Ukraine Invasion: Part 56

[MagicFox]

The (free) world has gone mad. Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

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Trump could go in various directions if he walks away from Putin. One is just keeping on walking and disengaging.

I can't believe that he will walk away from Putin. I think Putin has some sort of complex hold on him.

I think he's mostly just jealous of Putin's ability to defenestrate his political opponents and people he dislikes.

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-april-29-2025

Key Takeaways:

• Russian Security Council Secretary Dmitry Medvedev stated on April 29 that Russia's war in Ukraine must end in Russian "victory" and the "destruction" of the current Ukrainian government. Senior Kremlin officials continue to signal that Russia has greater territorial ambitions than just the occupied areas of Ukraine, particularly in areas bordering the Black Sea.
• Senior Russian officials reiterated the longstanding, false Russian narrative that the Ukrainian government is illegitimate, likely in order to set conditions to manipulate ceasefire negotiations and renege on any future Russian-Ukrainian agreements at a time of Russia's choosing.
• Russian officials are setting conditions to baselessly accuse Ukraine of violating Russia's unilateral May 8 to 11 ceasefire, as the Kremlin has done during previous ceasefires, while rejecting Ukraine's proposal for a 30-day ceasefire.
• Kremlin officials within Putin's inner circle continue to threaten NATO as Putin himself refrains from doing so — likely as part of Kremlin efforts to justify future Russian aggression against NATO to the Russian population.
• Putin promoted his previously proposed Eurasian security architecture on April 29 as part of Russian efforts to create an alternative Russian-led bloc that furthers Putin's goals of destroying NATO and weakening the West and its allies.
• Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Toretsk, and Russian forces recently advanced in Belgorod and Sumy oblasts and near Pokrovsk, Kurakhove, and Velyka Novosilka.

True. But I think Trump is very afraid of Putin too.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Russia intensifies (kyivindependent.com/russia-intensifies-offensive-operations-in-3-regions-pushes-toward-dnipropetrovsk-oblast-ukraines-military-says/) offensive operations in 3 regions, pushes toward Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Ukraine's military says.
Russian forces have recently intensified offensive operations in three Ukrainian oblasts – Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson – Ukraine's Southern Defense Forces spokesperson, Vladyslav Voloshyn, said on April 29 during Ukraine's state-run telethon.

⚡️ Dnipropetrovsk Oblast's eastern villages evacuating (kyivindependent.com/dnipropetrovsk-oblasts-eastern-villages-evacuating-children-as-russian-troops-close-in/) families with children as Russian troops close in.
The evacuation order concerns the villages of Kolona Mezhova, Novopidhorodne, Raipole, and Sukhareva Balka, lying some 5-15 kilometers from the front line.

⚡️ Zelensky warns Russia is 'preparing something (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-warns-russia-may-prepare-something-in-belarus-under-guise-of-drills/)' in Belarus under guise of military drills.

⚡️Putin's Victory Day truce proposal 'is start of direct negotiations (kyivindependent.com/putins-announcement-of-truce-on-victory-day-is-beginning-of-direct-talks-with-kyiv-lavrov-says/)' with Ukraine, Lavrov says.
"Our proposal, which President Putin voiced, is the start of direct negotiations, without preconditions," Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said.

⚡️Putin demands full control (kyivindependent.com/putin-demands-full-control-of-4-ukrainian-regions-stalling-us-ceasefire-push-bloomberg-reports/) of 4 Ukrainian regions, stalling US ceasefire push, Bloomberg reports.

⚡️ Hungarian Parliament votes to withdraw (kyivindependent.com/hungarian-parliament-votes-to-withdraw-from-international-criminal-court/) from International Criminal Court.

⚡️ France calls UN Security Council (kyivindependent.com/france-calls-un-security-council-meeting-over-russian-aggression-in-ukraine/) meeting over Russian attacks on civilians in Ukraine.

