Politics

Trump and Putin have 'zero instruments' to enforce backroom deal on Ukraine, ex-FM Kuleba tells Kyiv Independent

by Kateryna DenisovaApril 22, 2026

Caught between Russia's war at home and mounting geopolitical turbulence abroad, Ukraine is unlikely to see a major turnaround anytime soon, says former Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. "2026 will be another year Ukraine will have to survive," Kuleba told the Kyiv Independent in an exclusive interview last week. After emerging from its harshest winters in years, marked by relentless Russian strikes on the energy grid, the country is now facing a hostile situation. The war in Iran has further di

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by Martin FornusekApril 24, 2026

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Friday, April 24

08:14 PM

Merz rules out 'immediate' EU membership for Ukraine, proposes Kyiv attend meetings

The German chancellor suggested a process to bring Kyiv and the EU closer together with the ultimate goal of full membership, for instance by allowing participation in the European Council sessions without voting rights.

07:41 PM

Investigation: A secret program, 'suicidal' missions, and death, torture in occupied Ukraine

A Western-funded classified program supported a "non-violent resistance" initiative inside Russian-occupied Ukraine for more than three years that encouraged civilians to engage in "suicidal" activities despite credible reports of the deaths, torture, and imprisonment of activists, the Kyiv Independent can reveal. Russian-occupied Ukraine is one of the most heavily surveilled and most repressive territories in the world, and some of the activities Yellow Ribbon and its sister initiative Zla Mav

02:19 PM

EU Parliament session, loan disbursement, peace talks signals — key events for Ukraine next week

Editor's note: This article is a shortened on-site version of KI Insights' public newsletter, The Week Ahead, covering events from April 27 - May 3. Sign up here to start your week with an agenda of Ukraine-related events delivered directly to your inbox every week. Audio version of The Week Ahead is now available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. The recently approved €90 billion loan for Ukraine is now moving toward disbursement, unlocked alongside the EU's 20th sanctions package afte

04:24 PM

Russia's Central Bank slashes key rate to 14.5%

The move marks the eighth consecutive rate cut from record highs previously imposed to curb inflation driven by wartime spending.

04:12 PM

Trump cannot expel NATO members over Iran stance, alliance official says

The comment comes amid reports that the Pentagon is considering ways to punish NATO members that did not back the U.S.-Israeli war against Tehran.

04:06 PM

Ukraine brings home 193 POWs from Russian captivity

President Volodymyr Zelensky said those brought back to Ukraine include individuals against whom Russian authorities have opened criminal cases, as well as wounded soldiers.

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Politics

Trump and Putin have 'zero instruments' to enforce backroom deal on Ukraine, ex-FM Kuleba tells Kyiv Independent

Merz rules out 'immediate' EU membership for Ukraine, proposes Kyiv attend meetings

Trump cannot expel NATO members over Iran stance, alliance official says

Zelensky makes second Saudi Arabia visit in less than a month

Poland's Tusk questions US loyalty to NATO

Trump takes aim at Prince Harry over Ukraine war remarks

Zelensky arrives in Cyprus to attend EU summit

EU formally approves 90 billion euros Ukraine loan, 20th package of Russia sanctions

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