Ukrainian opposition leaders Poroshenko and Tymoshenko, despite reported contacts with U.S. officials regarding potential wartime elections, firmly oppose holding a vote until after peace is established. Both insist that elections should occur within 180 days of the war’s conclusion, rejecting calls for an immediate vote. This stance follows reports of discussions between Trump’s associates and Ukrainian opposition figures about the possibility of expedited elections. The current Ukrainian law prohibits wartime elections, and Zelenskiy has offered to step down in exchange for peace and NATO membership.
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Following a Politico report alleging a plot to oust Ukrainian President Zelensky, two political rivals, Petro Poroshenko and Yulia Tymoshenko, confirmed contact with members of Donald Trump’s team. While both deny supporting snap elections during the ongoing war, a Republican foreign policy expert suggests their engagement aims to present themselves as more palatable alternatives to Zelensky. Public opinion polls, however, indicate significantly lower support for Poroshenko and Tymoshenko compared to Zelensky’s approval ratings. Zelensky’s recent improved standing follows a public disagreement with Trump.
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Back-channel discussions propose holding Ukrainian presidential elections following a temporary ceasefire, but before comprehensive peace talks. This strategy, also favored by the Kremlin, is opposed by several prominent Ukrainian figures, including Tymoshenko and Poroshenko, despite their reported engagement with Trump’s associates. While both Tymoshenko and Poroshenko deny seeking to undermine Zelenskyy, claiming their efforts focus on securing a just peace and maintaining bipartisan US support, their actions have raised concerns. These concerns center on the possibility of facilitating concessions Zelenskyy opposes.
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A Russian missile strike on a Kryvyi Rih hotel killed four and injured over 30, with U.S. citizens among the survivors. The attack occurred a day after the Trump administration temporarily halted intelligence sharing with Ukraine amid ongoing peace negotiations with Russia. President Zelensky condemned the strike, emphasizing the need for continued pressure on Russia. The incident highlights the continued Russian aggression despite peace talks and follows statements from Russian officials indicating their intent to inflict maximum damage on Ukraine.
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Following a contentious White House meeting, a video showcasing Ukrainian President Zelensky’s repeated expressions of gratitude to America has gone viral. President Trump, citing Zelensky’s perceived lack of appreciation for substantial U.S. aid—nearly $183 billion since 2022— subsequently paused all further military aid to Ukraine. This decision followed a heated exchange where Trump accused Zelensky of disrespect and gambling with World War III. International reaction has been mixed, with some supporting Trump’s actions and others criticizing the move and expressing continued support for Ukraine.
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President Macron will address the French nation tonight regarding global uncertainty stemming from the dramatic shift in US-Ukraine relations under President Trump. This announcement follows a tense meeting between Trump and Zelensky, after which Zelensky called for a sea and sky truce. Macron welcomed Zelensky’s willingness to re-engage in dialogue with Trump, emphasizing France’s commitment to lasting peace in Ukraine. The French government views the resumption of US-Ukraine dialogue, potentially facilitating a minerals deal, as positive for achieving a lasting peace.
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Starmer and Macron’s planned accompaniment of Zelenskyy to the White House during Trump’s visit is a fascinating development, reflecting a complex geopolitical situation. The very notion of European leaders needing to chaperone Zelenskyy to ensure a productive meeting with the US President speaks volumes about the current state of transatlantic relations. It suggests a profound lack of trust in Trump’s willingness to engage in good faith negotiations, particularly given his past rhetoric and actions.
The necessity of this “babysitting” mission highlights a growing concern: that Trump might prioritize personal gain or align himself with Russian interests, potentially undermining Ukraine’s efforts and jeopardizing European security.… Continue reading
In a letter to President Trump, Lech Wałęsa and 38 fellow former Polish political prisoners expressed profound dismay at Trump’s treatment of Ukrainian President Zelenskyy during their Oval Office meeting. The letter likened Trump’s demand for gratitude and concessions from Zelenskyy to their own experiences under Poland’s communist regime, highlighting the inappropriate pressure placed on a nation defending itself against invasion. The signatories, including prominent figures like Adam Michnik and Bogdan Lis, emphasized that gratitude is owed to the Ukrainian soldiers fighting for freedom, not to those demanding concessions. The letter was shared publicly on Facebook by Wałęsa.
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Following a contentious Oval Office meeting, President Trump is considering relinquishing U.S. leadership of NATO, transferring the Supreme Allied Commander Europe position to a British or French general. This decision comes after a temporary suspension of U.S. military aid to Ukraine, prompting concerns about the country’s ability to continue fighting. However, a potential peace deal is being brokered by Ukraine, the UK, and France, involving a ceasefire and the exploitation of Ukrainian mineral reserves by American firms; this deal requires rebuilding trust between President Trump and President Zelensky. The situation has created significant unease among NATO allies, particularly concerning potential Russian aggression.
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In response to a question regarding alignment of US policy with Moscow, Trump delivered a rambling non-answer. His response touched upon unrelated topics including the October 7 massacre, Israel, Afghanistan, and China’s alleged control of Bagram Air Base. Ultimately, he addressed Ukraine only to express his desire for a swift end to the conflict and criticize President Zelenskiy’s assessment that peace remains distant. Trump deemed Zelenskiy’s statement “the worst” possible.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood