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So all the media circus surrounding Zelensky's meeting with Trump, his refusal to accept a cease fire, rumors that funding was going to get cut off, what became of that? When I check this thread all I see is business as usual, more people being killed on both sides. Has anything changed?
In Kyiv, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with United States Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal, representing the U.S. Republican and Democratic parties.
The key topics of the meeting included a U.S. legislative initiative to strengthen sanctions against Russia, coordination of diplomatic efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace, and the development of bilateral relations between Ukraine and the United States.
The Head of State thanked both chambers and parties of Congress, as well as all American people, for their steadfast support of Ukraine. He also expressed particular gratitude to the President of the United States, Donald Trump, for his efforts to bring the war to an end.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also thanked the U.S. senators for visiting the site of the missile strike in Kyiv, where, on the night of April 24, Russia killed 13 people. The President emphasized that Ukraine values this gesture of support and solidarity.
They discussed the meeting in Istanbul and its sole outcome that Russia did not block – an exchange of prisoners. The President noted that Ukraine remains ready for constructive negotiations, but the Russian side cannot even define the agenda of the meeting planned for June 2 in Istanbul. Russia shows a desire for peace only in statements, while instead preparing for new offensive operations.
At the same time, Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal emphasized that Russian propaganda is trying to impose on the world the idea of Russia’s successes on the battlefield, but this does not reflect reality, and Ukraine continues to stand strong in its fight against the aggressor.
Particular attention was paid to increasing pressure on Russia. Volodymyr Zelenskyy commended the bill introduced by Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal to impose new sanctions against Russia and called on the U.S. Senate to consider it. According to the Head of State, it is important to strengthen sanctions targeting the energy and banking sectors, as well as to lower the price cap on Russian oil to USD 30. In addition, the President emphasized the need to introduce secondary sanctions against companies that help the Russian Federation circumvent existing restrictions.
Other important topics included strengthening Ukraine’s air defense to protect civilians from constant Russian missile and drone attacks, and the possibility of using funds from frozen Russian assets.
Special emphasis was placed on the return of Ukrainian children who have been deported or forcibly transferred by Russia. The President thanked the United States for its support and stressed that Ukraine will continue to bring home all deported children and all Ukrainian civilians who have been abducted by Russian occupiers.
The parties also discussed the Agreement on the Establishment of the U.S. – Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund. Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine is proposing the conclusion of free trade and defense cooperation agreements with the United States, which, together with the agreement on the investment fund, will strengthen bilateral relations and promote greater trade between the two countries.
Sleepwalking into WW3
Russia just experienced a Pearl Harbor moment right as "peace talks" were supposed to be ongoing. There can be no mistake who is provoking further conflict now.
Degrading a countries nuclear deterrence is a bold strategy Cotton. Could you imagine if this happened to us??!
The response will be something nobody should be surprised at...something nobody wants to see.
Trump is going to be livid at this.
The Russian Ministry of Defence confirms that Belaya, Olenya, Diaghilev, Ivanovo Severny and a 5th airbase, Ukrainsk, were attacked by Ukrainian FPV drones. They stated that fires broke out at Belaya and Olenya, but that the attacks on the other 3 Airbases were repelled. They also claimed that there were no casualties among military personnel or civilians, and that some of the participants have been detained.
Confirmed hits by Ukrainian drones so far:
5 Tu-95MS strategic bombers, 4 at Olenya and 1 at Belaya (not 6 like previously said)
2 Tu-22M3 strategic bombers, both at Belaya
1 An-12 cargo plane at Olenya.
There are unconfirmed reports of 2 Tu-160s being hit too, and there is footage of at least 2 more fires burning at Belaya Airbase, however the source of these fires has not been determined. Then there's the explosions reported at Diaghilev and Ivanovo Severny Airbases. This confirmed number is almost certainly going to increase further.
Edit.Lindsey Graham has officially arrived in Ukraine to meet with President Zelensky, whom he once called "the ally I’ve been hoping for all my life."
His visit follows a growing split with President Trump over Russia and Ukraine, with Graham threatening to go over Trump’s head to help end the war.
He now plans to use the Senate to take action he says Trump hasn’t—by pushing for severe sanctions against Russia.
Head of the Security Service of Ukraine Vasyl Maliuk delivered a report regarding today’s operation. An absolutely brilliant result. A result achieved solely by Ukraine. One year, six months, and nine days from the start of planning to effective execution. Our most long-range operation. Our people involved in preparing the operation were withdrawn from Russian territory in time. I thanked General Maliuk for this success of Ukraine. I instructed the Security Service of Ukraine to inform the public about the details and results of the operation that can be disclosed. Of course, not everything can be revealed at this moment, but these are Ukrainian actions that will undoubtedly be in history books. Ukraine is defending itself, and rightly so – we are doing everything to make Russia feel the need to end this war. Russia started this war, Russia must end it. Glory to Ukraine!