Lt. Gen. Yaroslav Moskalik, deputy head of the Russian armed forces’ main operations directorate, was killed in a car bombing near Moscow. The attack, similar to previous incidents claimed by Ukraine, occurred as Vladimir Putin met with Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, to discuss potential peace deals in Ukraine. These talks, however, are complicated by significant differences between US and Ukrainian proposals for ending the conflict and by the ongoing violence. The Kremlin opened a criminal investigation into the bombing, while Kyiv has yet to comment.
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The missile that killed eight people in a Russian strike on Kyiv was reportedly North Korean, according to a Ukrainian source. This claim throws a significant wrench into the already complex geopolitical landscape of the conflict, suggesting a level of international collaboration in the war that was previously unforeseen.
The Ukrainian military intelligence agency alleges that by early 2025, North Korea had supplied Russia with a substantial number of ballistic missiles – a staggering 148 KN-23 and KN-24 missiles, to be exact. This large-scale transfer of weaponry represents a significant escalation in the conflict, not just in terms of military capabilities but also in the widening circle of actors involved.… Continue reading
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s April 24th Washington visit aims to dissuade the U.S. from pressuring Ukraine into a peace deal unfavorable to Kyiv. This pressure stems from a controversial U.S. peace proposal reportedly including Russian annexation of Crimea and barring Ukraine from NATO. Rutte will argue that such a deal would embolden Russia and destabilize Europe, emphasizing the importance of upholding Ukraine’s sovereignty. He will also discuss NATO’s long-term defense strategy and burden-sharing among member states.
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Trump: Russia not taking over Ukraine is a concession. That’s the astonishing claim, a statement so audacious it almost defies belief. The very idea that Russia’s failure to completely conquer Ukraine, after a brutal and protracted conflict, constitutes a concession to anyone is staggering. It speaks volumes about a fundamentally skewed perspective, a worldview utterly detached from reality.
The sheer audacity of this statement rests on the premise that Russia’s inability to achieve its initial war aims somehow translates to a generous gesture. Instead of viewing Russia’s ongoing struggles as a testament to the resilience of the Ukrainian people and the support of their allies, this perspective presents it as a calculated, benevolent act of restraint.… Continue reading
In response to Russia’s extensive missile attack on Ukraine, President Macron reiterated France’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, urging the international community to hold Russia solely responsible for the ongoing aggression. He specifically called for directing any international anger towards Putin, the aggressor, while emphasizing the need for a ceasefire contingent on Putin ceasing hostilities. Macron also criticized Putin’s contradictory claims of seeking peace while continuing attacks. France’s position remains steadfast in upholding international law and supporting Ukraine’s right to peace.
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Following deadly Russian strikes on Kyiv, former President Trump publicly urged Vladimir Putin to cease hostilities and finalize a peace deal, expressing displeasure with the attacks’ timing and unnecessary nature. Trump’s proposed deal, reportedly granting Russia territories seized since 2014 and barring Ukraine’s NATO membership, has faced opposition from Ukrainian President Zelensky. This intervention comes amidst stalled peace talks and escalating tensions, with Trump previously blaming Zelensky for impeding progress while now directly addressing Putin. Trump’s envoy is scheduled to meet with Putin to continue negotiations.
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Following a massive Russian aerial assault on April 24th, resulting in numerous civilian casualties across Ukraine, including eight deaths in Kyiv, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha urged increased pressure on Russia to secure peace. He directly countered claims of Ukrainian intransigence in peace negotiations, asserting that Russia’s maximalist demands and brutal attacks demonstrate their unwillingness to pursue genuine peace. Sybiha emphasized that the focus of international pressure should be on Moscow, not Kyiv, to end the ongoing conflict. He concluded that only strength and pressure, not appeasement, will deter further Russian aggression.
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Ukraine says it hit a Russian factory allegedly responsible for churning out a staggering 300 drones per day. This is a significant blow, potentially crippling a major component of Russia’s ongoing military operations. The reported destruction of the final assembly line represents a substantial disruption to Russia’s drone supply chain, regardless of how easily replaceable this particular stage of production might be.
Targeting the final assembly line, while impactful, naturally leads to a discussion about the strategic advantages of targeting earlier stages of the manufacturing process. Disrupting earlier stages would likely have a more profound and lasting effect on drone production.… Continue reading
The French presidency affirmed that a European peace agreement necessitates unwavering respect for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, directly countering suggestions from US Vice President Vance regarding territorial concessions by both Ukraine and Russia. This stance underscores the European Union’s firm support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and its aspirations for European integration. Reported US willingness to recognize Russia’s annexation of Crimea and ease sanctions to achieve a peace deal is in direct conflict with this position. President Zelenskyy’s resolute rejection of Crimea’s occupation further highlights the deep divisions surrounding potential peace negotiations. Subsequently, planned ministerial talks were postponed to a lower-level meeting.
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A proposed US-brokered peace deal, reportedly including US recognition of Crimea and Russian-occupied territories since 2022, represents a near-total capitulation to Russia’s demands. This would effectively reward Russian aggression and establish a new global paradigm where territorial gains are legitimized through force. The deal also includes the lifting of US sanctions on Russia and increased US-Russia cooperation, significantly bolstering Russia’s economic and military capabilities. Ukraine’s rejection of this proposal is understandable, as it would effectively erase its sovereignty and dismantle the post-war European order. The only remaining hope lies in Europe’s independent defense of its values.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood