The situation around the war in Ukraine remains controversial: statements about a possible ceasefire are combined with distrust of Moscow's intentions. Ukraine emphasizes the risks of tactical pauses, while allies continue military and financial support. In parallel, discussions are unfolding within the United States and Europe about the scale and feasibility of aid. This forms a complex political field where diplomacy, security and domestic interests are intertwined.
Zelensky: Russia seeks a ceasefire on May 9 to protect the parade in Moscow
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said, that Ukraine has not received any proposals for a ceasefire on May 9 from either the United States or Russia. According to him, Moscow's initiatives may be related not to a real desire for peace, but to a desire to secure a military parade in the Russian capital.
“Many countries, including Ukraine, commemorate the victims of World War II on May 8. It remains unclear what terms Putin has in mind for a ceasefire,” Zelensky said.
He stressed that the Ukrainian side does not perceive short-term truces as a reliable tool.
The president stressed that Russia could use such pauses for tactical gain, in particular for regrouping forces or an information effect.
“They want the parade to pass peacefully for several hours, and then resume attacks. We do not want any ceasefire to become a tactical deception on the part of the Russian Federation,” he said.
At the same time, Zelensky expressed his readiness to support real initiatives aimed at protecting the civilian population and exchanging prisoners.
“We always respond positively to genuine proposals for a ceasefire with Russia, if any,” the head of state noted.
Pentagon Unblocks $400 Million in Military Aid to Ukraine
The US Department of Defense has authorized the use of $400 million that was previously blocked within the framework of the Ukraine Support Program. Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth reported that these funds have already been released for the conclusion of contracts. This is funding within the framework of the USAI initiative, which provides for the production of weapons by American companies for the needs of the Ukrainian Defense Forces. The decision was confirmed during hearings in the US Congress.
At the same time, the timing of the actual arrival of weapons to Ukraine remains uncertain. According to Hegseth, this depends on specific purchases and production cycles. The process will be coordinated by the US European Command, which determines the priorities for supplies. Similar funding is also provided for 2027, which indicates the long-term nature of this program.
US to provide $100 million for repair of Chernobyl nuclear power plant containment after Russian attack
The United States has announced the allocation of up to $100 million to restore the protective shelter of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, damaged by a Russian drone. The strike, which occurred on February 14, 2025, led to the loss of the structure's tightness. The total cost of the repair is estimated at approximately 500 million euros, and the US contribution will be about a fifth of the required amount. The issue of financing was discussed at the international level with the participation of Ukrainian partners.
Washington emphasized that without the restoration of the shelter, there is a risk of leakage of radioactive materials.
“Without repairs, the NSC will no longer be able to provide adequate protection, creating the threat of a dangerous leakage of highly radioactive material in Europe,” the US government noted.
The American side also called on the G7 countries and European partners to join the financing. The Ukrainian government stressed the importance of this project for European security.
Trump linked the duration of the war to the amount of aid to Ukraine from Biden
US President Donald Trump said, that the significant amount of aid to Ukraine from the previous administration was one of the factors that prolonged the war. According to him, it was about $350 billion, which, in his opinion, was spent without proper return. “Biden gave them $350 billion, which was crazy,” Trump said. He also emphasized that the United States is geographically distant from the conflict, but continues to play a key role in supporting Ukraine.
In addition, Trump commented on his contacts with Putin, noting that he discussed the war with him and possible ways to end it. “We talked more about the war in Ukraine, but he would like to help… I said: before you help me, I want to end your war,” he noted. The president also expressed mixed assessments of the situation on the front and allowed for the possibility of a simultaneous end to the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. His statements sparked discussions about future US policy.
Trump criticizes Merz, saying there are “problems with Ukraine”
US President Donald Trump criticized with sharp criticism of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, accusing him of ineffective management. According to the American leader, the German Chancellor should focus on domestic problems and the war in Ukraine, and not on the conflict with Iran.
“He has problems with immigration, problems with energy, he has problems of all kinds. And he has a big problem with Ukraine,” Trump said. He also called Merz’s performance “terrible.”
Trump noted that the disagreements arose after the German leader criticized US policy.
“He criticized me for this whole Iran thing, but I asked: “Would you like Iran to have nuclear weapons?” He said: No, I wouldn’t. I said: “Well, then I’m right.” He didn’t have an answer for that,” the US president said.
The statements reflect tensions in transatlantic relations amid different approaches to global security.
Photo: REUTERS/Evan Vucci
Author: Danylo Pievchev