Zoriana Stepanenko

Pokrovsk Is In Danger Of Falling To Russia. Ukrainian Soldiers Are Fuming.

Russian forces have gained a foothold inside the Ukrainian-controlled city of Pokrovsk. It’s fraying Ukrainian defenses, stoking frustrations, and worrying experts, who say if the city falls, it will imperil a swath of Ukraine’s frontline defenses. "The situation is on the verge of critical."

Ukraine, European Leaders Anxiously Eye Trump-Putin Summit After White House Meeting

Analysts and Ukrainian lawmakers told RFE/RL that the lack of a commitment on Tomahawk missiles, another summit between Putin and Trump, and the US president’s apparent softening rhetoric towards Putin raises the anxiety level in Kyiv.

European Commission Unveils 'Drone Wall' Plans As Part Of 5-Year Defense Road Map

The European Union has prepared a comprehensive five-year defense strategy, including the creation of a 'drone wall' designed to counter threats from Russia and Belarus.

US Ambassador Whitaker Says Trump Has 'Many' Cards To Bring Peace To Ukraine

US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker says President Donald Trump has "a lot more" cards to play to bring Russia to peace talks with Kyiv as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned what he called a “cynical and calculated" attack by Moscow that left parts of the capital without power.

Bolton: US Attacks 'Show Iran's Weakness' To Its Own People

Two weeks after the US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, former US national security adviser John Bolton said the attacks underline Tehran's inability to defend itself. Bolton spoke to RFE/RL as US President Donald Trump was hosting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Trump Hints At New Sanctions On Russia Amid Ongoing Fighting With Ukraine

The Woes Of The 155th: A French-Trained Brigade’s Problems Highlight Bigger Ukrainian Difficulties

The problems afflicting the 155th Separate Mechanized Brigade illustrate the bigger issues that have plagued Ukraine's military and hampered its ability to fight a larger, better-equipped Russian force.

'In His Own Bubble': Zelenskiy Slams Putin Remarks, Urges More EU Military Aid

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told EU leaders gathered in Brussels on December 19 that continued support in the fight against Russia's invasion is urgent. Energy infrastructure is increasingly under attack, he said, before rejecting the idea that Ukraine might negotiate with Russia.

U.S., U.K. Say Medvedev's Comment Calling NATO Officials 'Legitimate Targets' Irresponsible

The U.K. and U.S. governments on December 18 said the comments of Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev following the assassination of a high-ranking Russian general by Ukrainian security services were irresponsible and yet another sign of Moscow's desperation.

Tensions High At NATO Meeting: Support For Ukraine Top Of Agenda

European security and questions about U.S. support are dominating the NATO foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels this week. With winter looming amid Russian threats to Ukraine's power grid, the alliance's chief pledged continued support for Kyiv.

NATO Holds Drone Drills Using Latest Tactics From Ukraine

NATO allies and over 50 private defense companies gathered at De Peel Air Base in the Netherlands on September 19 to test and learn from Ukrainian drone operators and developers who apply their own innovations on the battlefield.

Are Allies Ready To Allow Ukraine To Strike Deeper Inside Russia?

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has said the use of U.S.-donated weapons for long-range strikes on Russian territory would not turn the tide of the war in Ukraine's favor. Austin spoke on September 6 after a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.

Will Ukraine Get New U.S. Cruise Missiles After Today's Military Aid Meeting?

Ukraine is meeting with allies today at the Ramstein air base in Germany to discuss further military aid. The meeting is with Western allies, NATO and EU members, and others. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is attending personally, planning to ask for U.S. cruise missiles (JASSMs).

EU Ministers To Address Ukrainian Missile Plea

EU Dipomats are meeting to weigh security issues, including Ukraine's quest for approval to strike military targets within Russia. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba says he expects support for the need to suppress "Russian capacity to destroy Ukraine and to advance in the east of my country."

Analyst: Ukraine Seeks 'Strategic Shift' In Kursk

As Ukraine's incursion into Russian territory enters its 10th day, Jacob Kirkegaard of the German Marshall Fund think tank tells RFE/RL the operation could achieve a "strategic shift" in the war.

U.S. Diplomat Says Kyiv's Drive Toward Western Norms Will Thwart Moscow's Aggression

Ukraine's position in its battle to repel invading Russian troops has improved recently and Kyiv's drive to integrate with Western democratic structures will ultimately triumph over Moscow's aggression, says U.S. Assistant Secretary of State James O'Brien.

NATO Allies Map Out Commitments To Ukraine, ‘Irreversible’ Path To Membership

NATO leaders meeting in Washington renewed their support for Ukraine, and said that fighter jets newly promised to the Kyiv will be flying over the country “this summer.” The allies stated that Ukraine’s path toward joining the alliance is “irreversible,” but they have yet to set a time frame.

Biden Says NATO Is 'Stronger Than Ever' As Alliance Marks 75th Anniversary

NATO leaders gathered in Washington on July 9 to celebrate the alliance's founding 75 years ago. U.S. President Joe Biden said NATO is ready to meet the challenges it now faces, including Russia's war in Ukraine, as he announced a new donation of air defense systems for the embattled country.

NATO Leaders Gather For Summit In Washington With Eyes On Ukraine War, U.S. Politics

A NATO summit is taking place in Washington, D.C., as the alliance marks 75 years since its founding. RFE/RL's Zoriana Stepanenko reports that the war in Ukraine is at the top of the agenda, but many allies are also focused on the U.S. presidential election and its implications for NATO's future.

Ukrainian Peace Summit Wraps With Pledge To Invite Russia To The Table

An international summit has ended in Switzerland with countries agreeing to the principles of a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia and a pledge to invite Russia to a second international conference.