Next week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will face mounting pressure from the United States to reach a deal to end the war with Russia. This push for a peaceful settlement comes amidst internal political turmoil within Ukraine, fueled by a corruption scandal and demands for government reshuffles. Simultaneously, the US is sending a special envoy to Moscow and a renewed Ukrainian delegation is in the US for negotiations. Further complicating matters, Zelenskyy is facing pressure to replace key figures within his administration, potentially weakening his political control.
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Poland’s Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski has voiced strong concerns over secret U.S.–Russia talks regarding a potential Ukraine deal, comparing it to the detrimental Nord Stream pipeline project. These back-channel negotiations, reported by the Wall Street Journal, involve figures like Jared Kushner and Kirill Dmitriev, potentially exploring a trade of Ukrainian territory for U.S. corporate access to Russia. Both Sikorski and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk have criticized these proposals, emphasizing that they prioritize business interests over peace and security in Ukraine. Sikorski warned that despite the uncertainty of the U.S. administration’s involvement, the situation presents a dangerous moment for Europe.
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The White House and Moscow are secretly collaborating on a 28-point peace proposal to end the war in Ukraine, involving U.S. and Russian envoys who have extensively discussed the plan. This deal reportedly centers on peace in Ukraine, European security, security guarantees, and future U.S. relations with Kyiv and Moscow. Russian officials have expressed optimism about the plan, indicating that the Russian position is being heard, with the aim of presenting a written document before a potential meeting between President Trump and President Putin, despite the cancellation of a prior summit. U.S. officials have begun briefing Ukrainian and European officials on the proposal, while a planned meeting with President Zelensky has been postponed.
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During a press conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned of a “very strong, if not overwhelming” response to any potential US strikes on Russian territory with Tomahawk missiles. Putin also addressed the new US sanctions against Russian oil firms, acknowledging their impact while downplaying their significance and condemning them as an unfriendly act. Furthermore, he emphasized Russia’s interest in dialogue with the US. Despite a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Zelensky did not receive permission to purchase US Tomahawk long-range missiles, and the planned Budapest summit between Trump and Putin was canceled.
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Kremlin envoy proposes a ‘Putin-Trump tunnel’ to link Russia and US, and honestly, the whole thing feels like something ripped straight out of a satirical news show. The idea, as it’s been floated, involves a 70-mile underwater or underground link, a physical connection between the two countries. The purported goal? Unity, or so the proposal suggests. The details are fuzzy, but the scale is ambitious, envisioning a link that could, in theory, transport people and goods.
This proposal doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s connected to a specific personality: Donald Trump. The concept itself seems tailor-made for him, a grand gesture of infrastructure and potentially, a symbol of a closer relationship with Russia.… Continue reading
In his evening address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia fears the United States providing Ukraine with Tomahawk long-range missiles, and this pressure could be effective in ending the war. Zelenskyy announced an agreement with the US, confirming that teams and militaries from both countries will be working on the matters discussed, including defense capabilities. This includes Patriots and other systems. The Kremlin has expressed “serious concern” over the possibility of Tomahawk missile delivery to Ukraine.
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Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov warned the United States of “severe consequences” should it provide Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles, urging a responsible approach. Ryabkov’s statement emphasized that using such systems would necessitate direct American involvement. He implored the White House and Pentagon to consider the implications “soberly, prudently and responsibly.” This statement followed President Trump’s reported decision on potential Tomahawk missile supplies, adding to prior concerns from Russian leadership regarding the potential for strained relations.
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US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned that additional secondary tariffs could be imposed on India, contingent upon the outcome of President Trump’s meeting with Russian President Putin. These potential tariffs follow existing penalties on India for purchasing Russian oil and weapons. The US is seeking to pressure Moscow to agree to a peace deal in Ukraine, with the outcome of the meeting in Anchorage this Friday being a key factor in determining the future of trade relations. India’s increased reliance on Russian oil imports and their stance on trade negotiations has further strained relations, leading to potential economic consequences for India if sanctions are increased.
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Bolton: Trump-Putin summit a ‘great victory’ for Moscow, and it seems like there’s a pretty clear consensus on this, even if the messenger is someone like John Bolton, who many people have their own issues with. The core idea is that any meeting between Trump and Putin, especially one without the presence of Ukrainian representatives, is essentially a win for the Kremlin. It lends Putin legitimacy on the world stage, regardless of any specific outcomes or agreements.
The underlying concern is that Trump is easily manipulated by Putin. His history of praising Putin, even in the face of aggressive actions, speaks volumes.… Continue reading
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski expressed skepticism regarding Vladimir Putin’s commitment to peace talks with Ukraine, suggesting the Russian leader is mocking US President Trump. Sikorski viewed May 15th as a crucial test, contingent on Russia’s willingness to engage in genuine ceasefire negotiations. A refusal by Russia to negotiate sincerely would, in Sikorski’s view, justify a shift in US policy towards pressuring Russia rather than Ukraine. The outcome of potential Istanbul talks holds significant weight for US-Russia relations, particularly given Trump’s previous concessions to Russia.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood