Modern Ukrainian contrasts. Some save a camel, others repair equipment… pic.twitter.com/iAKkiYLO5Y

— MAKS 25 (@Maks_NAFO_FELLA) October 27, 2025

 In the video, released by one of the Ukrainian army units, Ukrainian army fighters can be seen standing next to a damaged M-113 APC that was hit and working to repair it. A few seconds after the video starts, a white pickup truck arrives from the front, carrying several more fighters, with a two-humped camel walking behind it, tied with a rope.

The unit that posted the video explained the camel was taken from a Russian position captured in a Ukrainian attack and that the animal, which is not found in the plains of eastern Ukraine, was wandering confused near the position. Russian army forces are known to use animals for transport or mobility purposes for fighters, as their units struggle increasingly with shortages of motorized vehicles damaged by Ukrainian fire. In the past, videos were released of Russian soldiers using horses, mules, and donkeys to move around the combat zone, which is full of mines and subject to constant threat from Ukrainian drones.

Bactrian camel somewhere in Russia or eastern Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/trbcEZVqDz

— History of Khorâsân and the Persianate World (@BiruniKhorasan) December 15, 2024

 The two-humped camel, or Bactrian camel by its scientific name, is a beast of burden domesticated in the deserts of Central Asia, and its thick fur provides protection not only from the heavy heat prevailing in the deserts during summer months but also from the cold and snows of winter. These camels can easily withstand the harsh Ukrainian winter and can carry a large amount of equipment.

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In addition to the arms deal, Kyiv is proposing a $50 billion joint venture to co-produce drones with Ukrainian companies, leveraging their extensive wartime experience. The proposal is crafted to align with President Donald Trump's priorities.

The document serves as Ukraine's counteroffer following President Trump's recent alignment with Russia's position after his meeting with Vladimir Putin in Alaska over the weekend. Ukraine emphasizes that "lasting peace will rely not on concessions and free gifts to Putin but on a robust security framework to prevent future aggression."

Kyiv also rejects Putin's proposal, conveyed to Trump, to freeze the front line in exchange for Ukraine's withdrawal from Donetsk and Luhansk provinces, arguing it would create "a foothold for rapid Russian advances toward Dnipro city."

The document highlights Russian media's mockery of Trump, citing Russian television host Vladimir Solovyov, who ridiculed the American president's "threats" against Russia, claiming Moscow could "destroy the United States with nuclear weapons."

At the heart of the White House discussions was the issue of security guarantees for Ukraine – a mechanism described by Steve Witkoff, Trump's envoy, as "similar to Article 5" of the NATO treaty, which mandates mutual defense among member states. Leading this effort are the "coalition of the willing" nations – primarily European powers that pledged in Washington on Monday to guarantee Ukraine's security. Britain has expressed readiness to deploy troops and aircraft in Ukraine, while France and Germany are considering similar measures. The United States, however, is not expected to send American troops but will provide support through weapons, intelligence, and other means.

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Multiple European leaders joined Zelenskyy's Washington journey for diplomatic discussions with Trump concerning potential pathways to conclude the prolonged conflict. Through a Truth Social message late Sunday evening, Trump appeared to establish conditions for Monday's negotiations, generating a potentially adversarial environment for discussions with his Ukrainian counterpart.

Trump declared, "President Zelenskyy of Ukraine can end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to, or he can continue to fight. Remember how it started. No getting back Obama given Crimea (12 years ago, without a shot being fired!), and NO GOING INTO NATO BY UKRAINE. Some things never change!!!"

Shortly afterward, Zelenskyy issued his own response, restating that "we all share a strong desire to end this war quickly and reliably" while referencing his own conditions regarding territorial compromises and security assurances, emphasizing durable peace requirements.

Zelenskyy wrote in a post to X: "Peace must be lasting. Not like it was years ago, when Ukraine was forced to give up Crimea and part of our East – part of Donbas – and Putin simply used it as a springboard for a new attack. Or when Ukraine was given so called 'security guarantees' in 1994, but they didn't work."

