A New Europe Center poll reveals that only 7.4% of Ukrainians trust President Trump, marking a near-doubling of distrust since November 2024. This widespread lack of confidence contrasts sharply with trust levels in other European countries. The April 2025 survey, conducted by INFO Sapiens LLC, sampled 1,000 Ukrainians and has a margin of error of 3.1%. This low approval follows Trump’s recent comments on the war in Ukraine, including criticism of Russia and calls for negotiations.
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In a recent interview, Donald Trump suggested that Vladimir Putin could potentially prompt him to support Ukraine, though not necessarily President Zelenskyy. Trump cited his past difficulties with Zelenskyy, referencing a past Oval Office meeting where he felt Zelenskyy’s requests were unreasonable. Trump alluded to various forms of support for Ukraine beyond military aid, such as sanctions and banking restrictions. He later reported a positive meeting with Zelenskyy at the Vatican, expressing uncertainty about the progress made but hinting at the possibility of further sanctions against Russia.
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The body of Ukrainian journalist Viktoria Roshchyna, returned to Ukraine in February 2025 as part of a prisoner exchange, was found to be missing several internal organs, including her brain and eyeballs. A joint investigation revealed evidence suggesting post-mortem dissection and torture, including a bruised neck consistent with strangulation and a Russian document referencing “СПАС,” potentially masking the true cause of death. The missing organs hampered definitive determination of the cause of death, though ongoing investigations indicate a high probability of torture during her captivity in Russian-occupied territory. Ukrainian authorities are treating her death as a war crime.
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In the 24 February 2022 – 29 April 2025 period, Russia has suffered devastating losses, with an estimated 950,860 military personnel killed or wounded, representing a 1,060 increase in the past day alone. Significant losses were also reported across various equipment categories, including over 10,000 tanks, 22,000 armored vehicles, and 27,000 artillery systems. These figures represent a substantial depletion of Russian military resources. The provided data is still undergoing confirmation.
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Satellite imagery and Western officials reveal Russia is rapidly expanding its military near its borders with Finland and other NATO countries, exceeding the expectations of many analysts. This buildup, including the creation of new divisions and infrastructure, is part of a broader plan to increase its army’s size to 1.5 million troops. Experts warn this signals potential preparations for future conflict with NATO, with some suggesting a limited operation against a Baltic state could occur within two to three years after the Ukraine war concludes. Russia’s increased defense spending has fueled a surge in military production, particularly of tanks and artillery.
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Australia’s promised donation of 59 retired M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine is significantly delayed, despite being announced over six months ago as part of a $245 million aid package. The holdup stems from a lack of final US export approval, complicated by concerns regarding logistical challenges and the tanks’ age and vulnerability. While the Australian Department of Defence maintains the delivery is on track for 2025, internal sources express doubts about the transfer’s feasibility, citing potential peace negotiations and the lack of necessary personnel for sea transport. Australia remains committed to supporting Ukraine with over $1.5 billion in aid.
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A drone strike on April 28th targeted the Kremniy-El electronics plant in Bryansk, Russia, a facility crucial for Russian military hardware production. Bryansk Oblast Governor Alexander Bogomaz reported a large-scale drone attack, claiming 102 drones were intercepted. While Ukrainian official Andrii Kovalenko linked the attack to the plant, Ukrainian forces haven’t officially commented, and reports remain unverified. The attack caused fires, explosions, and civilian casualties, highlighting continued Ukrainian efforts to disrupt Russian military capabilities.
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Germany’s commitment to providing military aid to Ukraine remains unwavering, even if US support ceases, as stated by Defence Minister Boris Pistorius. This commitment is rooted in the coalition agreement and driven by the understanding that a Russian victory would severely threaten European security, impacting NATO and neighboring countries. Pistorius rejected proposals for Ukrainian territorial concessions, deeming them tantamount to surrender. Recent aid includes four IRIS-T air defense systems, highlighting Germany’s continued investment in Ukraine’s defense.
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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov firmly rejected any changes to the management of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), currently operated by Russia’s Rosatom and monitored by the IAEA. He dismissed a reported US proposal for joint US-Ukrainian control, asserting the plant’s safety and blaming Ukraine for attacks threatening its security. Lavrov further defended recent Russian missile strikes on Kyiv, claiming they targeted military facilities, and reiterated Russia’s stance on Crimea as a non-negotiable part of its territory. He also alleged that former US President Trump understands Russia’s position.
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Following a meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky at the Vatican, former US President Trump stated his belief that Zelensky is willing to cede Crimea to Russia as part of a peace deal. Trump urged both Putin and Zelensky to negotiate a ceasefire, suggesting a deal could be reached within two weeks. This assertion contradicts Ukraine’s repeated refusal to negotiate territorial concessions before a ceasefire is established, and has drawn criticism from German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, who deemed it akin to capitulation. Proposed US peace plans reportedly include Russian annexation of Crimea and other occupied territories, while counter-proposals insist on discussing territorial issues only after a ceasefire.
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John Q. Hosedrinker