Kyiv

A long-standing dispute dating back to World War II is straining an alliance that Ukraine considers pivotal to its defense, according to the Wall Street Journal. The report highlights how historical grievances between partners supporting Kyiv are complicating cooperation at a time when Ukraine depends heavily on unified Western backing to sustain its war effort against Russia.

Ukraine says it hit six strategic oil refineries in Russia in a single week, with targets located up to 1,600 kilometres behind the front line. Kyiv's defence officials describe the facilities as key suppliers of fuel to Russia's occupation forces and defence industry, framing the campaign as a direct answer to Russian attacks on Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has spoken out following a wave of overnight attacks attributed to Russian forces, addressing his appeal directly to US President Donald Trump and the European Union. The statement underscores Kyiv's continued push for stronger air defence support and Western backing as strikes on Ukrainian territory persist.

Up to €20 billion in unallocated funds from the EU's SAFE defence instrument could be directed to Ukraine, according to TVP World reporting. The Security Action for Europe programme, a €150 billion loan facility for joint defence procurement, has seen slower uptake by member states than planned, leaving surplus cash that Brussels is considering channeling toward Kyiv's defence needs as the war with Russia continues.

Ukraine has launched drone strikes on Russia, with reports indicating its drones hit Russian targets at a three-to-one ratio. The strikes highlight Kyiv's growing reliance on long-range unmanned aircraft to strike deep inside Russian territory as the war grinds on. Observers are weighing what the reported advantage means for the balance of the drone war between the two countries.

Donald Trump has asserted striking figures for casualties in the Russia-Ukraine war, a claim highlighted by Fox News coverage. The remarks feed an ongoing debate over the true human cost of the conflict, as independent casualty counts remain contested and estimates from Kyiv, Moscow and Western sources differ widely.

Reports say Russia carried out large-scale strikes on Kyiv, claiming to have hit military hubs and what it described as NATO specialists in the Ukrainian capital. The claims, circulating widely online, have not been independently verified, and Ukraine has not confirmed casualties or damage at the reported targets. The strikes fit the ongoing pattern of Russian air attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and military positions.

Former Ukrainian defense minister Oleksii Fedorov has announced a new initiative called the 'Army of Robots', marking his latest move since leaving office. The project, covered by The Kyiv Independent, signals his continued focus on defense innovation after his tenure. Details about the initiative's scope, funding, and partners have not yet been made public.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an evening video address that Russia is not currently preparing to end the war against Ukraine. His remarks underscore Kyiv's view that Moscow retains no intention of halting hostilities despite ongoing international discussion of possible peace efforts. The statement is drawing attention amid continued fighting and diplomatic uncertainty over how, or when, the conflict might be brought to a close.

Belarus has announced it is ready to facilitate talks aimed at resolving the war in Ukraine, according to a report by the Anadolu Agency. The statement positions Minsk, a close ally of Moscow, as a potential mediator in negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. It remains unclear whether Kyiv or Western governments would accept Belarus in any such facilitative role.

Donald Trump refused to say whether Ukraine should be allowed to manufacture Patriot missiles to defend itself against Russian attacks, sidestepping the question when pressed by reporters. His non-answer comes as Kyiv continues seeking stronger air defenses and as Washington weighs how far to support Ukraine's weapons production and military needs.

A Wall Street Journal report says a dispute rooted in World War II history is endangering an alliance important to Ukraine's war effort. The friction is widely understood to involve historical grievances between Ukraine and Poland, a key Kyiv partner, where wartime massacres and contested memory politics have repeatedly strained relations. Observers warn the rift could complicate Western support for Ukraine at a critical stage of the war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with CIA Director John Ratcliffe in Ireland, according to EA WorldView's Ukraine VideoCast discussion. The episode examines what the unusual meeting venue and agenda could signal for US-Ukraine intelligence cooperation and the ongoing war with Russia. Details of what was discussed remain limited, prompting speculation about Washington's current approach to Kyiv.