Reports indicated Trump expressed confidence that Putin would accept an arrangement if Ukraine relinquished its easternmost Donbas region, including territories Russia doesn't currently control. Zelenskyy previously cautioned that such surrender would cost Ukraine key defensive positions and increase vulnerability to future Russian assaults.

The Ukrainian president made certain to express appreciation for Trump's efforts, which the Trump administration previously accused him of neglecting during their explosive confrontation in the Oval Office in February, declaring that "our people will always be grateful to President Trump."

Monday's emergency meeting in the US capital was arranged by Trump following his Alaska summit with Putin on Friday. The US president, who warmly welcomed Putin to American territory, promoted those discussions as an opportunity for potential trilateral peace negotiations with Zelenskyy – yet they ended without agreement and no ceasefire was visible.

Following a conversation with his European colleagues after that encounter, Trump stated: "it was determined by all that the best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine is to go directly to a Peace Agreement, which would end the war, and not a mere Ceasefire Agreement, which often times do not hold up."

European leaders welcomed Trump's trilateral peace talk proposal following Friday's meeting, yet maintained caution that Monday's summit might repeat Zelenskyy's winter Oval Office experience, when Trump and Vice President JD Vance publicly confronted the Ukrainian leader.

To demonstrate Kyiv support – and guarantee any agreement prevents Putin concessions – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb will participate in Monday's conference. Despite his sharp message to Zelenskyy on Sunday, Trump appeared enthusiastic about hosting the European leadership group.

Trump wrote in a separate post: "Big day at the White House tomorrow. Never had so many European Leaders at one time. My great honor to host them!!!"

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Subkh welcomes what he calls a "positive change" in Israel's position. "We are grateful to Minister Sa'ar for condemning Russian attacks against civilians at the press conference," he said, noting this was the first time a senior Israeli official at such a level explicitly named Russia in this context. "We hope Israel will voice its position more strongly regarding the crimes being committed by Russia on Ukrainian territory, preferably by the highest-ranking officials."

The triangular relationship between Israel-Ukraine-Russia has not changed much during the war. Israel seeks to maintain correct relations with Moscow to protect its interests and strengthen or distance them according to global developments, while it openly supports Ukraine's territorial integrity but refrains from sending, selling, or transferring Israeli weapons through third parties to Kyiv. "Israel maintains direct dialogue with Moscow," Subkh said, recalling Israel's participation in the Victory Parade on May 9 – "We were not pleased with the participation," he admitted.

However, Subkh expresses appreciation for Israeli humanitarian aid. "During the conversation, Minister Sa'ar noted that MASHAV (the Center for International Cooperation at the Israeli Foreign Ministry) has only two aid targets – the Druze in Syria and Ukraine. This proves Ukraine holds a special place," he said, adding that Sa'ar announced water systems for southern regions affected by the war, following the transfer of warning systems and the field hospital that operated in the country throughout the war.

Last weekend, Russia launched 235 drones and 27 missiles in a massive attack on the city of Dnipro and its surrounding region, killing three civilians and wounding six. "A terrible night. A massive combined attack on the region," the regional governor wrote on Telegram, alongside photos of destroyed buildings and burned cars. The nighttime alerts and attacks are a reality for a long line of cities across Ukraine, including the capital Kyiv. Additional air defense systems are at the top of Ukraine's current priority list for military aid. "We desperately need to defend our skies. There is no safe place in Ukraine right now," Subkh emphasized in the interview. He clarified that Ukraine is prepared to purchase defense systems with full payment – "We are not asking for them for free. We have our own funding."

He also addressed reports about Patriot systems returned to the US from Israel – and then transferred to Kyiv. "There was so much commotion in the media around this issue," Subkh said, adding, "It's incorrect to think Israel supplies the necessary equipment directly to Ukraine. Partners are willing to facilitate equipment supply." Particularly interesting to Kyiv are Israeli technologies against drones – "Certain types of technologies Israel has, we urgently need them."