⚡️ EU doesn't rule out decoupling (kyivindependent.com/eu-mulls-decoupling-ukraine-moldovas-accession-process-over-hungarys-stance/) Ukraine, Moldova's accession process over Hungary's stance.
The EU does not rule out "decoupling" Moldova's accession process from that of Ukraine due to Hungary's opposition to Kyiv's entry, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said in an interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

What's next for North Korean troops fighting for Russia? A possible Ukraine deployment, experts, officials say (https://kyivindependent.com/north-korean-troops-fighting-for-russia-could-be-deployed-to-ukraine-soon-experts-officials-say/)

⚡️ 600 North Korean troops killed (kyivindependent.com/600-north-korean-troops-killed-fighting-for-russia-south-korea-says/) fighting for Russia against Ukraine, South Korea says.

⚡️Ukraine appoints (kyivindependent.com/ukraines-cabinet-appoints-3-deputy-defense-ministers/) deputy defense ministers to boost efficiency, partnerships.

⚡️ France accuses Russia of escalating cyberattacks (kyivindependent.com/france-accuses-russia-of-stepping-up-cyberattacks-since-2021-targeting-ministries-defense-sector/) since 2021, charges GRU's 'Fancy Bear' unit.

⚡️ '5 explosions (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drones-reportedly-strike-russian-igniting-ammunition-plant-in-vladimir-oblast/)' — Ukrainian drones strike Russian military plant in Murom, source claims.

Who's countering Russian propaganda now? Expert on US' declining disinformation defense ()
On April 16, 2025, the U.S. State Department shut down its Global Engagement Center — a unit tasked with countering foreign misinformation, including Russian propaganda. U.S. President Donald Trump's administration claimed that the Center censored the voices of Americans instead of doing its job.
The Kyiv Independent's Natalia Yermak speaks to James Rubin, a former diplomat who led the Global Engagement Center in 2022-2024, about how deeply the Russian propaganda influences U.S. politics and why the center's closure "disarms" the country in the information war.

Investigation: The hidden journey of Ukrainian coal stolen by Russia — and who profits from it (kyivindependent.com/investigation-who-profits-from-ukraines-stolen-coal-on-the-global-market/)
Over the past year, Russian occupation authorities transferred two dozen seized Ukrainian coal mines to five private companies, most of which have set up illicit exports of the stolen Ukrainian coal to the global market.

⚡️Russia may offer asylum (kyivindependent.com/russia-may-offer-asylum-over-russophobia-threats-to-family-values-media-reports/) over 'Russophobia,' threats to 'family values,' media reports.
Russia's Interior Ministry drafted a bill on granting asylum to foreigners unable to uphold so-called "traditional family values" in their home countries, the Russian state-controlled RBC news agency reported on April 29, citing the document and an undisclosed source.

⚡️ New details emerge of Russian general killed in car bombing (kyivindependent.com/new-details-emerge-of-russian-general-killed-in-car-bombing-near-moscow/) near Moscow.
Yaroslav Moskalik prepared reports for President Putin on the situation in Ukraine, according to an obituary from the Russian Defense Ministry.

Top 5 Ukrainian sectors with potential for EU Single Market integration — Civitta and EasyBusiness study
(kyivindependent.com/top-5-ukrainian-sectors-with-potential-for-eu-single-market-integration-civitta-and-easybusiness-study/)
For the first time in Ukraine, a comprehensive analysis of the export potential of Ukrainian economic sectors has been conducted with a focus on small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) and their ability to create higher added value.

⚡️8 Ukrainian officials, entrepreneurs charged with embezzling (kyivindependent.com/8-ukrainian-officials-business-executives-charged-with-embezzling-2-1-million-in-firewood-purchases-for-armed-forces/) $2.1 million in firewood purchases for Armed Forces.

⚡️Nearly 105,000 Russian soldiers killed (kyivindependent.com/nearly-105-000-russian-soldiers-killed-in-ukraine-identified-by-media-investigation/) in Ukraine identified by media investigation.

