Ukraine was never promised NATO membership as part of any potential settlement of its conflict with Russia, the military bloc’s secretary general, Mark Rutte, has said. He made the remarks in an interview with the broadcaster MI Ukraina while on a surprise trip to Ukraine on Tuesday.
Rutte said that while Kiev’s Western backers have stated Ukraine would “one day” become a member of NATO, “no one promised Ukraine that NATO membership would be part of the peace agreement.”
Russia has long cited Kiev’s ambitions to join NATO, which Moscow views as an overtly hostile bloc, as one of the reasons for launching its military operation in 2022.
Ukrainian neutrality remains a key demand from the Kremlin for reaching a peace deal, along with demilitarization, denazification, and recognition of the territorial realities on the ground. Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky, however, has insisted that membership or “NATO-like security guarantees” be included in any agreement.
Bogged down in east Ukraine, Putin’s Russia eyes ‘opportunistic’ gains in northern Sumy– www.france24.com Source Link Excerpt:
Russia’s grisly Palm Sunday attack on the city of Sumy has focused attention on the northern Ukrainian region where Kyiv says an expected Russian spring offensive is already under way. Experts say the push into Sumy is aimed at stretching Ukraine’s defensive lines and projecting an image of Russian progress on the front – even as Moscow’s war of attrition in the east grinds to a bloody stalemate.
The postponement is reportedly linked in part to discussions over the future of the sabotaged Nord Stream pipelines
The EU will once again delay plans to eliminate its dependence on Russian energy, amid ongoing debates within the bloc over the future of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, the Financial Times has reported.
Nord Stream 1, which once delivered Russian natural gas to Germany, and Nord Stream 2 were damaged in a sabotage attack in 2022. However, one string of Nord Stream 2 remains intact. Talks of potentially reviving the pipelines have resurfaced amid recent joint efforts by Russia and the US to end the Ukraine conflict.
Originally slated for release in February, a roadmap detailing steps for cutting the EU’s energy reliance on Russia by 2027 was first put off until March and is now expected to be unveiled in May, the outlet said on Tuesday.
On 15 April, Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service Head Sergey Naryshkin accused NATO of escalating military activity near Russia’s borders. He warned that Poland and the Baltic states would be the first to suffer in the event of a war between Moscow and the Alliance, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reports.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Russia plans to train and station up to 150,000 additional troops in Belarus this year. He has emphasized that these forces could be used not only to attack Ukraine again but also to threaten NATO countries, including the Baltic states and Poland. In response to this growing threat, the Baltic countries and Poland are increasing their defense spending and preparing their borders by laying minefields and strengthening fortifications.
German chemical companies and French utility firms have both suggested the necessity of importing cheap Russian energy
Germany’s chemical industry is in a “severe crisis” and in dire need of a return to cheap Russian gas, Reuters reported on Monday, citing executives in the sector. French energy majors Engie and Total have also told the agency that they could see a restart of imports of hydrocarbon from Russia.
With a turnover of €225.5 billion in 2023, chemicals and pharmaceuticals are Germany’s third-largest industry, behind automotive and machinery and equipment, according to the European Chemical Industry Council.
The EU committed to eliminating Russian gas imports by 2027, following the escalation of conflict between Kiev and Moscow three years ago. Brussels aimed to replace them with more expensive liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar and the United States.
EU foreign ministers are meeting in Luxembourg this morning to discuss the key challenges facing the bloc in foreign affairs, with Ukraine top of the pile.
Reeling from the shock of Russia’s Palm Sunday’s attack on Sumy, which killed at least 34 and injured more than 100, the leaders will discuss what more they can do to help Ukraine deter Russian aggression.
We saw strong political reactions already on Sunday. French president Emmanuel Macron blamed Moscow for “blatant disregard for human lives, international law, and the diplomatic efforts of president Trump.”
Incoming German chancellor Friedrich Merz accused Russia of “serious war crimes” and “perfidy” in the way the attack was conducted. Polish prime minister Donald Tusk said the attack represented “the Russian version of a ceasefire.”
On arrivals this morning, the language of top foreign policy chiefs was similarly clear. EU’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas said it only served as a reminder of the importance of supporting Ukraine “to put maximum pressure on Russia” as the Vladimir Putin continues to reject the ceasefire offer.
It’s a feature of today’s warfare, especially in the war in Ukraine, that there are no ‘safe places’ in the rear, since artillery, drones, missiles and air raids can get to targets anywhere, anytime.
That was the case of Sunday’s attack in the Ukrainian region of Sumy, where two powerful explosions were followed by a thick column of smoke rising into the sky, as two ballistic missile strikes reportedly strike the congress center of Sumy State University.
Needless to say, both Kiev regime’s leader Volodymyr Zelensky, his handlers France’s Emmanuel Macron and UK’s Keir Starmer, as well as some MSM vehicles, called an attack on a peaceful civilian gathering, ‘an Easter celebration’.
The problem is that they forgot to silence their own Ukrainian politicians and officials, that have already denounced: the missile strike was carried out on the place where militants of the 117th territorial defense brigade were receiving awards in a widely advertised ceremony.