Although Israel has refused so far to transfer weapons to Kyiv, it agreed to launch a "strategic dialogue on the Iranian threat" – a move that could lead to intelligence and technological collaboration in the future. "There is a need to establish a communication line between Ukraine and Israel on the Iranian threat," Subkh explained. "You have a lot of information, sometimes unique, about Iran. We also have important information that could help Israel in dealing with the Iranian threat." Both sides agreed to establish a joint working group comprising representatives from various government ministries to monitor the process and foster cooperation.

Ukrainian intelligence across its various bodies has demonstrated impressive capabilities throughout the war, including complex operations deep in Russian territory, involving assassinations of senior officials, and, of course, the drone operation that severely damaged Moscow's strategic bomber fleet. Additionally, they have struck Russian forces and their allies worldwide in Syria, Sudan, and West Africa.

Subkh views the Israeli strike on Iranian capabilities very positively. "Apparently, the US and Israeli attacks against Iranian nuclear facilities threw the Iranian program back for a long period," he said, adding, "This is positive, I hope." When asked whether the damage to Iran's military capabilities will reduce supply to Russia, he responds confidently, "I believe so." According to him, "The less Russia depends on Iranian military equipment, the weaker Russia becomes," which is why Moscow turned to North Korea – "to compensate for what it doesn't receive from Iran."

The Ukrainian diplomat does not spare harsh criticism of Iran. "Iran is a partner in the crime of aggression against Ukraine because Iran supplies drones and drone technologies to Russia," he accused. "We have never heard from the Iranian government statements saying they condemn or at least oppose the use of Iranian drone technologies or Iranian-made drones against Ukraine. They have never done this, despite being able to."

He added that "I think the Iranian people deserve a better future, they are not satisfied with the regime they have. I don't think any nation would be happy to live under severe sanctions for decades." He added that he believes "positive changes might also happen in Iran."

The war in Ukraine has become a perfect example of the new warfare era – the drone age. From observation to attack, from intercepting UAVs to complex missions, drones have become a central tool on the battlefield. Against this backdrop, President Zelenskyy presented Minister Sa'ar with a cooperation proposal. "Israel can join our programs and benefit from Ukraine's extensive knowledge and expertise in drone production," Subkh recounted. "We have unique knowledge and experience; what's missing is funding," adding that Kyiv is also open to the possibility of drone production taking place outside Ukraine.

Regarding Gaza, Subkh presents the official Ukrainian position. "The humanitarian situation in Gaza is very serious," he said, noting that Ukraine supplied the Strip with at least 7,000 tons of grain and wheat as part of the "Grain from Ukraine" program. Kyiv supports increasing humanitarian aid to the Strip, a position that aligns with that of the European Union. In the same breath, he emphasized, "We condemn everything Hamas did and does, and we do not see Hamas as part of Gaza's future."

Outside the magnificent building of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, which was home to the headquarters of Ukraine's Communist Party before the USSR's collapse, a funeral is taking place for a senior commander killed in battle. Two long rows of officers and comrades-in-arms escort his coffin into the cathedral, passing by, kneeling. For now, Ukraine is "holding the line," but is also desperately calling for help.

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The July 4 conversation between the American and Ukrainian leaders represents a dramatic shift from Trump's previous position on Russia's war and his campaign commitment to withdraw US involvement from foreign conflicts. Trump's inquiry came after what he characterized as a "bad" phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin the previous day, sources familiar with the matter told The Financial Times.

During the Independence Day call, Trump directly questioned his Ukrainian counterpart about striking military installations deep within Russian territory if provided with appropriate weaponry, according to two officials briefed on the conversation. "Volodymyr, can you hit Moscow? Can you hit St Petersburg too?" Trump asked during the call, the sources revealed to The Financial Times.

