The UK’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty is underscored by a long-term partnership, solidified by recent agreements and ongoing military and economic support. This support aims to secure a just and lasting peace, preventing further Russian aggression and ensuring Ukraine’s ability to defend itself. A coalition of nations will guarantee this peace, backed by increased economic pressure on Russia and continued military aid for Ukraine. The ultimate goal is a secure future for Ukraine, allowing it to prosper and control its own destiny.
Read More
Following a U.S. proposal, Ukraine has accepted a 30-day interim ceasefire, creating a potential path to ending the war with Russia. President Zelenskyy expressed optimism, citing strengthened security understandings with European partners and the possibility of a U.S.-monitored truce along the extensive frontline. However, he urged continued pressure on Moscow, anticipating potential Russian delays. Resolving territorial disputes, particularly the recovery of occupied regions, remains a significant and complex challenge in achieving a lasting peace.
Read More
Funding for a Yale University team tracking Ukrainian children forcibly deported to Russia has been halted due to cost-cutting measures implemented by the Trump administration’s “Doge” agency, led by Elon Musk. This team, utilizing open-source intelligence, had successfully located hundreds of children and facilitated their repatriation. The funding cut jeopardizes ongoing efforts to reunite thousands of Ukrainian children with their families and raises concerns about the Trump administration’s stance toward Russia. The UK government may be called upon to replace the lost funding. This action is widely criticized as potentially enabling further war crimes.
Read More
Despite President Trump’s claims of a strong relationship with Vladimir Putin, Russia’s response to a proposed ceasefire was met with obfuscation and new demands unacceptable to Ukraine. Putin’s actions, while seemingly accepting the ceasefire in principle, appear designed to buy time and leverage future negotiations. This strategy aligns with Russia’s typical diplomatic playbook of prolonging talks to achieve its strategic goals. Trump’s optimism contrasts sharply with concerns from both experts and allies who view Russia’s actions as a stalling tactic.
Read More
Facing a midnight deadline, the European Union narrowly avoided a lapse in sanctions against Russia after Hungary dropped its veto. The impasse, lasting several days, involved Hungary demanding the removal of several individuals from the sanctions blacklist, a compromise eventually reached. This marks the second time in three months Hungary has threatened to block EU sanctions, highlighting significant strategic disagreements within the bloc regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine. The sanctions, affecting over 2,400 individuals and entities, were renewed for another six months.
Read More
Voislav Torden, 38, received a life sentence from the Helsinki District Court for four war crimes committed in Ukraine in 2014 while serving as deputy commander of the Rusich unit. The court found him guilty of orchestrating an ambush that killed over 20 Ukrainian soldiers, including the execution of at least one wounded prisoner, and the mutilation of another. Evidence showed Torden’s direct participation in the killings and subsequent acts violating the laws of war. One charge, related to online threats, was dismissed.
Read More
President Putin voiced support for a 30-day Ukraine ceasefire proposed by the U.S., but emphasized the need for further negotiations regarding specific terms. He stressed that any truce must lead to lasting peace and address the conflict’s root causes, while also raising concerns about potential Ukrainian rearmament during a cessation of hostilities. President Trump expressed cautious optimism, noting the need for Russia’s genuine commitment, while President Zelenskyy expressed skepticism, suggesting that Russia aims to delay any resolution. The diplomatic efforts come amid a renewed Russian offensive in the Kursk region and a shift in U.S.-Russia relations under the Trump administration.
Read More
Following a U.S. proposal, Russia expressed conditional support for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, contingent upon Kyiv halting troop mobilization, training, and military aid receipt. Putin linked the truce to addressing the conflict’s root causes, implying maximalist demands including territorial concessions and Ukrainian neutrality. While Kyiv initially agreed to the ceasefire, Zelensky later accused Russia of delaying peace. Putin’s acceptance hinges on further negotiations, reportedly including discussions with former U.S. President Trump.
Read More
Overnight on March 13, a large-scale Ukrainian drone attack targeted six Russian regions, resulting in reported fires at an infrastructure site in Voronezh and an industrial plant in Kaluga oblasts. Russian authorities claimed to have intercepted 77 drones, while regional governors reported minor damage and one minor injury. The attacks, following a similarly large-scale operation two days prior, aimed to disrupt Russia’s war effort by targeting military and industrial infrastructure. The Ukrainian military has yet to officially comment on the incident.
Read More
To bolster its flagging offensive in Ukraine, Russia has deployed assault units formed from personnel of its Strategic Rocket Forces (RVSN). These units, initially observed near the Russian-Donetsk Oblast border in November 2024, are now engaged in combat around Toretsk. The redeployment includes personnel from the RVSN’s 12th Main Directorate, responsible for nuclear weapons storage, and elements of the 132nd Motorized Rifle Brigade. Formation of these RVSN-based infantry units began as early as mid-2024, highlighting Russia’s increasing reliance on unconventional troop sources to sustain its war effort.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker