A snapshot of recent news from sources around the world on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
Source: Ukraine Ministry of DefensePolitical Developments
A high-level meeting in Paris, led by French President Emmanuel Macron, brought together U.S., U.K., German, and Ukrainian officials to coordinate diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, with a follow-up round of talks set for next week in London. While France emphasized European unity, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also held a call with Russia’s Sergei Lavrov to reaffirm Washington’s push for a lasting peace, despite ongoing resistance from Moscow.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the United States might end its efforts to resolve the Ukrainian conflict within days if no progress is evident. He expressed frustration with the lack of advancement in halting the full-scale war, indicating the US would shift its focus if a resolution isn’t quickly achievable.
The Kremlin said “there are no clear outlines of any [peace] agreement” between the U.S. and Russia, that but that there is “political will to move towards an agreement.” Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, said it’s difficult to agree with the U.S. on aspects of a potential settlement. He reiterated that Russia wants Ukraine to abandon its efforts to join NATO and withdraw all troops from Russian-occupied territory in Ukraine.
The U.S. and Ukraine signed a memorandum of intent Thursday, laying the groundwork for a future Economic Partnership Agreement and the creating of an Investment Fund for the Reconstruction of Ukraine. Washington and Kyiv were on the verge of signing a deal for U.S. access to Ukrainian minerals, but the agreement fell-through in the wake of a tense public meeting in the Oval Office.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused China of supplying weapons and gunpowder to Russia and participating in weapons production on Russian territory, citing intelligence reports and promising to release supporting evidence soon. China dismissed the claims as “groundless,” reiterating its stance of promoting peace and urging a ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict.
Denmark is sending unarmed troops to Ukraine to receive training on drone warfare tactics being used in the war. The training sessions are scheduled to begin this summer in western Ukraine away from the front lines.
President Trump extended sanctions on Russian and Russian-affiliated vessels, preventing those ships from docking at U.S. ports. The prohibition was originally put in place by former President Joe Biden.
Amidst ongoing attacks from Russia, Ukraine’s parliament extended a period of martial law until August.
Turkey hosted military talks this week to discus security in the Black Sea. Officials from Ukraine, France, the United Kingdom and Turkey took part in the discussions.
Military Assistance to Ukraine
Germany said it is willing to send long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine. However, Russia’s Foreign Ministry warned Germany over the potential contribution, said Moscow would view any Taurus missile strikes against Russian “critical transport infrastructure” would be considered “direct” involvement in the war on the part of Germany.
Norway will contribute an equipment and training package to Ukraine in 2025 valued at 10 billion kroner ($945 million). The aid will include equipment from Norway’s existing inventory, as well as ammunition and other equipment purchased from international contractors, including Ukraine’s defense industry.
President Zelensky said Ukraine has not received Patriot air defense systems they were promised. Highlighting the value of the capability, he said he was willing to pay $15 billion to ensure the Patriots are delivered. “We will find this money and cover all the costs,” he said in a “60 Minutes” interview. Despite President Trump’s insistence that Ukraine pay for support, he initially dismissed the request for Patriot missiles, accusing Ukraine of “always looking to purchase missiles.” Trump also falsely stated that Ukraine started the war with Russia.
According to reports from the Economist, the Trump administration is “fed up” with Europe’s continued support of Ukraine. Aids to President Trump also reportedly asked an ally in private why they were continuing to supply weapons to Ukraine. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the alliance’s support Ukraine remains “unwavering,” despite a reluctance in Washington to continue supporting Kyiv.
The Netherlands has pledged 150 euros to provide Ukraine with an I-HAWK medium-range air defense system.
Sweden recently ordered 18 new Archer howitzers from BAE Systems to send to Ukraine. The systems are part of a broader $300 million artillery package that also includes five counter-battery radars.
Battlefield Updates
Ukraine announced a dramatic eightfold increase in the domestic production of cruise and ballistic missiles over the past year. At the start of the war, Ukraine was only producing on model of cruise missiles, the R-360 Neptune. However, “many new models” have been introduced since that time. President Zelensky has set a goal of producing 3,000 cruise missiles in 2025 to help replenish stockpiles and bolster operations.
Diplomats from Russia and Ukraine have accused the other side of violating a limited ceasefire by attacking energy infrastructure.
Russia launched a renewed offensive to gain ground around Sumy and Kharkiv, but so for Russian forces have failed to gain much territory. The U.S. said it would not support a joint statement from the G7 condemning Russia’s attack on Sumy last week that killed or wounded dozens, including children. The Trump administration reportedly said such a statement could disrupt ongoing peace negotiations. Russia claims the attack was targeting military forces.
Ukrainian officials have said that Russia fired nearly 70 missiles and over 2,200 attack drones during a one month period. In addition, Moscow used more than 6,000 guided aerial munitions.
Russian forces carried out another attack on Ukraine on the night of April 15. The operation involved an Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missile and 52 attack drones.
A Ukrainian F-16 pilot was killed when his aircraft crashed while trying to repel a Russian missile attack. The crash represents the second confirmed loss of an F-16 fighter.
Ukraine released a video of a new directed energy weapon, called Tryzub, which is intended to provide defense against drones, aircraft, and missiles. The system, developed in Ukraine, is reportedly capable of hitting aircraft at a range of five kilometers and can target missiles up to 3 kilometers. The laser weapon can also disorient drones or aircraft up to 10 kilometers away, according to Ukrainian officials.
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image sources
- Ukraine MRAP: Ukraine Ministry of Defense
