❗️The US no longer seriously considers new weapons for Ukraine — NYT reports, citing pro-Ukraine lawmakers. No guarantees on intel sharing either. The Trump admin is focused on what the US gets from Ukraine, not what it can give.

America’s interest in defending democracy? Gone. Dictator-pleasing is the new priority.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/18/us/politics/trump-rubio-putin-ukraine.html

❗️Next week in London, a full and comprehensive ceasefire could be agreed — NY Post cites a senior Trump admin official.

Ukraine’s defense minister reportedly told US officials Kyiv is “90%” on board with the US peace framework. Now it’s up to Moscow. If talks fail, the US may walk away, shifting the burden to Europe.

https://nypost.com/2025/04/18/us-news/ukraine-is-90-ready-to-agree-to-us-peace-proposal-now-its-up-to-russia-official/

Rubio told NATO SecGen Rutte the US may step back from mediating peace in Ukraine, per State Dept. spox Tammy Bruce:

“We have global responsibilities... There has to be an end point. We can’t have meetings about meetings for months or years.”

She added the upcoming US-Ukraine minerals deal is not tied to peace talks.

🇭🇺 Orban’s government is urging Hungarians to vote against Ukraine’s EU membership in a national consultation, claiming it would harm Hungary’s economy, pensions, and security.

Budapest says it will consider the results binding.

The Russians are at it again — they covered a locomotive with metal sheets and turned it into a makeshift “armored train,” trying to reach Ukrainian positions by rail.

Just another 2025-style “upgrade” for Russia’s modern army.

President Trump and UK PM Keir Starmer had a call to discuss a “peaceful settlement” to the 'conflict' in Ukraine — just like Russia and other pro-Russia countries call it, avoiding the term “full-scale invasion.”

This watered-down language says it all.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2025/04/readout-of-president-donald-j-trumps-call-with-prime-minister-starmer-of-the-united-kingdom-9426/

🇮🇹🇺🇸 Italian PM Meloni and US VP Vance agree on the need to intensify efforts for a just peace in Ukraine. While the US remains optimistic about peace talks, it's clear that both Italy and the US are committed to strengthening security, growth, and cooperation.

https://www.ansa.it/english/news/2025/04/18/efforts-for-just-peace-in-ukraine-meloni-vance_3ed773db-4e24-42dc-9906-9173663c8378.html

❗️🇲🇩 Russia wants to replace Moldova’s leadership with pro-Kremlin puppets and use the country against Ukraine, warns President Maia Sandu. She emphasized that Ukraine remains Moldova’s shield — and Chișinău has a moral duty to stay out of Putin’s war.

https://www.jurnal.md/ro/news/9e52a81ca0a35a0d/video-maia-sandu-despre-miza-kremlinului-sa-schimbe-conducerea-cu-oameni-loiali-si-sa-foloseasca-rm-impotriva-ucrainei.html

In Oleshki, occupied Kherson region, Russians were hiding in a building which was than targetted by Ukrainian aviation.

During Russia’s massive assault on April 17, Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian attack involving two full companies, armor, motorcycles, and artillery. 229 Russians were eliminated, 34 wounded, and 24 armored vehicles, 99 motorcycles, and 2 cars destroyed. The attack was stopped by the 14th NGU “Chervona Kalyna” Brigade, the 117th Mech Brigade, 38th Marine Brigade, and others on the Pokrovsk front.

Trump’s special envoy Keith Kellogg claims “Ukraine will not become part of NATO” and that the issue is not even being discussed.

Who exactly is he to make such declarations on behalf of the Alliance?

Putin announces an "Easter ceasefire" from 18:00 on April 19 to 00:00 on April 21, calling it a test of Ukraine’s willingness for peace, hoping Kyiv will respond in kind.

He claims Russia is always open to talks, praises efforts by the US and China, and complains Ukraine has hit Russian energy sites over 100 times.

Welcome home ✊

Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha‎ in response to the Kremlin 'Easter truce': “Ukraine agreed to a full 30-day ceasefire back in March — Russia refused and kept attacking for 39 days. Now Putin offers 30 hours? We’ll judge by actions, not words. This war exists because of Russia — and can end when they choose to stop.”

CNN confirms a story previously reported by Bloomberg: The US is ready to recognize Russian control of Crimea as part of the US proposal to drive an end to the war with Ukraine, an official familiar with the framework told CNN on Friday.

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/19/europe/trump-administration-crimea-peace-talks-intl/index.html

This is Russia's truce. Kherson, Russian drones attacked a residential building. 6 apartments are on fire.