Zelensky: I blocked the agreement with Trump on mineral rights as it does not protect Ukraine interests.
Then he goes diplomatic. It must be legally correct regarding investments and security guarantees. I don’t yet see in the document. 1/
Zelensky about meeting in Saudi Arabia: I haven't seen any invitations for Ukraine to meet with envoys. We have no documents or negotiations with our strategic partners. Russia is not one of them. 2/
Zelensky: To defend against a potential Russian offensive, we need not 50, 100, or 300 thousand. European leaders understand this and are considering the financial implications. 3/
Losing the alliance between Europe and the U.S. would benefit only Putin and North Korea. 4/
Zelensky: If Putin only wants a ceasefire to ease his isolation, that’s not real peace. The U.S. holds key political power, and its approach to Russia matters. 5/
If Trump can push Putin toward genuine peace, we may achieve real security guarantees for the first time - if all sides, especially America, are ready. 6/
Zelensky: European leaders, once more skeptical than the U.S., are now more ready to support Ukraine. They understand the danger - Putin will come, not if he comes. 7/
He may test NATO, and without strong sanctions and unity between the EU and the U.S., that is very dangerous. 8/
Everyone needs to get used to the fact that Ukraine can no longer be told where to be. 9/
Zelensky: Strong security guarantees are not possible without U.S. Troops on the borders or front lines must include U.S. and European partners. 10/
Without the U.S, it’s weak. The number of troops matters, and for now, Europe alone is not enough. 11/
Zelensky on elections: No one raises this issue at a high level, except Putin, sometimes the U.S. Everyone understands our law and the consequences. 12/
The shift to a contract army was the right step, aligning with U.S. practices. This war isn’t just about manpower but advanced weapons. Now it's about drones, not just tanks. 13/
Zelensky: North Korea involvement in war is global threat. They’ve gained experience in missiles, drones, and electronic warfare, and they will use it. 14/
Distance no longer matters - missiles and drones fly thousands of kilometers. If Russia wins, others will follow. We must defend values and protect every country, no matter its size. 15/
Zelensky: The U.S. needs to see the reality of this war firsthand, without outside influence. I invited Mr. Kellogg to the front to witness it himself and speak with our commanders. 16/
I want him to bring this understanding to President Trump. After that, we can discuss concrete steps toward our goals. 17X
Thank you for reading. If you want to support Ukraine and our work through education, please consider donating to a scholarship for war affected students
Thank you for reading. If you want to support Ukraine and our work through education, please consider donating to a scholarship for war affected students
Former CIA Director Petraeus: I said from the start Russia would not take Kyiv. Others predicted it would fall in 3–5 days. Kyiv is a vast city with brave defenders.
It would be extremely hard to break in — and Ukraine’s actions denied Russia the airfield north of the capital.1/
Petraeus: The Budapest Memorandum was a major failure.
Ukraine gave up nuclear weapons in exchange for security assurances from the US, Russia, and the UK and those guarantees weren’t upheld. This is Ukraine’s war for independence — a fight for its very survival.
2/
Petraeus: US sanctions are under Senate review.
If paired with the EU’s 19th package and continued military support, the pressure could be strong enough to push Putin toward a ceasefire by the end of the year.
Angela Stent, Former National Intel Officer: Every time Witkoff claims progress on Ukraine, the next day Putin or Lavrov restate the same demands — withdrawal from Donbas and “denazification”.
They also cite an “Anchorage formula” no US official confirms. It’s obfuscation. 1/
Stent: Russia's negotiations are entirely performative.
They follow Soviet and post-Soviet tactics: negotiate to create a process and wear people down. Putin wants to humor Trump to avoid more punitive actions from the US administration. 2X
Former Amb. to Ukraine, William Taylor: Putin can't break Ukraine’s will. He’s tried for 4 years.
They don’t show signs of breaking. Soldiers, civilians, people in and out of government know that if they lose, there’s no Ukraine. They have to win and stop the Russians. 1/
Taylor: We want to see Ukrainians stop the Russians. Europeans want the same because Russia is a clear threat to them.
They’re stepping up with a $100B loan and continued funds. If big neighbors invade little ones and prevail, that’s not the world we want to live in. 2/
Taylor: Zelenskyy says Europeans have to step up more and prepare for a time when Americans are not there. He’s probably right.
Trump may not change. Europeans need to build up, provide weapons, and strengthen the defense industrial base. 3X
Macron: Russian energy stopped in 2022. There is no way back.
China as a supermarket for our export is over, and during the past 2 years we were overwhelmed by the Chinese export.
The US is imposing tariffs on us and a series of economic coercion mechanisms. 1/
Macron: End of Russia as a permanent provider of local energy. End of China as a main export market. The US is imposing tariffs on our economy and a coercion mechanism.
This is a game changer. This is not just a transition. None of these factors will change in the short run. 2/
Macron: China is an authoritarian regime, no offense, this is a collective choice. The US is becoming an unpredictable economy and governance.
In the middle of that — the EU. It remains a place where the rule of law and predictability remain valid. 3X