Zelenskyy responded affirmatively, stating "Absolutely. We can if you give us the weapons," according to the officials. Trump expressed support for the approach, describing the strategy as designed to "make them [Russians] feel the pain" and compel the Kremlin toward negotiations, the two sources told The Financial Times.

The conversation reflects growing sentiment among Ukraine's western partners to provide long-range weapons capable of "bringing the war to Muscovites," according to a western official informed of the call. This perspective has been echoed privately by American officials in recent weeks, The Financial Times reported.

The White House and Ukraine's presidential office declined to respond to requests for comment from The Financial Times.

The Trump-Zelenskyy discussion resulted in US officials sharing a list of potential weapons systems with the Ukrainian president during a Rome meeting last week, according to three sources with knowledge of the exchange. Zelenskyy received the catalog of long-range strike systems that could potentially be made available to Ukraine through third-party transfers during meetings with US defense officials and intermediaries from NATO governments.

This arrangement would enable Trump to bypass the current congressional freeze on direct US military aid by authorizing weapons sales to European allies, who would subsequently transfer the systems to Kyiv, sources explained to The Financial Times.

Ukrainian officials had specifically requested Tomahawk missiles – precision strike cruise missiles with approximately 1,600-kilometer (994-mile) range. However, the Trump administration, like its predecessor, expressed concerns about Ukraine's potential lack of restraint, according to a source familiar with the weapons list shared with Zelenskyy.

During an Oval Office meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Monday, Trump announced plans to provide Ukraine with Patriot air defense systems and interceptor missiles but did not reveal shipments of other weapons systems, The Financial Times reported.

Trump expressed his displeasure with Russia and Putin over the absence of progress toward ending the war. "I'm disappointed in President [Vladimir] Putin, because I thought we would have had a deal two months ago," the US president stated.

Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chair of Russia's security council and former interim president, dismissed Trump's decision on social media. "Trump issued a theatrical ultimatum to the Kremlin Russia didn't care," Medvedev wrote on X.

Two sources briefed on the Trump-Zelenskyy call and familiar with US-Ukraine military strategy discussions indicated that the Army Tactical Missile System, or Atacms, was among the weapons discussed, according to The Financial Times.

Ukraine has deployed US-supplied Atacms missiles with ranges up to 300 kilometers (186 miles) to strike targets in Russian-occupied territory and, in some instances, deeper inside Russia. The Atacms can be launched from HIMARS rocket systems that the Biden administration delivered to Ukraine, but they lack sufficient range to reach Moscow or St Petersburg.

Russia has repeatedly threatened to attack western targets in response to western weapons supplies to Ukraine but has not yet acted on these warnings, The Financial Times reported.

After Ukraine first used the Atacms system to strike military targets inside Russian sovereign territory last November, Putin declared the war had "taken on elements of a global nature" and responded by test-firing the Oreshnik, an experimental intermediate-range missile, on the city of Dnipro.

The Russian president stated Moscow was entitled to "use our weaponry against military facilities of countries that allow their weapons to be used against our facilities, and in the case the aggressive action escalates, we will respond just as decisively and symmetrically."

Following the Atacms strikes, Russia published an updated nuclear doctrine that lowered the threshold for potential use. The changes could envision a Russian nuclear first strike against the US, UK and France – NATO's three nuclear powers – in response to Ukraine's strikes on Russia with weapons such as the Atacms and Storm Shadow missiles, The Financial Times reported.

Washington has periodically warned Ukraine against using these weapons to strike deep inside Russia, but those constraints appear to be loosening currently. Ukraine has primarily used its own domestically-produced long-range drones to strike military targets deep inside Russia that fuel its war machine.

Ukraine's most audacious attack occurred in early June, when the SBU security service launched swarms of suicide drones hidden inside prefabricated homes that it smuggled into Russia and attacked the country's fleet of strategic bombers. The planes had been used in Moscow's bombardments of Ukrainian cities throughout the war. At least 12 aircraft were heavily damaged or destroyed in what Kyiv called Operation Spiderweb, according to The Financial Times.