‼️ Ukranian politicians confirm the fact of a military gathering in the center of Sumy!
The mayor of Konotop calls for the resignation of the head of the military administration of the Sumy region and the head of the regional SBU by 6:00 pm.
Trump Blasts CBS for More ‘Fake News’ Reporting on Ukraine and Greenland – RedState– redstate.com Source Link Excerpt:
President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to blast CBS for its latest slate of Fake News reporting on the Ukraine War and over a story about Trump’s negotiations concerning Greenland. Trump’s rant was quite detailed, and he went as far as to call for CBS’ broadcast license to be revoked.
Almost every week, 60 Minutes, which is being sued for Billions of Dollars for the fraud they committed in the 2024 Presidential Election with their Interview of Failed Presidential Candidate Kamala Harris, mentions the name “TRUMP” in a derogatory and defamatory way, but this… pic.twitter.com/z7ucpadUEa
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) April 14, 2025
German foreign minister says Ukraine peace talks at ‘deadlock’, but China disagrees– www.euronews.com Source Link Excerpt:
The German foreign minister says that US President Donald Trump’s efforts to secure a truce in Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine are at a deadlock, but her Chinese counterpart claims that it is encouraging that peace talks between Washington and Moscow continue.
Arriving in Kyiv for an unannounced visit, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said that “due to the deadlock” between the US and Russia on a ceasefire deal, European allies’ continued support for Ukraine in the war is “absolutely crucial”.
Yet at the same time, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, on a visit to Moscow, was quoted as saying Tuesday that “certain results have been achieved” in Washington’s attempt to stop the Kremlin’s full-scale invasion, now in its fourth year.
In an interview with Russian state news agency RIA Novosti, he said that Beijing supports the goal of “a fair, long-term, binding peace agreement acceptable to all parties involved”.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Wang is scheduled to meet with Putin and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday, but no further details were given.
Zelensky Urges Europe to Unite Behind Ukraine, 3 Years After Bucha Massacre– www.themoscowtimes.com Source Link Excerpt:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday visited Bucha, where Russia’s army is accused of murdering hundreds of civilians three years ago, urging European allies to unite to prevent fresh massacres.
Following Russia’s retreat from the Kyiv suburb of Bucha after a month-long occupation ending March 31, 2022, AFP journalists saw the bodies of at least 20 civilians lying on a street after being shot dead, some with hands tied behind their backs.
It was the first in a string of macabre discoveries in towns abandoned by Russian forces, which sparked an international outcry and war crimes investigations. Moscow has denied responsibility, accusing Ukraine of staging incidents.
“Please remember that Bucha is not ‘somewhere in Ukraine’; it is something that can happen in any European country if our unity does not work now to genuinely hold Russia accountable for this war,” Zelensky said at a ceremony.
Sweden pledges $1.6 billion in new Ukraine aid, including air defense– www.yahoo.com Source Link Excerpt:
PARIS — Sweden announced additional military aid for Ukraine to the tune of 16 billion Swedish kronor ($1.6 billion), in response to a Ukrainian request for capabilities in air defense, artillery, satellite communications and the maritime domain.
The new military aid package, Sweden’s biggest yet, brings support for Ukraine’s defense to 29.5 billion kronor this year, the government said on Monday. The Nordic country said it has provided 80 billion kronor of military aid to Ukraine since 2022.
“We are stepping up the support and we are increasing it in strength and scope, and there are strong reasons to do this in light of the very serious situation in Ukraine,” Minister for Defence Pål Jonson said at a press briefing in Stockholm on Monday. “Russia has the initiative in the war, and we need to support Ukraine to break that trend right now.”
The Swedish government has proposed to provide 40 billion kronor in aid in Ukraine in 2025, partially by moving funds earmarked for 2026 to this year.
Putin open to contacts after Trump criticism: Kremlin– thehill.com Source Link Excerpt:
Russian President Vladimir Putin says he’s open to staying in touch with the White House after critical comments from the U.S. president toward Russia’s leader, which have been rare amid his efforts to get peace talks rolling.
Putin criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday, suggesting he may not be a legitimate leader, and therefore unable to represent Ukraine in peace talks.
Trump said Sunday he was “very angry” and “pissed off” at Putin’s remarks about Zelensky, and threatened to impose new tariffs on Russian oil exports.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated on Monday the remarks would not derail ongoing discussions related to Ukraine.
“We are working to implement some ideas in connection with the Ukrainian settlement. This work is ongoing,” Peskov said, per The Associated Press.
NATO members considering deploying air and naval forces to Ukraine – WaPo — RT World News– www.rt.com Source Link Excerpt:
Several European nations are reportedly shifting away from the idea of sending ground troops to the country
France and the UK are leading discussions on sending a military force to Ukraine, with the focus shifting to a potential deployment of air and naval forces amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations, the Washington Post reported on Sunday, citing sources.
The two countries seek to send a European-led ‘reassurance force’ to Ukraine to secure cities and key sites away from the front lines and to provide logistical support and training to the Ukrainian army.
