President Trump’s recent actions regarding the Russo-Ukrainian conflict represent a significant shift in US foreign policy. He has abandoned previous threats of joining European sanctions against Russia, opting instead for a focus on economic cooperation with Moscow. This decision, following a conversation with Vladimir Putin, has effectively sidelined the US from the existing peace process and created a deep rift within NATO, a long-sought goal for Putin. Trump’s prioritization of economic opportunities with Russia, potentially including access to the energy and rare-earth metals sectors, suggests a fundamental realignment of US priorities away from supporting Ukraine and towards improving relations with Russia. This divergence leaves European allies to pursue sanctions independently.
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The United States is actively encouraging NATO allies with Patriot air defense systems to transfer them to Ukraine, despite a current US shortage. While ongoing aid deliveries continue, new aid packages require White House and Congressional approval. This effort faces challenges as allied nations are hesitant to relinquish their own Patriot systems. Ultimately, a negotiated settlement is deemed necessary to resolve the conflict.
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President Zelensky firmly rejected Russia’s territorial demands, stating Ukraine will not withdraw troops from its own land. These demands, reiterated in Istanbul negotiations, included ceding Crimea and four eastern oblasts, even though Russia doesn’t fully control them. Russia’s maximalist position, including eliminating the “root causes” of the war, remains unchanged, while Ukraine continues to push for a full, unconditional ceasefire, a position supported by President Trump but causing friction with European allies. Despite this, no new U.S. sanctions against Russia have been enacted.
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A rare phone call between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump yielded contrasting interpretations. While Trump lauded the conversation as “excellent” and predicted imminent ceasefire negotiations, Putin, while acknowledging a “meaningful and frank” discussion, refused a US-proposed 30-day unconditional ceasefire. Putin reiterated Russia’s maximalist war aims, centering on addressing what he termed the “root causes” of the conflict, which include significant concessions from Ukraine. Despite Zelenskyy’s call for a full ceasefire and stronger sanctions against Russia if negotiations fail, no significant breakthrough emerged from the call.
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Contrary to a Ukrainian intelligence warning, Russia did not launch an RS-24 Yars intercontinental ballistic missile on May 18-19. The absence of any publicly available video footage of the launch, despite its likely visibility across a vast Siberian area, suggests the launch did not occur. While the reason remains unknown, this follows two previous failed Yars launches in 2023 and the inherent risk of failure in even advanced missile systems. Defense Express speculates that potential launch complications or a desire to avoid showcasing the inefficiency of Russia’s nuclear deterrent may have influenced the decision.
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Following a meeting in Rome, Australian Prime Minister Albanese confirmed to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy that pledged Abrams tanks are en route to Ukraine. Discussions also covered increasing pressure on Russia, including further sanctions, and the ongoing case of Australian citizen Oscar Jenkins imprisoned in Russia. Separately, Albanese cautiously responded to the European Union’s proposal for a deepened security partnership, suggesting further consideration was needed. Despite delays, the Australian government remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s invasion.
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Ahead of a call with Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin reportedly believes Russia will seize four Ukrainian oblasts by 2025, thus possessing leverage against any peace negotiations. This confidence, despite contradicting Western and even some Russian military assessments, fuels Putin’s unwillingness to concede. European officials worry Trump might pressure for a settlement regardless of Putin’s stance, while Putin remains prepared for a protracted conflict. Trump, conversely, seeks a swift resolution and plans to update Zelenskyy and NATO allies following his conversation with Putin.
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Denmark’s 26th military aid package for Ukraine totals $598 million, encompassing artillery, ammunition via a Czech initiative, fighter jet equipment, and enhanced training capabilities. Funding is sourced from the Ukraine Fund and the European Peace Facility, extending support through 2028. This contribution bolsters Ukraine’s ammunition supply and strengthens its long-term defense capacity. The aid reflects Denmark’s continued commitment to supporting Ukraine both militarily and diplomatically.
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Following Russia’s detention of the Green Admire oil tanker in internationally agreed waters, Estonia will reroute maritime traffic to and from Sillamae entirely through its own territorial waters. The Greek-owned, Liberian-flagged tanker, carrying shale oil, was seized while transiting a previously established route through Russian waters. This action, unprecedented in the region, prompted Estonia to inform NATO allies and underscores Russia’s unpredictable behavior. The new route avoids Russian waters altogether, mitigating future risks to Estonian maritime traffic.
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Rep. Don Bacon confirmed a one-day pause in U.S. cyber operations against Russia during February 2024 negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, contradicting previous Pentagon denials. This pause, typical during such negotiations, was first reported by The Record and later confirmed by multiple U.S. officials to CBS News. The Pentagon’s subsequent denial, issued via its newly created rapid response X account, was labeled a lie by Rep. Eugene Vindman. Bacon’s statement marks the first on-the-record acknowledgment of the directive.
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John Q. Hosedrinker