Overnight on April 29–30, Russia launched 108 drones, including attack and decoy types, targeting Dnipro and Kharkiv. Ukraine shot down 50 Shahed drones; 22 decoys failed to reach targets.

U.S. envoy Witkoff says Putin sees a rare chance to “recalibrate” relations with the U.S. for the first time in decades. Talks on Ukraine continue, with both sides inching closer to direct negotiations — but peace, says Secretary of State Marco Rubio, will require tough compromises.

https://thehill.com/policy/international/5274195-witkoff-putin-us-russia-relationship-recalibration/

Trump’s first 100 days back in office haven’t gone down well in Ukraine. Just 7.4% of Ukrainians say they trust him now — a huge drop from nearly 45% last November. Almost 90% say they don’t trust him, frustrated with how he’s handling the war and his reluctance to offer real security guarantees.

https://neweurope.org.ua/en/analytics/100-dniv-trampa-i-90-ukrayintsiv/

🇷🇺🤝🇰🇵 “A victory of justice over pure evil” — DPRK military delegation head on the "liberation" of Kursk region. Lt. Gen. Pak Yong Il says it marks a new chapter in the DPRK-Russia combat alliance.

More and more North Korean officials openly confirm their role in the war against Ukraine.

🇺🇸 “The next few days are critical for peace in Ukraine,” — U.S. State Dept. Spokeswoman Tammy Bruce says the U.S. expects real steps from Putin, not just words.

She backs FM Andriy Sybiha’s call for an immediate ceasefire in response to Putin’s proposed May 9 truce:
“If it’s truly humanitarian, why wait 10 days?”

🇺🇦 The Verkhovna Rada has registered a bill allowing individuals who have reached the maximum age limit to serve under military contract. It proposes changes to the Law of Ukraine "On Military Duty and Military Service."

https://itd.rada.gov.ua/billInfo/Bills/Card/56292

🇺🇸🇺🇦 Ukraine is set to sign a natural resources deal with the U.S. within hours, aiming to deepen economic ties and secure future military aid through a joint investment fund. Ukraine will reimburse the U.S. under the natural resources deal only for future military aid.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-30/ukraine-ready-to-sign-us-resources-deal-as-early-as-wednesday

🇺🇸🇺🇦 Ukraine and the U.S. will sign a 50/50 joint mineral development fund within 24 hours, PM Shmyhal announced. The U.S. can count future military aid as its contribution, while Ukraine keeps full control over all resources and infrastructure. The fund will invest in Ukraine for 10 years, with zero tariffs on both sides and a U.S. commitment to attract other international partners.

🇺🇦 On April 29, the 429th Regiment of Unmanned Systems ACHILLES repelled a Russian assault near the village of Petropavlivka, in the Kupyansk area. Russians attempted to storm Ukrainian positions but were stopped with the destruction of a BTR, a Ural truck, and a van.

🇱🇹 Lithuanian FM Kęstutis Budris slammed Hungary for blocking Ukraine’s EU path, saying it "hinders and compromises" the process.

"Ukraine's progress is clear. If we play by Hungary’s rules, the EU might as well abandon enlargement entirely," he warned.

🇷🇺 Putin: "Sooner or later, Russia’s relations with Europe will be restored. Many share our position, but are afraid to speak openly."

That’s exactly the pattern: invade, seize land, then 'negotiate' — knowing Europe will eventually reset relations, letting the cycle repeat again.

Amid rising tensions, India has closed its airspace to Pakistan-registered aircraft. This follows Pakistan intercepting four Indian Rafale jets over Kashmir. India has deployed jamming systems and rejected calls for an independent investigation into a recent attack. Pakistan's intelligence suggests an attack could occur within 36 hours

Every destroyed Russian vehicle means no more supplies — ammo, equipment, and provisions for their positions. Drone units within the 56th Motorized Brigade destroyed 2 trucks, 2 cars, a van, and a mortar with ammo.

According to usually well informed channel Dosye Sphiona, 8 Ukrainian drones struck the Murom plant. The strike caused a warehouse with finished products to burn down (likely gunpowder caps), destroyed an admin building, and hit a synthesis workshop for explosives. Four drones fell on the site with no significant damage but the plant’s EW systems were proven ineffective.

Zelensky: “We’re preparing meetings and negotiations — Russia must stop its strikes and end the war.”

He called for a full, unconditional ceasefire for at least 30 days: “We’re ready for any format of talks once the killing stops.”

🇺🇸🇺🇦 At the Vatican, Zelensky and Trump had a surprise talk during the Pope’s funeral. Zelensky urged more pressure on Putin, stood firm on Crimea, and backed a ceasefire. Trump hinted at a tougher Russia stance and pushed for the US-Ukraine subsoil deal.

https://www.axios.com/2025/04/30/zelensky-trump-meeting-tougher-putin

Trump: “Putin is very smart and cunning — he never intended to end the war, his goal was always to take all the territory. I think we might reach a deal, but there’s no guarantee.”