⚡️Journalist Roshchyna's body missing organs (kyivindependent.com/roshchyna-body-russian-captivity/) after Russian captivity, investigation says.
During the examination in Ukraine, it turned out that journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna's brain, eyes, and part of the trachea had been removed, the investigation said.

⚡️UPDATE: Russian drone attack injures at least 45 (kyivindependent.com/russian-drone-attack-injures-at-least-27-in-kharkiv/) in Kharkiv.

‪Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
· 2h
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA - APR 30, 2025
■ Engagements stay above average & casualties go slightly up
■ 9 special equipment losses, unarmored vehicles account for the bulk of the land-based losses
■ 2nd fewest 🇷🇺 strikes this week, single-digit strike ratio

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Trump wants a comprehensive ceasefire for at least 30 days, said US presidential envoy Keith Kellogg.
“Then we can extend it. If you look at everything the Ukrainians are willing to work with, now it’s up to the Russians, up to Putin. I think we’re close,” Kellogg said.

🗣 If progress in the peace settlement is not achieved, the US will abandon its role as mediator in this process, said the US State Department.

Medvedev says NATO’s newest members automatically become targets for Russia
Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, stated that countries recently admitted to NATO have automatically become targets for the Russian Armed Forces—potentially including retaliatory strikes and even a nuclear component.

❗️Russia launched over 100 drones over Ukraine last night, President Zelenskyy reported.
According to him, since the beginning of the week, Ukraine has faced 375 drone attacks—more than 190 of them were Shaheds.

Russia is preparing to intensify its offensive in Ukraine with the arrival of warmer weather and the growth of foliage, which will help conceal troop positions—especially in the northeast, The Wall Street Journal reports.
The Armed Forces of Ukraine are actively using drones for reconnaissance and strikes, but dense vegetation will reduce their effectiveness. With the end of the muddy season, Russian forces will be able to deploy heavy equipment more freely. Meanwhile, U.S. artillery supplies are expected to run out soon, and Europe is unlikely to fully make up the shortfall, according to the article.
Analyst Franz-Stefan Gady notes that while a large-scale breakthrough along the front is not expected in the near term, drones alone will not be enough to prevent a worsening of the situation for Ukraine.

In Murom, a UAV strike caused a walk-in factory and one of its production warehouses to catch fire.
According to ASTRA, traffic around the plant was blocked. Earlier, the regional governor reported that the fire covered an area of 720 square meters.

The river remembers every battle. Now, Ukraine’s fighters from the 144th Special Operations Forces Center return to its waters—training to fight back the Russian invasion.
united24media.com/war-in-ukraine/exclusive-look-ukraines-special-forces-rehearse-river-assaults-before-their-next-strike-on-russia-7884

Demining efforts continue in the liberated areas of the Kherson region, with sappers receiving vital support from the GCS-200 armored vehicle.
This tracked system operates in high-risk zones where it’s too dangerous for people, neutralizing explosives and reducing threats to personnel.

The Kremlin will decide which professions are necessary — and which are not.
The Russian government has approved a law to limit access to higher education. Under the new legislation, authorities will control the number of tuition-based spots in universities, both public and private. The stated goal is to reduce the number of so-called “unsolicited” specialists.
The State Duma is expected to pass the law in its final reading by August. It is set to take effect on September 1, 2026.

The body of journalist Viktoria Roshchina was returned to Ukraine bearing signs of torture and missing several organs, according to Ukrainska Pravda, a partner in the international Viktoriia Project.
The Prosecutor General’s Office reported abrasions, hemorrhages on various parts of the body, a broken rib, and possible signs of electric shock. Investigators confirmed that the body showed evidence of an autopsy conducted in Russia. Several organs were missing, including the brain, eyeballs, and part of the trachea.
An international pathologist suggested that these removals may have been an attempt by Russia to conceal evidence that Roshchina died from strangulation.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

EXCLUSIVE: Family members of the Kremlin’s top negotiator, Kirill Dmitriev, were found to possess US passports — (www.kyivpost.com/post/51708) including his sister, who entered Ukraine using hers just days before the US-Russia talks began in Riyadh on Feb. 18, according to border control records seen by Kyiv Post.

