120 civilians.

Former US president advocates for peace talks, but progress remains limited 49l1

Former President Donald Trump, who pushed for the Istanbul talks, hoped they would lead to a ceasefire. However, Russia’s decision to send only a low-level delegation hindered significant progress. Despite this setback, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha considered the talks worthwhile solely for enabling family reunions.

Among those waiting at the reunion point was Mykola Hrytsak, a 39-year-old National Guardsman previously captured at Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant and later released. Along with two other former POWs, he waited, hoping to see some of their 65 friends still held in Russia.

The scene was emotional for many families, including Lina Marchenko, 46, who came searching for information about her husband, who disappeared in the Zaporizhzhia region in August. Similarly, Anna Pupenko, 29, and her husband Serhii arrived hoping to find news of friends who went missing during Ukraine’s operation in Russia’s Kursk region.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha praised the exchange as a significant achievement, stating that the otherwise unsuccessful talks were worthwhile solely for the family reunions they enabled. While Russia and Ukraine have conducted numerous prisoner swaps throughout the war, this marks the largest exchange to date.

President Donald Trump has suggested that Pope Leo XIV could act as a mediator in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. This idea came after a phone call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. It underscores the Vatican’s possible role as a neutral party in a highly divided global conflict.

While the Vatican has not officially confirmed any offer to mediate, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, at Trump’s request, reached out to Pope Leo and reported that he was open to hosting peace talks. The possibility of Vatican mediation comes from its reputation as a neutral entity, separate from the strategic goals of other potential mediators. Pope Leo himself has stated that the Vatican is ready to help arrange meetings between the warring sides.

According to the Washington Post, Trump had said, “I think it would be great to have it at the Vatican. … I think maybe that could help some of that anger.” This effort marks a major early challenge for the new Pope, who has already taken a more openly pro-Ukraine position than his predecessor, Pope Francis, an insightful man. If he succeeds in mediating a resolution to the war, it could greatly influence the first years of his leadership.

The Pope may mediate the ending to a war 1o4i4j

Achieving peace through Vatican mediation faces many difficulties. A peace deal between Russia and Ukraine has been hard to reach, with Russia favoring drawn-out talks while continuing to fight. This has led to accusations that Russia is delaying talks to try to win militarily before making serious negotiations.

Some European countries and the United States have pushed for a ceasefire before talks. However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has outright rejected this idea.

Practical problems also stand in the way. European sanctions and travel bans make it hard for Russian officials to participate, raising concerns about their safety if they travel to Italy, where the Vatican is located. Although the 1929 Lateran Treaty ensures safe age for diplomatic missions to the Vatican, it is not legally clear whether this applies to high-ranking Russian officials, including President Putin.

This means other European countries would need to make logistical exceptions, such as allowing Russian officials to use their airspace. The Vatican has been involved in mediating conflicts before, with mixed results. Past efforts include helping arrange President Obama’s 2016 visit to Cuba and unsuccessful attempts to mediate between the Venezuelan government and its opposition.

The Vatican also hosted talks between Argentina and Chile in the 1980s, which helped prevent war. This serves as a useful historical example, though neither Ukraine nor Russia are majority-Catholic nations. Ukraine, which had previously asked for Vatican help under Pope Francis, has said it is open to talks hosted by the Vatican.

Some Ukrainian officials were initially unhappy with Pope Francis’s position, but they recognize the Vatican’s behind-the-scenes work in arranging prisoner swaps and bringing back hundreds of Ukrainian children taken to Russia. This was done through the Vatican’s diplomatic channels and Cardinal Matteo Zuppi. The Ukrainian ambassador to the Holy See said Pope Leo is willing to help end the conflict but noted that both sides would need to formally request his involvement.

There has been evidence released that seems to show Russian forces killing Ukrainian soldiers who were surrendering in the Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine. This evidence includes intercepted Russian radio communications and drone footage, which appear to each other.

Warning: Descriptions and video of killing in wartime.

The intercepted radio transmissions, which CNN obtained from a Ukrainian intelligence official, contain repeated orders from a Russian commander to capture the Ukrainian commander and kill the other soldiers. These orders were given at least six times over a period of about 10 minutes. The commander’s call sign and rank have not been verified. The transmissions also include exchanges between the commander and soldiers using the call signs “Arta” and “Beliy,” who seem to be following the orders.

The drone footage, reportedly recorded between 12:27 pm and 12:30 pm local time, appears to show what happened after these orders were given. The footage shows at least six Ukrainian soldiers lying face down on the ground. At least one soldier is seen being shot at very close range. Another soldier, who had been lying still, is then seen standing up, taking off body armor, and being led away. This matches the radio communication about a Ukrainian commander being captured.

