Following a meeting with Zelenskyy in Rome, Trump questioned Putin’s commitment to ending the war in Ukraine, citing recent missile strikes on civilian areas as evidence of potential bad faith. He criticized media narratives demanding Ukraine reclaim all lost territories, including Crimea, as unrealistic and potentially prolonging the conflict. Trump contrasted his own provision of Javelin missiles to Ukraine with what he characterized as the Obama administration’s inadequate support. Finally, he expressed skepticism that any peace deal, regardless of its merits, would receive fair media coverage.
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At Pope Francis’s funeral, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re’s eulogy implicitly rebuked Donald Trump’s border wall policy, echoing the late Pope’s strong opposition to such barriers. This posthumous criticism highlighted the long-standing tension between Trump and Francis, marked by public disagreements over immigration and other policies. Trump’s presence at the funeral, amidst intense lobbying from European leaders, led to a meeting with Zelensky, raising hopes for a breakthrough in the Ukraine conflict. The White House announced a planned follow-up meeting between Trump and Zelensky, further suggesting potential diplomatic progress.
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Following a missile strike on a Kyiv residential building, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine concluded its search and rescue efforts. President Zelenskyy alleged the use of a North Korean ballistic missile, urging increased international pressure on Russia. This incident occurred amidst reported US attempts to negotiate a ceasefire involving Ukrainian territorial concessions, prompting criticism of a perceived imbalance in pressure exerted on Kyiv rather than Moscow. Trump, however, asserted that pressure *is* being applied to Russia.
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A Russian strike on Kyiv on April 24th, resulting in 12 civilian deaths and nearly 90 injuries, utilized a North Korean ballistic missile containing at least 116 components from various countries, predominantly the United States. President Zelenskyy highlighted this as evidence of insufficient international pressure on both Russia and North Korea, enabling the procurement and use of such weaponry. He reiterated Ukraine’s calls for a ceasefire, citing a previously rejected proposal for a comprehensive truce. Continued pressure on Russia is deemed crucial to halting further civilian casualties.
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In response to reports of a U.S. peace proposal that would entail de jure recognition of Russia’s annexation of Crimea, Ukrainian President Zelensky reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to its constitutional principles and territorial integrity, citing a 2018 U.S. declaration condemning Russia’s actions. This statement follows previous Ukrainian rejection of territorial concessions and contrasts with reports suggesting a broader U.S. proposal encompassing de facto acceptance of Russian occupation in other Ukrainian regions. Despite heightened tensions, a London peace meeting proceeded, with Ukrainian officials emphasizing the importance of a ceasefire. The White House denied any request for Ukrainian recognition of Crimea as Russian territory.
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Early Thursday, Russia launched a devastating missile and drone attack on Kyiv, killing at least eight people and injuring over 60, marking the deadliest assault on the capital in nine months. The attack, involving 70 missiles and 145 drones, targeted infrastructure and residential areas, leaving some trapped under rubble. Moscow claimed all targets were hit, while Zelensky, cutting short a visit to South Africa, immediately sought increased international support for air defenses. This attack followed a public dispute between Zelensky and Donald Trump, further complicating ongoing peace negotiations.
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President Zelensky urged the U.S. to remain engaged in peace talks despite Secretary Rubio’s announcement of a potential withdrawal if a deal isn’t imminent. Rubio indicated that a Trump-backed peace plan, demanding significant Ukrainian concessions including ceding territory and abandoning NATO aspirations, is facing resistance from Kyiv. Zelensky’s rejection of recognizing Crimea as Russian has already led to the downgrading of a planned London summit. This situation highlights the precarious nature of the peace process and the high stakes involved. The potential U.S. withdrawal represents a significant risk to Ukraine.
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President Zelensky firmly rejected any negotiation involving the cession of Crimea to Russia, emphasizing that such discussions would legitimize the illegal annexation and prolong the conflict. He warned that ceding territory plays into Putin’s strategy, and Ukraine will immediately reject any formal proposal to that effect. While acknowledging potential peace proposals circulating, Zelensky stressed Ukraine’s unwavering stance and its readiness to negotiate only after a complete cessation of hostilities. Continued international pressure, particularly from the U.S., remains crucial for achieving a resolution.
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Despite an initial, short-lived Easter truce, Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed no extension beyond April 21st was ordered. Ukrainian President Zelensky’s request for a 30-day ceasefire, mirroring a prior US proposal, was rejected. Russia’s refusal to extend the truce, coupled with alleged violations, underscores the ongoing lack of commitment to a broader peace agreement. Moscow continues to demand significant concessions from Ukraine, hindering any meaningful progress toward a lasting resolution.
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Despite Vladimir Putin’s announced Easter ceasefire, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported over 2,000 ceasefire violations by Russian forces, including continued shelling and drone attacks. Zelenskyy rejected the truce as a mere PR stunt, citing evidence of ongoing Russian aggression and a lack of response to his 30-day ceasefire proposal. Multiple reports from Ukrainian military units corroborated the continued attacks, highlighting the failure of the Russian ceasefire. The US expressed interest in a ceasefire extension, although the Kremlin denied such plans, while internal US discussions suggest a potential deal freezing the conflict along current lines.
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John Q. Hosedrinker