Sergiy Koretskiy, Ukraine's prominent top manager (www.kyivpost.com/post/51702) in Ukraine’s oil and gas industry, has been named CEO of Naftogaz — Ukraine’s top state energy firm. He starts his tenure on May 14.

“If this thing goes on for another few years… millions more could be killed… (www.kyivpost.com/post/51686) it could risk escalating into a nuclear war” — VP Vance urges urgent halt to Ukraine war.

US National Security advisor Waltz told Fox News a pair of tall tales (www.kyivpost.com/post/51709) about Ukraine, the first about corruption and second about a mineral development deal Trump wants Kyiv to sign.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff tried to persuade Putin to accept Trump’s peace plan — unsuccessfully.
According to Bloomberg, citing sources in Moscow, Putin continues to insist on his maximalist demands despite U.S. pressure and four visits by Steve Witkoff. The envoy promoted a plan under which Russia would agree to a ceasefire and halt hostilities along the current front line.

The Times: Europe struggles to assemble even 25,000 troops for Ukraine deterrence force due to understaffed armies.
The UK offered to contribute up to 10,000 troops and proposed forming a 64,000-strong force. However, most European nations deemed the plan unrealistic — even reaching 25,000 troops is considered difficult.
EU countries cite depleted defenses, escalation risks, and political complications. Instead, the focus remains on training Ukrainian forces, supplying weapons, and providing air and naval support to Ukraine.

The Ukrainian Air Force has released footage of a MiG-29 fighter pilot shooting down a Russian Shahed drone.
According to the Air Force, Russia typically launches Shahed drones at night, but more recently has begun using them in morning attacks as well.
t.me/liveukraine_media/30905

🇫🇷 France has officially accused Russia’s GRU of cyberattacks for the first time.
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has attributed responsibility for dozens of cyberattacks to Russia’s military intelligence, specifically the hacker group APT28. This group was previously linked to the 2015 cyberattack that shut down French TV channel TV5Monde and the hacking of Emmanuel Macron’s campaign emails during the 2017 presidential race.
Since 2021, APT28 has targeted nearly 10 French institutions, including some involved in preparations for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
▪️Russia’s APT28 hacker group has been operating globally since at least 2004. It is also known for attacking Ukrainian infrastructure.

Attack on Kharkiv: The number of injured has risen to 45, including two children and a pregnant woman.
Five people have been hospitalized, and another 14 sustained injuries of varying severity. However, the majority — 31 people — are suffering from acute stress reactions.

🇱🇻 A man in Latvia has been sentenced to prison for participating in the war against Ukraine.
The Latvian citizen received a 6-year prison sentence, with 2 years suspended. He pleaded guilty.

Almost 90% of Ukrainians do not trust Trump — in November, it was only 47.2%.
These are the results of a poll conducted by the New Europe Center.
As of April, 7.4% of respondents said they trust the American president. In November, before his inauguration, 44.6% of Ukrainians expressed trust in Trump.

Almost 90% of Ukrainians do not trust Trump — in November, it was only 47.2%.
The 44.6% that trusted him in November were sadly naive 🙁

The minerals deal has been signed.

Ukraine held to ransom once again 😡

Well. We shall see what that means in practice.

The deal doesn’t require repayment of previously provided military aid.

https://www.wsj.com/world/europe/ukraine-u-s-sign-economic-deal-for-minerals-262b3bc6?st=JpX2jz&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

More details should emerge soon, but that’s a major win for Ukraine.

Is it ... there was the more-than-small impression that the US bent Ukraine's arm up behind its back to the top of his neck and then gave his arm an extra shove. Under those circumstances, I wonder if the deal really is favourable. I sincerely hope so.

Agree, feels very much like extortion.

I agree that their bargaining positions were far from equal, but let's not forget that the mineral deal was Zelenski's idea as part of his "victory plan" last fall.

https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c20zj5l4jpdt

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Putin admits Ukrainian soldiers remain in Kursk Oblast (kyivindependent.com/putin-reiterates-recapture-of-kursk-oblast-admits-ukrainian-soldiers-remain/) after boasting about region's recapture.

Ukraine, US sign (kyivindependent.com/breaking-ukraine-us-sign-minerals-deal/) minerals deal.
Ukraine and the United States on April 30 signed a long-awaited minerals agreement that establishes a joint investment fund for reconstruction in Ukraine.

⚡️US signed minerals deal with Ukraine 'to be protected,' (kyivindependent.com/us-signed-minerals-deal-with-ukraine-to-be-protected-trump-says/) Trump says.

⚡️US won't abandon peace talks (kyivindependent.com/us-wont-walk-away-from-peace-talks-kellogg-says/), Ukraine agrees to de facto territorial concessions, Kellogg says.
"The Ukrainians have already said they're willing to give up the land... not de jure, forever, but de facto because the Russians actually occupy it... That's what they're willing to go to, they told me that last week," Kellogg said in a television interview with Fox News.

⚡️EU will not recognize Crimea (kyivindependent.com/eu-will-not-recognize-crimea-as-part-of-russia-kallas-says/) as part of Russia, Kallas says.

⚡️ Trump reportedly shifts tone on Putin (kyivindependent.com/trump-reportedly-shifts-tone-on-putin-after-uk-france-diplomatic-pressure/) after UK, France apply diplomatic pressure.
Donald Trump was told Putin was "disrespecting him by consistently breaking the ceasefire he claimed to be implementing," one source told Politico.

⚡️ Ukraine destroys (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-destroys-83-000-russian-targets-with-drones-in-april-syrskyi-says/) 83,000 Russian targets using drones in April, Syrskyi says, up 8% on March.

⚡️ Kremlin says Russia ready for mass mobilization like in WWII 'at any moment (kyivindependent.com/kremlin-says-russia-ready-for-full-scale-mobilization-like-in-wwii-at-any-moment/).'
"If a great country needs to stand up, it will stand up at any moment," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.

Trump claims 5,000 Russian, Ukrainian soldiers killed each week. Here’s what the numbers say
(kyivindependent.com/trump-claims-5-000-russian-ukrainian-soldiers-killed-each-week-heres-what-the-numbers-say/)
Both Ukraine and Russia closely guard their numbers as state secrets, leaving an information void that others have tried to fill.
The true death toll is a matter of intense debate, but experts have used open sources and intelligence estimates to try and calculate how many Ukrainian and Russian troops have died throughout the war.

‘There's an information war, and we’ve disarmed ourselves’ — ex-US diplomat on Trump cuts to counter Russian disinformation
(kyivindependent.com/theres-an-information-war-and-weve-disarmed-ourselves-us-expert-on-trump-cuts-to-countering-disinformation/)
In the U.S., the State Department’s Global Engagement Center (GEC) had acted as the main tool to expose Russia and China’s disinformation campaigns abroad since it was reformed in 2016.
But in 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration shut the center down, citing concerns about free speech and the rights of American citizens.
The Kyiv Independent spoke with James Rubin, a former diplomat who led the GEC for two years starting in 2022, about the consequences of Trump’s decision, as well as Russia’s continued information operations worldwide.

⚡️ Israeli Airlines El Al resumes Russia flights (kyivindependent.com/israeli-el-al-resumes-russia-flights-after-4-month-suspension/) after 4-month suspension.
The airline halted its Moscow route in late December 2024 following the downing of an Azerbaijani aircraft during a drone attack, which killed 38 people.