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The defensive operation claimed the life of Ukrainian F-16 pilot Maksym Ustymenko, who perished after successfully destroying seven attacking drones while attempting to intercept additional aircraft. His aircraft sustained damage and entered a descent, according to air force commanders. "Maksym did everything he could to steer the aircraft away from a populated area. He didn't have time to eject."

Last night, during a massive enemy air attack, First Class Pilot Lieutenant Colonel Maksym Ustymenko, born in 1993, was killed in action flying an F-16.

Maksym did everything he could to steer the aircraft away from a populated area. He didn't have time to eject…

Our deepest… pic.twitter.com/dekUks3rYW

— Ukrainian Air Force (@KpsZSU) June 29, 2025

Ukrainian defensive forces managed to intercept 436 drones and 38 missiles, supported by American F-16 fighters whose crews eliminated "dozens" of assault drones. Air force leadership stressed that "Ukrainian pilots face extraordinary dangers in their missions."

The Russian offensive prompted neighboring Poland to deploy fighter aircraft and activate air defense networks. Polish armed forces' operational headquarters declared that "complete mobilization of available assets occurred, with combat aircraft launching and air defense plus radar installations achieving maximum operational status." The elevated alert lasted two hours before officials announced a "threat level reduction."

Vladimir Putin authorized the operation through Russia's defense ministry, which characterized it as "a comprehensive attack using precision extended-range weaponry from aerial, maritime and terrestrial platforms, including Kinzhal hypersonic aeroballistic missiles and unmanned systems, targeting military-industrial facilities and petroleum refineries throughout Ukraine."

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that a residential structure in Smila city, located near the central Cherkasy, suffered damage, resulting in injuries to one child. Zelenskyy declared his intention to investigate Ustymenko's death while stating, "Ukrainian aircrews defend our skies with valor. Gratitude to all who protect Ukraine."

"Moscow will continue these operations as long as it maintains the capability for massive strikes," Zelenskyy declared. "Putin made his decision long ago to persist in warfare despite international peace appeals. We must conclude this conflict, we must pressure the aggressor, we require protection. Ukraine must enhance its aerial defenses. We need American systems and stand ready to purchase them. We depend on the leadership, political determination, and backing of the United States, Europe, and our allied nations."

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President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he is proposing an unconditional 30-day ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war. He threatened, "If the ceasefire is not respected, the US and its partners will impose further sanctions."

Trump wrote in a social media post that he "will remain committed" to peace between Ukraine and Russia, contradicting statements from his administration last month that emphasized the US might withdraw from talks if negotiations didn't advance. The president posted on Truth Social that "This ceasefire must ultimately build toward a Peace Agreement. It can all be done very quickly, and I will be available on a moment's notice if my services are needed."

Talks with Russia/Ukraine continue. The U.S. calls for, ideally, a 30-day unconditional ceasefire. Hopefully, an acceptable ceasefire will be observed, and both Countries will be held accountable for respecting the sanctity of these direct negotiations. If the ceasefire is not…

— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) May 8, 2025

Trump noted that both countries would be responsible for maintaining any potential ceasefire, without directly blaming Russia. Negotiations for "lasting peace" would continue with European leaders, he added, as many Europeans had previously feared possible exclusion from Ukraine talks.

On Wednesday, Vice President JD Vance said Russia was "asking for too much" to end the war, and stated at the Munich leadership meeting that Russia had rejected calls for a 30-day ceasefire and that the US would seek a long-term solution. Vance added that there is a "large gap" between Russia and Ukraine, and that both sides would need to sit together to formulate an actual deal.

After a difficult start where Trump attacked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a "dictator without elections" and used the same term during their meeting in the Oval Office in February, the US and Ukraine signed an economic agreement last week to harness Ukraine's "rare materials" and create an investment fund to help Ukraine rebuild after the war ends. The deal came after Trump and Zelenskyy met before Pope Francis' funeral at the Vatican.

