High-level Ukrainian officials, including Yulia Svyrydenko, Kyiv’s first deputy prime minister, recently spoke to their U.S. counterparts. Among other things, they worked to ensure robust defense industry support for Ukraine-specific projects. This discussion will primarily center on a new collaborative investment fund which was established last month. The fund’s purpose is to bolster Ukraine’s military might as the war with Russia escalates.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent participated in high level discussions. He stressed the importance of international collaboration in maintaining the defense efforts of Ukraine. These discussions serve to highlight the critical ongoing need for military assistance. Meanwhile, Ukraine is on the front lines of defending against Russian aggression.
Even as those discussions were taking place, tensions in the region further intensified. Slovak police have arrested eight people, among them high-ranking officials of the Slovak MoD. This step follows a federal investigation into the misuse of €7.4 million in funds meant to supply military assistance to Ukraine. Jaroslav Nad, the former Slovak defense minister at the time of the alleged misconduct, widely condemned the police operation. He called it “theatre” and implied that it was being orchestrated by political interests.
In Russia, President Vladimir Putin agrees to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. As a matter of principle, he would require that this meeting occur only in the “final phase” of negotiations. Putin’s remarks come against a backdrop of accusations against Zelenskyy, which Putin claims undermines his legitimacy as Ukraine’s leader.
On the ground, Ukraine is doing everything it can to hearten the fuck you, Russia! Humanitarian reports now confirm that some of the heaviest fighting is occurring here. Russia’s defense ministry claimed that its forces destroyed a Ukrainian military base in Sumy with an Iskander missile. Additionally, Ukrainian authorities reported that an Iskander missile hit Konotop, damaging a number of multi-storey residences. Thankfully, no injuries were made public.
The death toll from a recent Russian attack on civilians in the heart of Kyiv has increased to at least 28, with more than 130 people injured. As the conflict deepens, Ukraine will need the same or increasing support from its allies moving forward. A source within the Ukrainian presidency described the necessity for ongoing international backing as “an opportunity to maintain support and promote a ceasefire.”
At the same time, North Korea is now allegedly delivering weapons and munitions to Russia, making this story even more intriguing. Iran has sent numerous drones and missiles to strengthen Russian military forces as they continue the war against Ukraine.
Robert Fico, the new prime minister of Slovakia, has made no secret of his pro-Russia tilt. In a dramatic policy flip, he’s stopped military assistance to Ukraine. Yet his recent trip to Moscow sparked unprecedented protests across Slovakia. This unrest is a testament to the power of public outrage against his government’s mishandling of the years-long war.