Every story we publish, every voice we amplify, and every journey we take, we do it thanks to our community.
We reported on the April 24 missile attack on Kyiv, gathering testimonies from survivors. We covered the largest prisoner exchange since the full-scale invasion began, as 277 Ukrainian soldiers returned home. We investigated new threats to Chornobyl nearly four decades after the disaster, reported from Sumy after Russia's Palm Sunday strike, and published many other important stories. None of this would be possible without people who support the Kyiv Independent.
Our journalism is powered by readers who choose to stand with us. If you believe in independent reporting from Ukraine, join our community today. (kyivindependent.com/membership/?utm_source=memb-tg-ap30&utm_medium=tg)

⚡️Russian drone attack (kyivindependent.com/russian-drone-attack-on-odesa-kills-2-injures-5/) kills 2, injures 5 in Odesa despite ceasefire efforts.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬

⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA - MAY 1, 2025
■ Engagements & casualties above average
■ Unarmored vehicles & drones account for the bulk of the losses, but also good artillery & APV losses
■ Note that today's GSUA strike report doesn't align with the evening one

It's a source of considerable regret that this deal, which could have been an unashamedly good thing for both sides, has been handled in a way that leaves suspicion and deep mistrust.

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

The European Commission has officially warned Vucic that his trip to Russia on May 9 will complicate negotiations on Serbia’s accession to the EU, said EC representative Guillaume Mercier.

Russia is ready to discuss with the US the presence of Americans at the Zaporizhzhia NPP as part of a peaceful settlement in Ukraine, said Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev.
“If the country’s leadership makes a political decision, we are ready to discuss this with the American side,” he said.
The transfer of the Zaporizhzhia NPP, seized by Russia, to US control is reportedly one of the points of Trump’s “peace plan”.
Ukraine insists on returning the station to its control.

The European Commission does not plan to extend the so-called “trade visa-free regime” for Ukraine, which is valid until June 5, but will ensure a smooth transition to a new scheme, where all conditions for trade liberalization will be fixed in the free trade agreement between Ukraine and the EU, said EC spokesman Olof Hill.

The next step of the subsoil agreement between Ukraine and the US is its ratification, — Deputy Minister of Economy Taras Kachka.
“Obviously, we will begin consultations with the parliament, present it as transparently as possible. The agreement is unique and there have been many horror stories in the media. After the ratification, the creation of the fund will begin, followed by work on investments,” said Kachka.
He added that the agreement clearly states that the US does not encroach on Ukraine’s sovereignty.
“This is a financial agreement. American partners will invest in companies that extract minerals in volumes and locations determined by the Ukrainian government, and they will receive financial benefits,” said the Deputy Minister.

https://united24media.com/latest-news/us-and-ukraine-sign-historic-minerals-deal-heres-whats-inside-8028

Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has signed a decree renaming Gumrak Airport in Volgograd to Stalingrad, the Kremlin press service reported.
He said “many citizens” want the airport to regain its “true, proud, courageous, heroic name,” stressing the symbolic significance of “Stalingrad” in Russian history.

⚡️The Armed Forces of Ukraine will receive halal and kosher dry rations, designed to meet religious needs, the Ministry of Defense reported.

On April 30, Ukraine honors its border guards—those who were the first to face Russia’s aggression in 2014 and again during the full-scale invasion in 2022.
Ukrainian border guards stand not only at the country’s frontiers, but also on the front lines of war. They repel attacks, evacuate civilians, and carry out combat missions under constant threat. Many have fallen while defending Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Jan Bratu, has condemned Russia’s ill-treatment and murder of Ukrainian journalist Viktoria Roshchina.
Bratu said he was “shocked by the facts revealed by an investigation by a coalition of 45 international journalists led by the NGO Forbidden Stories into the torture and ill-treatment of Ukrainian journalist Viktoria Roshchina, who died while being illegally detained without formal charges in Russia.”
“The systematic torture, ill-treatment and other violations of international humanitarian law by Russia demand a strong international response,” he added.