Russians breaking rules of law by killing surrendering Ukrainian soldiers 2n2j69

The timing of the drone footage lines up with when the radio communications were intercepted. A forensic audio expert who examined the radio transmissions found no signs that they had been altered. Satellite images also confirm the location of the incident. The footage states “Take the commander captive and kill everyone else.”

Ukrainian officials are looking into the incident as a possible war crime. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has identified the suspected attackers as of the “Storm unit” from the 394th Motorized Rifle Regiment (127th Motorized Rifle Division) of the 5th Combined Arms Army. The SBU has previously connected this same unit to another suspected killing in the same area, which was the beheading of a captured Ukrainian soldier.

As of May 5, the Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s office had started 75 criminal investigations into the suspected killings of 268 Ukrainian prisoners of war. The number of alleged executions is said to be increasing, with investigations into 8 cases involving 57 soldiers in 2022, 8 cases involving 11 soldiers in 2023, 39 cases with 149 soldiers in 2024, and 20 cases with 51 soldiers so far in 2025. Ukrainian officials suggest this rise may be due to orders from top Russian political and military leaders.

A UN special investigator on unlawful killings and a Western intelligence official said the evidence matches other reported cases of Russian forces executing surrendering Ukrainian soldiers. They called these actions a serious violation of international law. The Russian Ministry of Defense has not responded or commented on any of these accusations.

However, with the lack of pushback from the U.S., it seems like Russia may get away with this. Iit seems like Trump can’t stand up to Putin since he tends to blame Ukraine.

Ukrainian authorities think the alleged executions are part of a larger Russian strategy, possibly fueled by cultural hatred toward Ukrainians and a deliberate effort to weaken Ukrainian morale. In response, the Ukrainian government has increased training for its troops on how to properly handle Russian prisoners of war to ensure their safety.

President Donald Trump’s long-awaited two-hour phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday did little to advance a ceasefire in Ukraine, leaving hopes for peace even weaker and causing worries that Trump was taking Putin’s side.

The call, which had been presented beforehand as a possible breakthrough, instead showed how far apart the two sides remain on how to resolve the conflict, especially when it comes to how much the U.S. should be involved.

While Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine would start talks on an “immediate ceasefire,” the specifics showed no real progress. Ukraine and its European allies want a 30-day ceasefire right away to allow time for discussions on a lasting peace deal. However, Russia continues to demand immediate negotiations focused only on a final agreement, a position that seems to have been strengthened by Trump’s call.

According to CNN, this strategy lets Russia keep up its military attacks while also appearing to participate in peace talks. Trump’s statement after the call was, “I tell you, big egos involved, but I think something’s going to happen. And if it doesn’t, I just back away and they’re going to have to keep going.”

Trump gives Putin reason to continue fighting Ukraine 4s6i18

Many see this as quietly ing Russia’s rejection of an immediate ceasefire, which is a key demand from Ukraine and its allies. Beth Sanner, former Deputy Director of National Intelligence, expressed doubt, saying Putin “seemed to get exactly what he wanted” from the conversation. This view matches the Kremlin’s own remarks, which highlighted how long and friendly the call was.

Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov pointed out that the call lasted much longer than usual, suggesting both leaders were happy to keep talking. This is a detail Trump’s critics say shows he was too willing to accommodate Putin.

In contrast to Trump’s approach, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for tougher sanctions against Russia if it refuses to stop fighting. He repeated Ukraine’s willingness to agree to a ceasefire and suggested holding talks in neutral places like the Vatican, Turkey, or Switzerland, but stressed that both US and European representatives must be actively involved.

Zelenskyy openly warned against the US stepping back from the peace process, saying that would only help Putin. His public statement directly challenged Trump’s version of the call’s outcome, making it clear that US influence remains crucial. However, it seems like Trump can’t stand up to Putin and will likely blame Ukraine.

The European Union also shared its concerns, with , Italy, , and Finland ing Zelenskyy in a follow-up call with Trump to discuss the implications of his talk with Putin. While expressing for ceasefire negotiations, the EU’s reaction subtly showed disapproval of Trump’s seemingly hands-off approach. Shortly after the call, the EU and the UK announced new sanctions against Russia, signaling their frustration with the lack of progress.

Trump’s istration has already shown signs of cutting back on military and financial aid to Ukraine. His comments after the call about possibly pulling US entirely if no progress is made deepened concerns. While Trump’s wording sounded like a typical negotiating tactic, his istration’s history of hesitating to give major aid to Ukraine makes this threat seem more serious than a bluff.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, Bridget Brink, stepped down from her position last month. She pointed to a White House policy that focused more on pressuring Ukraine than Russia in the ongoing war. Her resignation came after a meeting in the Oval Office where President Trump and Vice President Vance reportedly scolded Ukrainian President Zelenskyy for what they saw as a lack of respect.