Trump turned to his social media platform, Truth Social, shortly after meeting with Zelenskyy, expressing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying he might not want to stop the war. Trump's criticism also came after Russia expanded its ground offensive and attacked Kyiv with a series of deadly missile strikes. Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, responded that they are ready to reach an agreement.

"Ukraine is ready for a complete ceasefire starting now, from this very moment – 30 days of silence," Zelenskyy wrote on X following Trump's social media post. "A ceasefire, sustained and credible, will be a true indicator of movement toward peace."

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French President Emmanuel Macron intends to persuade European Union countries to stop purchasing American defense equipment and instead buy European-made alternatives, POLITICO reported.

Macron, who has long advocated directing defense spending toward EU products, expressed his desire to convince European nations that have grown accustomed to American military hardware to shift to local options. "My intention is to go and convince European states that have become accustomed to buying American," he said in an interview with several French media including Nice-Matin and Le Parisien.

The French president specifically mentioned alternatives to popular American systems. "Those who buy Patriot should be offered the new-generation Franco-Italian SAMP/T. Those who buy the F-35, should be offered the Rafale. That's the way to increase the rate of production," Macron stated.

Macron's comments come at a time when European NATO members have grown increasingly dependent on US weapons, POLITICO noted. This month, both the Netherlands and Belgium confirmed they would continue purchasing American-made F-35 fighter jets, while Portugal is reconsidering replacing its US-made F-16 fighter jets with more modern F-35s because of "the recent position of the United States, in the context of NATO."

The French president has asked defense companies in his country to reduce bureaucracy and costs to become more attractive options for other European nations, Nice-Matin reported.

Macron also clarified what a potential deployment of European troops to assist Ukraine might entail. The objective would be to "deploy a few thousand men per nation, at key points, to carry out training programs" and "show our support over the long term," he explained.

When discussing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Macron stated that the conditions set by Russian President Vladimir Putin for a ceasefire are "unacceptable," saying: "This would mean a partial invasion of Ukraine and a freeze on the conflict, without offering any security or guarantees for the future."

The French leader also announced upcoming reforms to the "Service National Universel" – a voluntary program for young people aged 15 to 17 that includes sporting activities, civic education, and time spent at government organizations or NGOs. However, he ruled out reinstating mandatory military service.

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"Nobody wants peace more than Ukrainians," Zelenskyy declared in his statement. The Ukrainian president outlined potential initial steps toward de-escalation, including prisoner releases and implementing a "truce in the sky" that would ban missiles, long-range drones, and attacks on energy and civilian infrastructure.

"My team and I stand ready to work under President Trump's strong leadership to get a peace that lasts," he said. "We are ready to work fast to end the war, and the first stages could be the release of prisoners and truce in the sky – ban on missiles, long-ranged drones, bombs on energy and other civilian infrastructure – and truce in the sea immediately, if Russia will do the same. "

According to the post, Zelenskyy also proposed an immediate "truce in the sea" as part of the early stages of a peace process, contingent on Russia agreeing to similar terms. The Ukrainian leader expressed his desire to "move very fast through all next stages" and collaborate with the US to negotiate "a strong final deal."

Zelenskyy acknowledged that his recent meeting at the White House on Friday "did not go the way it was supposed to be," calling the outcome "regrettable." However, he stated that "it is time to make things right" and expressed hope for more "constructive" communication and cooperation in the future.

The Ukrainian president specifically referenced Ukraine's readiness to sign an agreement on minerals and security "at any time and in any convenient format," viewing such an agreement as "a step toward greater security and solid security guarantees." Zelenskyy expressed optimism that such an arrangement "will work effectively."

In his statement, Zelenskyy highlighted Ukraine's appreciation for American support throughout the conflict, saying, "We really value how much America has done to help Ukraine maintain its sovereignty and independence." He specifically mentioned the significance of when "President Trump provided Ukraine with Javelins," describing it as "the moment when things changed."

