The Kyiv Independent sat down with the former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, John Herbst, to discuss the future of the U.S. policy towards Ukraine as it continues its defense against Russia’s aggression.

The Kyiv Independent sat down with the former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, John Herbst, to discuss the future of the U.S. policy towards Ukraine as it continues its defense against Russia’s aggression.






A substation was struck by drones in occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast, and explosions were heard in several cities across Crimea overnight on April 14, Telegram channel Exilenova Plus reported.
Spain and Belgium have pledged a combined 2 billion euros ($2.35 billion) in new military aid to Ukraine following recent defense talks, officials said.
"I am confident: either Ukraine will become an integral part of the European security system, or some in Europe risk becoming part of the 'Russian world,'" President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an address on Ukraine's defense industry.
Trump's announcement raises questions about U.S. plans to waive sanctions on Russian oil, after the temporary waiver officially expired April 11.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) on April 13 charged Russian General Denis Barilo in absentia for his role in the torture of civilians in Yahidne, Chernihiv Oblast in 2022.
Ukraine reported a pullback in eastern Sumy Oblast, accused Russia of nearly 11,000 Easter ceasefire violations, and got a sharper signal from Hungary's new leadership on support for Kyiv.
Local command said Ukrainian troops moved to a new defensive line near Myropilske as Russian pressure intensifies along the Sumy border.
"Europe is entering a new phase of scaling missile production," Mikhail Kokorich, co-founder and Destinus CEO, said.
The World Aquatics Bureau lifted sanctions on Russia and Belarus in water sports on April 13, allowing athletes from these countries to compete under their national flags, despite ongoing Moscow's full-scale war against Ukraine.
The strike is part of Ukraine's ongoing campaign to hit industrial and infrastructure targets deep inside Russia, aimed at disrupting logistics and production linked to Moscow's war effort.
"If someone says this — no matter how long Fidesz politicians have said similar things — you should ask them what would happen if Russia attacked Hungary: which Hungarian county would they give up?" Peter Magyar said in response to a question from a Kyiv Independent reporter.
"Ukraine has always sought good-neighborly relations with everyone in Europe, and we are ready to develop cooperation with Hungary," Zelensky said, adding that Kyiv is ready for "meetings and joint constructive work" with what will become the new Hungarian government.
Russian forces carried out 1,567 artillery attacks, 119 assault actions, and 9,035 short-range kamikaze drone attacks.



