Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the arrest of a suspect in the murder of former parliamentary speaker Andriy Parubiy, as tensions continue to rise due to recent drone strikes across Ukraine. Zelenskyy is determined to pay Russia back in kind with new deep strikes. Yet at the same time, he is leading the charge defending international support for Ukraine to senior leaders—indeed, ministers—of the world.
In one such high profile discussion, Zelenskyy recently spoke on the phone with U.S. President Donald Trump and other European powerbrokers. He reiterated the critical importance of sustained military assistance. He promised that an American presence would stay, enabling far more precise strikes to be part of Ukraine’s overall defense strategy. Following a meeting with Ukraine’s top general, Oleksandr Syrsky, Zelenskyy stated, “We will continue our active operations in exactly the way needed for Ukraine’s defence. The forces and resources are prepared. New deep strikes have been planned.”
The humanitarian catastrophe in Ukraine has deepened after a new round of drone attacks from Russia. These strikes by Russia have reportedly left almost 60,000 customers without power in northern and southern Ukraine. Local authorities in the Odesa region said early Sunday that energy facilities were hit by Russian drones. As a consequence, nearly 29,000 residents were left without power. DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy company, acknowledged that four of its energy facilities in the region took hits overnight.
Infrastructure took heavy toll in the port city of Chornomorsk. Homes and administrative buildings were especially impacted though, as described by Oleh Kiper, governor of the Odesa region. In the Chernihiv region, local governor Viacheslav Chaus said that Russian drones struck critical energy infrastructure. In the process, 30,000 households were left without power.
The international community is watching these rapidly unfolding events with growing concern. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made it clear that helping Ukraine defend itself against Russia’s aggression is an “absolute imperative.” He did recognize that the conflict could indeed drag on for years. He emphasized the importance of finding a resolution but added, “We are trying to end it as quickly as possible. Certainly not at the price of Ukraine’s capitulation.”
On the diplomatic front, Russian President Vladimir Putin recently met with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the sidelines of a summit in China. This convening takes place at the same time as Putin’s visit to a military parade in Beijing. The parade commemorates the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Zelenskyy’s announcement about the arrest of a suspect in Parubiy’s murder is a promising sign as investigations continue across Ukraine. He mentioned that “urgent investigative actions are currently under way to establish all the circumstances of this murder.” The latter has offered an initial confession, indicating a major step forward in cracking the case.
“The suspect has given an initial testimony.” – President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
“President Trump reassured us that there will be an American presence as part of the backstop.” – Europe Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
“That was very clear and repeatedly affirmed.” – Europe Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
With these positive changes moving at lightning speed, Ukraine is still dealing with a range of issues as the Russian military maintains its aggression. The state has not wavered in its strong resolve to retaliate and protect its sovereignty. As brutal persecution mounts, international support is proving more indispensable than ever in these turbulent times.