US peace initiatives are increasingly shifting towards putting pressure on Kyiv. European allies do not accept Trump's initiatives, calling his plan pro-Russian. At the same time, Ukraine and the United States are preparing to sign a strategic agreement on reconstruction and modernization. And Washington has publicly accused North Korea of complicity in Russia's war against Ukraine.
The US is Putting Pressure on Kyiv and Moscow: Peace Proposals That Benefit Both Sides
At a meeting of the UN Security Council, Washington voiced a peace initiative that has already been presented to both sides of the war - Ukraine and Russia. According to US Ambassador to the UN John Kelly, the proposed framework provides for a "comprehensive ceasefire" and will bring significant benefits to both sides: economic and infrastructure recovery and improvement of the humanitarian situation. Kelly explicitly stated that "the responsibility for ending the war lies with Russia and Ukraine" and that "Russia has a great opportunity to achieve a lasting peace.
The U.S. representative drew particular attention to the interference of the DPRK, which is providing forces and resources to Moscow in violation of UN Security Council resolutions.
Kelly's words signal a change in Washington's rhetoric - from unequivocal support for Kyiv to attempts to put public pressure on the Ukrainian leadership.
A breakthrough on the ground: Ukraine and the US Prepare to Sign Strategic Agreement
Ukraine and the United States are close to signing an agreement on a joint fund for investment in natural resources, energy and technology. According to Bloomberg, the document will strengthen the strategic partnership and lay the groundwork for Ukraine's post-war reconstruction.
Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko is on her way to Washington, D.C., where the agreement is expected to be signed. The agreement also stipulates that future U.S. military aid to Ukraine will be counted as a contribution to the fund.
While the final technical structure of the fund has yet to be determined, the document is an important step toward attracting investment for the country's long-term modernization.
State Department accuses DPRK of prolonging war: a direct violation of UN resolutions
Official Washington has publicly placed part of the responsibility for the continuation of the war on North Korea. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said that the DPRK is actively assisting Russia by providing support, including military support. This not only prolongs the fighting, but also violates several UN Security Council resolutions.
The involvement of the North Korean military in hostilities or its training in Russia is particularly dangerous. This statement is further confirmation of the formation of a dangerous bloc of autocracies against the Western coalition.
Outrage in Berlin: Trump's Peace Plan Called "Kremlin's Wish List"
German Green MP Robin Wagener has sharply criticized Donald Trump's so-called peace plan, saying it is "not a peace plan, but a Russian wish list." In his opinion, Europeans should oppose such a "surrender of Ukraine" and ensure that Kyiv has a strong position in the negotiations by providing further military, financial and humanitarian assistance.
"Even in the face of Trump's misguided ideas, we must defend Ukraine with renewed determination," he said.
The statement comes 100 days into Trump's second term and points to a growing rift between the US and leading European countries.
US court saves Radio Liberty from financial blockade: historic decision
A federal court in Washington, D.C., has issued a ruling forcing the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) to disburse congressionally appropriated funds to Radio Liberty for April. The court called the agency's actions "selective and capricious" and threatened RFE/RL's very existence.
The decision allows one of the most important independent media resources countering Russian and other dictatorial propaganda to continue its work.
"Our journalists can continue to do their job of holding dictators and despots accountable," said RFE/RL Executive Director Stephen Capus.
Author: Danylo Pievchev