As part of the effort, a French-British military team plans to visit Ukraine in the coming weeks to assess the number of troops needed and potential deployment locations, the WaPo says.
According to unnamed diplomats familiar with the matter, “the European focus has also shifted to air and sea power” due to concerns over whether the West would be able to maintain a large deployment of ground troops, while some NATO members have proposed using their assets to patrol the skies or the Black Sea.
However, some European officials doubt that a ceasefire – a precondition for deploying troops – will be reached soon, a WaPo source said. According to the paper, some diplomats describe the discussions about sending the military to Ukraine “as an exercise in preparation and leverage.”
Several European countries are reportedly hesitant to send troops without a promise from the US to intervene in case of an escalation, with European officials seeking American support in the form of air defense assets, intelligence, and heavy airlift. However, US President Donald Trump has not provided assurances, with officials from his team offering mixed signals over whether the option is even on the table.
While Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, recently described the initiative as “simplistic,” a French official familiar with the matter told the WaPo that the discussions are proceeding “in perfect harmony with our American partners, who are interested in this approach and have told us it’s a good one.”
Russia has warned against any unauthorized deployment of foreign troops to Ukraine, which it would consider to be legitimate targets. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said Moscow is opposed to the idea of deploying NATO troops to Ukraine, regardless of whether they are “under a foreign flag, under the flag of the European Union or national flags.”
Trump Putin: Russian newspaper fires salvo at Trump for not fulfilling ‘obligations’ after his ‘angry with Putin’ remark– timesofindia.indiatimes.com Source Link Excerpt:
Trump said he’s angry with Putin as he’s delaying the agreement with Ukraine.
Reacting to US President Donald Trump’s caustic remark about Vladimir Putin that he was “pissed off” at Putin for delaying agreement with Ukraine to end the ongoing war, Moskovsky Komsomolets, a leading pro-Kremlin paper, accused Trump of not fulfilling “obligations” to stop Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure.
“All agreements on the level of President Trump are only worth a few pennies on market day. Moscow is prepared to make a deal with the US president, as ‘the leader of the free world’, and the undisputed boss of Nato and ‘the lord and master of Kyiv’. But right now the leader is not leading, the boss is not bossing and the lord is not directing his vassal,” the paper stated. “The Trump administration is demonstrating a strange passivity, a strange inconsistency and a strange inability to fulfil the obligations it took upon itself,” the report said adding that Moscow has another way of ending the Ukraine crisis in a manner that suits Russia.
“If the diplomats cannot move the peace process forward, the military will do all the talking. Putin has made his move, now we wait for Trump’s,” the paper said.
As Trump sees Ukraine peace deal slipping away he lashes out at both Putin and Zelensky– www.washingtonexaminer.com Source Link Excerpt:
TRUMP: ‘VERY ANGRY, PISSED OFF’: With Russian President Vladimir Putin showing he’s in no hurry to make peace with Ukraine and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky balking at the latest version of the proposed mineral deals with the U.S., President Donald Trump is showing his frustration with both leaders as the prospects for a quick, war-ending deal are fading fast.
Trump, as quoted by NBC Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker, is unhappy with Putin’s latest delaying tactic, calling for “temporary international administration” in Ukraine under the auspices of the United Nations, because Putin claims Zelensky is not the legitimate leader of Ukraine.
“The president told me, quote, ‘I was very angry, pissed off’ when Putin started getting into Zelensky’s credibility and started talking about new leadership in Ukraine,” Welker said in the opening of her Sunday show. “If Russia and I are unable to make a deal on stopping the bloodshed in Ukraine, and if I think it was Russia’s fault, which it might not be. But if I think it was Russia’s fault, I am going to put secondary tariffs on all oil coming out of Russia,” Welker quoted Trump as saying.
The first step towards a broader ceasefire in Ukraine is on the table in the form of a Black Sea ceasefire deal between Russia and Ukraine, brokered by the U.S. The deal, however, is not quite finalized as Russia is demanding the U.S. lift sanctions before the ceasefire can happen.
Trump said of what appears to be delay tactics by Russia, “I think that Russia wants to see an end to it , but it could be they’re dragging their feet. I’ve done it over the years.”
Russia rejects Trump’s new ceasefire unless sanctions lifted | World | News– www.express.co.uk Source Link Excerpt:
Vladimir Putin has shot down proposals to implement a new ceasefire deal in the Black Sea, unless Donald Trump agrees to have international sanctions on Russia lifted.
The critical demand is just one of several levelled by the Russian leader, who also demanded access to global food and fertiliser markets, as well as the country’s reintegration into international banking systems, in order to implement a maritime truce with Ukraine.
The White House formally announced the Black Sea ceasefire on Tuesday, with the promising development coming after 12 hours of hard fought talks between Russia and the US in Saudi Arabia.
However, critics have drawn attention to the fact that the agreement goes further than a similar agreement with Ukraine – and has seen the US commit to helping Russia to remove the myriad of sanctions that have been levelled upon it globally as a result of their invasion of Ukraine back in 2022.
