More recently, the U.S. had “constructive” talks with Ukraine over its inclusion. They addressed a proposed minerals agreement to increase economic collaboration amid Ukraine’s continued struggle with Russia’s invasion. Those discussions come as the war’s human cost continues to grow dramatically. With the Kremlin’s renewed onslaught, the need for a more vigorous response to US leadership has become urgent.
Republican lawmakers who have supported aid to Ukraine have pointed to Russia’s escalation in missile strikes as justifications. They want to see former President Donald Trump come down harder on current President Vladimir Putin. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “We have to get it to stop, and fast,” reflecting growing concerns among GOP members about the implications of the conflict on both national and international security.
The recent deadly missile strike on civilians in the outskirts of Sumy illustrates the barbarity of this war. Ukraine’s Air Force has already reported that Russian cruise missiles and guided bombs hit the area on Monday. Miraculously, there were no deaths. The attack comes in the wake of a previous strike that killed at least 35, including two children. Russian officials insisted their military action targeted a concentration of Ukrainian soldiers, not civilians.
Zelenskyy has accused Russia of failing to engage in ceasefire talks, emphasizing that “there is only one reason for this – in Moscow, they are not afraid.” Otherwise, he said, the aggression from Russia would continue with no threat of danger. A spokesperson for the Kremlin has wrongfully accused civilians of being used as human shields by Kyiv. They criticize the military for holding troop movements and meetings in civilian-populated areas.
Democrats in the US House have introduced timely new legislation to ramp up support for Ukraine. This follows closely on the heels of a similar effort in the Senate. This draft legislation appropriates new humanitarian, security and economic reconstruction assistance to Ukraine. It additionally requires severe additional sanctions on Russia should the country fail to participate in good-faith peace negotiations.
The international community has taken an interest in the conflict. To make it worse, Ukraine recently staged a press conference of Chinese soldiers captured on the Ukrainian frontline. Zelenskyy excoriated Russia for allegedly using social media to recruit fighters from China. He claimed that hundreds of Chinese nationals are currently engaged in combat with Russian troops.
It has been a positive few weeks for activists that promotes TV and movement in general, especially following deadly invasion Palm Sunday attack in Sumy. As the Institute’s Andrew Weiss and others have pointed out, Russian aggressor moves require a more robust American response.
“It was chaos. There were mountains of corpses,” – a combat medic
While releases continue to develop, the geopolitical undercurrents are still fraught. The international community hopes to see the same as both sides head back to the negotiating table and prepare for new clashes.