The U.S. budget proposal for 2026 includes a reduction in funding for arms supplies to Ukraine. Against this backdrop, it was announced that the negotiations with Russia would be moved to Moscow, despite its ongoing massive shelling of civilian targets in Ukraine. Kharkiv, Kyiv, Odesa, and other cities were recently hit by drones, prompting influential US politicians to sound the alarm.
New US-Russia negotiations are set to take place in Moscow
The US and Russia are preparing for a new round of negotiations, which this time will take place in Moscow, according to the new Russian ambassador to Washington, Alexander Darchiev. According to him, the restoration of Russian-American relations is still a long way off, and he named the US “deep state” and anti-Russian congressmen as the main obstacles. Previous talks were held in Istanbul, but now the parties are returning to direct dialogue on Russian territory.
These negotiations are taking place amid one of the deepest crises between Moscow and the West since the Cold War. The Donald Trump administration openly views the war in Ukraine as a proxy conflict between the US and Russia and warns of the risks of escalation into a world war. Despite the critical state of relations, diplomatic channels remain open, albeit with minimal expectations.
The U.S. is reducing military support, and Europe is calling for responsibility
The proposed U.S. defense budget for 2026 calls for reduced military aid to Ukraine, shifting the focus to diplomacy and bolstering the role of NATO and European allies. Secretary of Defense Pete Hagert explained that the U.S. is prioritizing negotiations while delegating primary responsibility for the continent's security to Europe.
Meanwhile, the European Commission unveiled the 18th package of sanctions against Russia, designed to reduce its energy revenues.
Specifically, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has introduced a reduction in the price cap on Russian oil from $60 to $45 per barrel, which is intended to limit the Kremlin's profits from energy exports. These exports account for one-third of Russia's budget revenues. The package also includes sanctions against the Russian banking sector and defense industry.
"We need to cut off this source of revenue," von der Leyen stressed.
The US must support Ukraine in its fight for freedom, says Marcy Kaptur
Co-chair of the Ukrainian Caucus in the US Congress, Democratic Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur urges newly appointed Defense Secretary Pete Hagseth to cooperate more actively with Ukraine.
During congressional hearings, she emphasized that the United States should not turn away from Kyiv but rather help Ukraine achieve victory in its fight for freedom.
"Ukraine has been at war for over ten years. What they have done with drones is impressive, and it will change the course of the war," she said.
Kaptur asked Hagseth directly what he was doing to strengthen relations with Ukraine and how he planned to avoid repeating the current administration's mistakes. Kaptur added that Ukraine is fighting not only for itself, but also for the entire free world. In her opinion, this is the greatest test of NATO's ability to defend freedom during her entire political career.
The U.S. is preparing to tighten sanctions against Russia
This week, the U.S. Senate may officially register Senator Lindsey Graham's bill on new sanctions against the Russian Federation.
According to Vladislav Vlasyuk, Ukraine's representative on sanctions policy, the likelihood of the bill's passage has increased significantly following the Ukrainian delegation's recent visit to the US. Regardless of Donald Trump's political position, the initiative is expected to receive support, indicating broad consensus within the American establishment.
The bill increases pressure on the Russian oil and gas sector and contains provisions consistent with sanctions imposed by other countries.
Vlasyuk stressed that the goal of coordinated international sanctions is to force Russia into real peace talks. If the bill is introduced this week, it will send a clear message that the US is firmly supporting Ukraine in its fight against the aggressor.
Russian attacks on civilian targets
On the night of June 11, Russian forces launched a massive drone attack on Kharkiv using approximately 17 Geran-2 UAVs, 13 KABs, two Molniya drones, and two FPV drones. The strikes hit the Osnovyansky and Slobidsky districts. The drones targeted residential buildings, playgrounds, businesses, a trolleybus depot, and other civilian infrastructure. The shelling resulted in fires, destroyed roofs, burned-out cars, and damaged public transportation.
At least 64 people were injured, including eight children. At least three civilians were killed. One woman is in extremely serious condition, and eleven people, including three children aged two, thirteen, and fifteen, were hospitalized. Rescuers are searching for an elderly woman who may be trapped under the rubble. This is one of the largest attacks on Kharkiv in recent weeks.
Photo: Facebook
Author: Danylo Pievchev