The Ukrainian leader's comments come amid heightened speculation about the Trump administration's approach to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. President Trump, who took office on January 20, 2025, has previously indicated he would bring a different perspective to resolving the conflict that has now lasted nearly three years.

Political analysts suggest Zelenskyy's public overture demonstrates Ukraine's pragmatic shift toward working with the new US administration despite reported tensions during their initial meeting. The Ukrainian government appears to be positioning itself to maintain crucial American support while acknowledging the new political reality in Washington.

The reference to an agreement on minerals likely relates to Ukraine's significant natural resources, which could form part of a broader economic aspect of any peace framework. Ukraine possesses substantial reserves of titanium, iron ore, coal, and other valuable minerals that could be part of future economic development plans.

Zelenskyy's emphasis on immediate, practical steps like prisoner exchanges and targeted truces in specific domains represents a potential roadmap for incremental progress rather than requiring a comprehensive peace agreement as a prerequisite for any de-escalation.

As the situation develops, international observers will be closely monitoring both the Trump administration's response to Zelenskyy's statements and any corresponding signals from Moscow regarding potential openness to the specific truce proposals mentioned by the Ukrainian president.

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President Donald Trump will deliver his address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night, AP reported, marking a significant moment in his controversial return to power as Americans remain sharply divided over the direction of the country. The address comes as nationwide protests against the Trump administration's policies have been organized across all 50 states and Washington D.C., timed to coincide with the president's speech.

The speech comes as Trump continues to consolidate his control in Washington, where Republican-led chambers of Congress have done little to check his administration's rapid policy reversals and executive actions. With firm control of his party following his survival of impeachments and criminal prosecutions, the president has moved aggressively to reshape the federal government.

According to AP, the White House described the theme of Trump's address as the "renewal of the American dream." Senior Adviser Stephen Miller said the speech represents "an opportunity for President Trump, as only he can, to lay out the last month of record-setting, record-breaking, unprecedented achievements and accomplishments."

While Democrats largely avoided Trump's January inauguration, they've opted not to boycott this address. Instead, they're bringing guests who've been directly affected by the administration's policies, including fired federal workers and individuals who would be harmed by proposed budget cuts to Medicaid and other programs.

Several Oregon Democrats are bringing fired federal workers with them to President Donald Trump's address to Congress on Tuesday, in apparent protest of the cuts Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency has sought to make to the federal workforce.https://t.co/VGlqGQnM7K pic.twitter.com/xNDlMczEsh

— Lower Main Street Neighbors (@MainStNeighbors) March 4, 2025

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the president's priorities in a statement, saying, "Rather than focusing on American families and kitchen table issues, President Trump's first month in office has focused on tax cuts for billionaires, paid for by the very people he promised to help."

The address comes amid significant foreign policy shifts, with Trump having frozen US military assistance to Ukraine following what AP described as "an explosive Oval Office meeting" with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The president is reportedly pressuring Ukraine to pursue peace talks with Russia.

In the Middle East, ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas have stalled, with Trump suggesting controversial approaches including "permanent displacement of Palestinian civilians" and American "takeover" of Gaza territory – positions that undermine longstanding US support for a two-state solution.

Economic uncertainty adds another dimension to the speech, as Trump implemented significant tariffs just hours before his address. A 25% tax on goods from Canada and Mexico took effect after midnight Tuesday, reportedly to address fentanyl trafficking, while tariffs on Chinese imports rose to 20%. These moves have already triggered retaliatory measures from trading partners.

First Lady Melania Trump will attend the address, having held her first solo public event of her husband's new term just Monday, advocating for legislation against revenge pornography. Her guests will include 15-year-old Elliston Berry, a victim of deepfake explicit imagery.

Republican lawmakers are also using their guest invitations to make political statements. Republican Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa announced she would host Scott Root, whose daughter Sarah Root died in 2016 in a vehicle crash involving an undocumented immigrant.

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles is expected to attend alongside other senior administration officials as the president outlines his vision for continued policy changes, including efforts to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and roll back accommodations for transgender individuals.

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