Ukraine’s national team defeated Romania at the 2025 World Ice Hockey Championship.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

EXCLUSIVE: The Trump administration is set to approve (www.kyivpost.com/post/51800) $50M+ in American weapons sales to Ukraine, according to a notice sent to Congress. It’s the first arms deal since Trump took office again.

Trump believes a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia is possible — but says he can’t guarantee it.
“Putin is a very smart and cunning man. He had no intention of ending the war. He wanted the entire territory. I think we’ll make a deal, but I can’t guarantee it,” the US President said.

The US put forward 22 specific conditions to end the war in Ukraine during a meeting in London, which Kyiv has reportedly accepted, according to Donald Trump’s special envoy, Keith Kellogg.

As Russia’s armed forces recruit 30,000 new soldiers each month, (www.kyivpost.com/post/51817) the bill to the Kremlin reaches as much as 2 billion rubles a day inbonus incentives to military volunteers.

Kyiv Post visited Orbita – a city that was meant to become home to tens of thousands of nuclear power plant workers, like Chornobyl, Pripyat or Enerhodar – but it was abandoned during construction.
www.kyivpost.com/post/51780

A Ukrainian drone operator with the call sign “Potter” cheats death after encountering (www.kyivpost.com/post/51764) a hidden Russian FPV drone on a Kharkiv sector road. The Russians are now using their fiber-optic kamikaze drones on pickups.

Stefan Korshak, Senior Defense Correspondent for the Kyiv Post, discusses the current state of the war in Ukraine on the Brian Crombie Radio Hour.
www.kyivpost.com/videos/51825

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

⚡️⚡️Ukraine and the U.S. have signed a resource agreement
Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko outlined the key provisions of the subsoil resources agreement:
🔴All resources remain the property of Ukraine — this is guaranteed in the agreement.
🔴An investment fund will be created on a 50/50 basis. Kyiv and Washington will jointly manage the fund with equal authority.
🔴The agreement does not alter the processes of privatization or the management of state-owned companies. Ukrnafta and Energoatom will remain state-owned.
🔴The agreement contains no debt obligations for Ukraine and does not change the country’s course toward EU membership. It complies with all international commitments of Kyiv.
🔴The fund will be filled exclusively with revenues from new licenses and new projects in critical materials, oil, and gas.
🔴To enable the fund’s operation, only amendments to the budget code are required. The agreement itself must be ratified by the Verkhovna Rada.
🔴The United States will help Ukraine attract investment, technology, and innovation through the Development Finance Corporation (DFC).
🔴The fund’s income and contributions will not be taxed in either the U.S. or Ukraine.

🇪🇺🪖 Several EU countries seek to activate a state of emergency to increase defense spending.
This would allow them to make defense investments exceeding the bloc’s established budgetary limits.
The countries involved include Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia, and Finland. Some have already submitted formal requests for a state of emergency to the European Commission.
▪️In early March 2025, the EU introduced a new defense plan aiming to mobilize €800 billion to strengthen the bloc’s military capabilities. EU leaders have already approved this plan.

🇺🇦🇺🇸 Zelensky reportedly felt, for the first time after meeting with Trump, that he had influenced Trump’s view of Putin, according to Axios.
During the meeting, Zelensky emphasized that Putin would not change his position without additional pressure from the United States. In response, Trump said he might need to reconsider his stance on Putin.
Zelensky also assured Trump he was open to compromises to end the war — but stressed that clear and reliable security guarantees for Ukraine were essential.
Axios notes that the more positive tone of the conversation may have been due to the absence of Vice President J.D. Vance and White House envoy Steve Witkoff, who are viewed in Ukraine as sympathetic to pro-Russian positions.

The Kyiv Post and Live: Ukraine have some significant points today.

Seven takeaways from US-Ukraine resources deal

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5yg456mzn8o

Trump believes a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia is possible — but says he can’t guarantee it.
“Putin is a very smart and cunning man. He had no intention of ending the war. He wanted the entire territory. I think we’ll make a deal, but I can’t guarantee it,” the US President said.

Wow.