Despite loud signals from allies about tightening sanctions against Russia and supporting Ukraine, Washington has yet to take decisive steps to end the war between Russia and Ukraine justly. Zelensky returned from the G7 summit without tangible results. The Senate postponed sanctions decisions due to the war between Iran and Israel. The U.S. response to Russia's massive strikes on Kyiv was belated. Meanwhile, Ukraine is moving toward long-term defense initiatives to maintain its strategic partnership.
Zelensky left the G7 summit without securing military aid
President Zelensky left the G7 summit in Canmore (Alberta, Canada) with only Canada's commitment to provide Ukraine with a $2 billion military package, but he did not meet with Trump and did not receive new guarantees from the US.
Zelenskyy called the situation a "diplomatic crisis" and urged the world to continue pressuring Washington. This occurred amid a significant divide within the G7 — the U.S., led by Trump, opposes tough sanctions against Russia, while other countries advocate for their reinforcement.
Zelensky drew attention to the dangerous vacuum in the transatlantic alliance, stressing the importance of Donald Trump realizing his key role in supporting Ukraine.
Defense negotiations
The Ukrainian delegation, led by First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, held talks with the U.S. about expanding the joint investment fund in the defense sector.
The possibility of allocating funds for producing air defense systems, particularly the Patriot system, and modernizing the Armed Forces of Ukraine is being considered. Zelensky previously called for permission to purchase and produce air defense systems based on American technology locally, but no new military aid packages have been announced by Washington yet.
Kyiv is trying to establish long-term financial mechanisms to consolidate defense cooperation with the U.S. and make the partnership with America more structured and stable in order to withstand the escalation of the current war.
The largest night attack on Kyiv
Russia carried out one of the largest attacks on Kyiv since the full-scale invasion began. More than 472 drones and 32 missiles were fired at the city, killing at least 28 people (including one U.S. citizen) and injuring about 134. The damage to infrastructure was nearly catastrophic. Ukraine called the strike "one of the most horrific of the entire war" and urged its allies to strongly condemn Moscow's actions.
The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv condemned the attack and expressed condolences to the victims' families. Meanwhile, the White House's response was rather slow; the Trump administration did not immediately issue a statement but commented on the event later.
Merz expects new US sanctions against Russia
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he hopes the United States will soon announce a new package of sanctions against Russia. He made this statement after the G7 summit in Canada, stressing that the international community must do everything possible to end Russia's war against Ukraine as soon as possible. According to Merz, the ball is now in Moscow's court — Russia must stop its aggression to pave the way for peace.
Israel and Iran divert US attention from the war in Ukraine
However, the U.S. postponed the adoption of a new package of sanctions against Russia and its allies until at least July, citing the Middle East crisis as a higher priority.
According to Semafor, Congress and the administration are now focusing on the escalation between Israel and Iran. Among the initiatives that have been postponed is Donald Trump's bill for a large-scale tax cut.
Senator Tommy Tuberville said he supports sanctions against Russia, though he acknowledged the shift in political focus. His colleague, Senator Lindsey Graham, assured that he has not forgotten the threat from Moscow but noted that it will be necessary to "wait a little longer."
The publication notes that the sanctions represented a rare moment of unity within the Republican Party, which is divided on the issue of providing aid to Ukraine. However, progress is blocked without Trump's consent; he has not yet approved the bill. The delay in making a decision reduces pressure on the Kremlin and signals the new administration's strategic priorities: the war in Ukraine is no longer the focus of Washington's attention.
Multiple citizenship law: Ukraine Opens Its Doors to the Diaspora
The Ukrainian parliament has passed a law allowing Ukrainians to hold multiple citizenships in response to the demographic crisis caused by the war and in an effort to reconnect with the approximately 25 million-strong diaspora. Ukrainian citizens will now be able to retain their foreign passports, which will facilitate the return of refugees and attract foreign specialists and investment.
The new rule also simplifies the process of obtaining citizenship for foreigners serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and children of Ukrainians born abroad.
Author: Danylo Pievchev