US President Donald Trump has faced criticism for statements about the size of US aid to Ukraine and alleged sociological data regarding Ukrainians' desire for peace. Trump's claim of $350 billion of aid and assertions that 82% of Ukrainians want an agreement have been met with skepticism in Ukraine. While Ukrainians truly desire peace, they are not willing to accept terms that undermine their national interests.
Both Trump and Russian officials, including Putin's spokesperson, are urging Ukraine to engage in peace talks and hold elections despite the ongoing large-scale conflict. However, due to security concerns, holding legitimate elections at this stage is unrealistic. Ukraine has called for real security guarantees from the US and EU, but as these have not materialized, elections remain unlikely.
Meanwhile, Ukraine continues its strategy of targeting Russian energy and oil infrastructure with massive strikes. Recent drone and missile attacks have targeted facilities in the Belgorod, Voronezh, and Smolensk regions and in Veliky Novgorod. Among the targets was Acron, a leading Russian producer of mineral fertilizers, industrial chemicals, and explosives, as well as rare earth metals.
These attacks led to the cancellation of over 200 flights in Moscow and the surrounding region, significantly impacting air travel. Even the Armenian Prime Minister had to divert his flight as a result.
Another notable event was a further strike on Russia's "shadow" tanker fleet in the Black Sea. A third sanctioned Russian tanker was hit by Ukrainian drones while en route to Novorossiysk. No oil spill occurred, and Russia has itself repeatedly attacked civilian and international ships in the region in past years.
Experts note that Russia relies heavily on oil exports via the Black Sea, accounting for 20–30% of its exports. Persistent attacks on related infrastructure could severely strain Russia's economic capabilities.
For the first time, a Ukrainian drone attack reportedly hit an oil extraction platform in the Caspian Sea, marking a possible new front in the war at sea.
Ukraine still faces domestic challenges, including ongoing institutional issues that require reform. At the same time, Ukrainian society continues to support its military by fundraising for drones and other technology, which regularly prove effective on the battlefield.
In summary, strikes on Russian energy—combined with strong public support—offer Ukraine new leverage at the front. Continued reforms and international aid remain essential for victory.