Brink described the Trump istration’s strategy as appeasement, saying that such an approach has historically made conflicts worse, not better. Brink’s resignation comes as President Trump gets ready for separate phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Zelenskyy, hoping to arrange a ceasefire in the Ukraine war.

According to Politico, Brink told CBS, “I resigned from Ukraine and also from the Foreign Service, because the policy since the beginning of the istration was to put pressure on the victim Ukraine, rather than on the aggressor, Russia. I fully agree that the war needs to end, but I believe that peace at any price is not peace at all. It’s appeasement and, as we know from history, appeasement only leads to more war.”

The US Ambassador to Ukraine does not agree with Trump’s interpretation of things 654l3

Trump’s plan relies on using his personal connection with Putin to break the deadlock. His representative, Steve Witkoff, said he was hopeful that the calls could help end the conflict. However, Brink’s description of the Oval Office meeting paints a different picture of the istration’s tactics.

Brink said the meeting turned into a heated exchange, with Trump and Vance accusing Zelenskyy of not being grateful enough before sending him away. To Brink, this showed that the Trump istration was more focused on pressuring Ukraine, the victim, rather than Russia, the aggressor.

Brink said, “It has to be a peace that does things that advance our own interests, and those are really simple. It’s how to keep Ukraine free, how to deter Russia, and how to send the right signal to China. And this is what we should be doing.”

The different strategies for achieving peace are clear in contrasting statements. While Trump wants to stop what he calls the “bloodbath” and may use trade deals to reach an agreement, Brink insists that “peace at any price is not peace at all.”

Trump’s calls follow recent talks in Istanbul between Russian and Ukrainian officials. While these discussions led to an agreement to swap 1,000 prisoners of war from each side, they did not result in a ceasefire. President Putin also turned down a suggestion from President Zelenskyy to meet in person in Turkey to discuss a 30-day pause in fighting.

Russia recently carried out its biggest drone attack since the full-scale invasion began in 2022, hitting Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Donetsk. This attack highlights the urgent need for a ceasefire. These calls also follow talks in Rome between Zelenskyy and Trump’s vice president and secretary of state, where Zelenskyy stressed the importance of tougher sanctions against Russia.

A major agreement between the United States and Ukraine, signed on May 1, 2025, gives the U.S. priority access to Ukraine’s important minerals while also creating a t fund for rebuilding the country. The deal, which came after months of difficult negotiations, is a big win for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who managed to avoid having to repay billions of dollars in past U.S. military aid.

The agreement includes a wide variety of valuable resources, such as rare earth elements, oil, and natural gas, according to AP News. However, it does not cover resources that are already making money for the Ukrainian government, meaning any profits from the deal depend on new investments.

The list of minerals involved includes 55 different items, with room to add more later. Some of the key materials mentioned are rare earth elements like lanthanum, cerium, and scandium, as well as critical minerals like titanium, lithium, and uranium, as reported by Reuters.

A key part of the agreement is the creation of the U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund. Both countries will share equal control over how the fund is managed. The U.S. will provide money through the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, with the goal of bringing in more investment and technology from American and European companies.

Ukraine’s contribution will be 50% of all future profits from government-owned natural resources covered by the deal. Both sides will also give direct funds and equipment, with the U.S. possibly supplying aid like air defense systems. Importantly, the fund’s profits will be put back into mining, oil and gas, and infrastructure projects, and no money will be taken out for the first 10 years.

Getting to this agreement was not easy. At first, the Trump istration wanted a deal where Ukraine would pay back $500 billion in mineral profits to cover the cost of U.S. wartime . Zelenskyy strongly rejected this idea, refusing any agreement that would leave future generations of Ukrainians in debt.

The final deal is a compromise, meeting the U.S. need for access to important resources while protecting Ukraine’s financial independence. There were last-minute disagreements over how the fund would be run, how transparent it would be, and how money would be tracked, but these issues were eventually resolved.

After a tense argument at the White House, earlier talks almost fell apart, where Trump accused Zelenskyy of “gambling with World War Three.” A later meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy at Pope Francis’ funeral helped move things forward toward the final agreement.

This deal is extremely important for Ukraine. It ensures continued U.S. military and financial , which is crucial for both Ukraine’s defense against Russia and its recovery after the war. The investment and technology brought in by the fund could greatly strengthen Ukraine’s mineral industry.