France pledges additional military aid
French President Emmanuel Macron spoke with Zelensky and condemned Russia’s latest attacks. Zelensky confirmed substantial French support: «And, of course, we discussed how to strengthen our energy resilience. In the near future, Ukraine will receive generators from France. There will also be additional deliveries this year of French aircraft, missiles for air defence systems, and aerial bombs,»
The aid package addresses Ukraine’s critical infrastructure needs after Russian attacks have caused widespread power and heating outages across the country.
Peace talks overshadowed by knowledge gaps
Trilateral negotiations are scheduled to resume in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, led by US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff on behalf of the Trump administration. However, one unnamed US negotiator revealed significant gaps in basic knowledge about the conflict when speaking to the Kyiv Independent.
The envoy admitted being unaware of the war’s anniversary date. «I wasn’t aware of what that anniversary date was,» the official said, adding: «I don’t think we feel pressure to because we have a four-year anniversary,» The envoy also incorrectly claimed: «I think it’s the longest war now. It was longer than World War II. At this point, it’s been going on.»
The negotiator falsely identified Kryrlo Budanov, head of the president’s office, as Ukraine’s vice president – a position that does not exist in Ukraine’s constitutional framework.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged the territorial disputes present major challenges, describing the Donetsk issue as «very difficult» in peace talks. The US has signalled that security guarantees for Ukraine would be conditional on agreeing to give up the Donbas region, where Russia currently controls 90 per cent of territory.
Recruitment tactics under scrutiny
The Associated Press uncovered a pattern of Russia luring foreign workers, particularly from Bangladesh, under false pretenses of civilian employment. Workers reported being threatened with 10-year jail terms and beatings if they refused to sign military contracts upon arrival in Moscow.
Russia’s recruitment drive also includes offering simplified paths to citizenship for immigrants and freedom for criminals in exchange for fighting in Ukraine – measures aimed at avoiding unpopular nationwide mobilization.
North Korea has reportedly sent thousands of soldiers to help Russia defend its Kursk region following a mutual defence treaty in 2024.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).