6/ The EU is at a crossroads: it must now take responsibility for its security, ensure deterrence against Russia, and make support for Ukraine a cornerstone of its defence strategy.

5/ But how will the #Kremlin react? A European peacekeeping force in Ukraine runs counter to #Putin’s war objectives. Meanwhile, analysts warn that #Russia may turn its sights to the Baltics after a ceasefire in Ukraine.

4/ The evolving U.S. stance on #NATO under #Trump —particularly his warnings about potentially withholding Article 5 protections—has reshaped Europe's security strategy. The EU may no longer rely solely on #Washington for its defence.

3/ For the first time since WWII, #Germany has lifted restrictions on its defence budget, moving toward #rearmament. Meanwhile, EC President @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu’s proposal to raise €800B for EU rearmament signals a shift from rhetoric to action.

2/ As transatlantic relations face ongoing turbulence, the #EU is advancing its independent defence policy. This shift fuels hopes for a more self-reliant Europe—one that not only backs #Ukraine but also increases its own military spending.

1/ President #Zelensky has announced that a meeting of military representatives from countries willing to deploy peacekeeping troops in #Ukraine will take place on Friday, April 4. This follows several meetings of the “coalition of the willing,” the most recent in Paris last week.

7/ As pressure mounts on both Moscow and Kyiv, it remains to be seen if Trump’s “carrot and stick” approach delivers a ceasefire or just more chaos.

6/ Zelensky’s past attempts to convince Trump with #OvalOffice photo evidence have had little effect. But perhaps the Pastor’s word will be more persuasive in shifting Trump’s stance.

5/ A notable twist: Trump’s Pastor Mark Burns recently visited Kyiv and liberated Ukrainian territories. Given how personal relationships shape Trump’s administration, this trip might influence #Washington’s perception of Russia’s war crimes.

4/ This dual-pressure strategy—threatening #Putin with sanctions while warning Zelensky—suggests a broader attempt to force negotiations. The White House wants to avoid appearing pro-Russia while still nudging Ukraine toward a deal.

3/ On the other hand, Trump is also pressuring #Zelensky, warning that rejecting the revised Mineral Deal would lead to “big problems.” Given the terms of the agreement, it’s unclear what could be worse than signing it—perhaps just a rhetorical balancing act.

2/ In a major escalation, Trump announced his readiness to impose secondary sanctions on countries buying #Russianoil. This would target key Russian partners like #China, #India, and #Turkey, hitting #Moscow economically and politically by straining its ties with these nations.

1/ As the 100th day of the 47th U.S. President approaches, the unreality of his goal of quickly ending the war in #Ukraine becomes apparent. #Trump’s struggle to bring Putin to the table with real conditions for a #ceasefire is intensifying.

Why Trump is wrong on Ukraine - New Eastern Europe Trump’s suggestion that he could swiftly negotiate peace through concessions demonstrates a profound misunderstanding of Russian objectives.

Trump’s stance on Ukraine echoes Kremlin propaganda, mislabels Zelensky, and ignores Russia’s role as the aggressor. Appeasement isn’t peace––it’s an invitation to more war. Ukraine needs support, not sacrifice, as I argue in this piece for @neweasterneurope.eu neweasterneurope.eu/2025/03/28/w...

7/ The key question now: Will the White House take this initiative seriously or see it for what it is—an attempt to undermine Ukrainian sovereignty and prolong the war on Russia’s terms?

6/ The Kremlin feels confident on the battlefield and wants to use this momentum to push for a political surrender disguised as a UN-backed election.

5/ But most importantly, this proposal proves that Russia does not seek peace. As Putin himself said, Russia has “reason to believe that we will finish them off (i.e., the Ukrainians).”

4/ Another objective: The U.S. should withdraw support from Ukraine’s most capable military units, like Azov, which Putin labelled “terrorist” and “anti-Semitic.” This would weaken Ukrainian defences and force negotiations on Russia’s terms.

3/ The goal? To “elect” a pro-Moscow candidate who would then sign Ukraine’s capitulation.

2/ This is a clear reflection of the #Kremlin’s position that #Ukraine is not a sovereign state and cannot be one. Russia insists on holding elections during an ongoing war, without a peace treaty.

1/ 🚨 #Putin has publicly proposed introducing temporary rule in #Ukraine under UN auspices to hold elections. His argument? Ukraine’s government is illegitimate, and “neo-Nazi groups actually rule the state.”

6/ Reaktion Group spent three days in Donbas, speaking with locals, the Ukrainian military, and volunteers. For more insight on what is happening on the ground in Donbas, please reach out to Reaktion Group at reaktiongroup@reaktiongroup.com

5/ As diplomacy unfolds, the frontline remains unforgiving. Donetsk is still the war’s epicenter.

4/ Thousands of Ukrainian defenders stand as a shield, protecting millions of civilians while intense fighting continues. Their resilience defines the battle for Ukraine’s future.

3/ Despite negotiations in Washington, Moscow, and Jeddah, the war on the ground has not paused for a single day. Talks do not stop missile strikes, assaults, or casualties.

2/ As of March 20, Ukraine’s General Staff reports:
• 47 assaults on the Pokrovsky direction (up from 39 the day before).
• 21 attacks on the Toretsk direction, which is growing fiercer by the day.

Amid Diplomacy, the Battle Rages On: The Fierce Fighting in Donetsk
1/ While much attention is on Ukraine’s withdrawal from Kursk and Russian attacks on Belgorod, the Donetsk region remains the war’s main battlefield. Fighting here is escalating daily.

6️⃣ If this is where we’re heading, how long before we accept that war is peace, freedom is slavery, and ignorance is strength—if that’s what the White House says?

5️⃣ What we are witnessing is unprecedented: the normalization of a war criminal in year 4 of Europe’s largest war in 80 years. The Trump administration’s role as the Kremlin’s “mouthpiece” only adds to the surreal state of international affairs.

4️⃣ This is a test. Putin is probing how far he can push. Will Trump pressure the #EU to stop aiding #Ukraine while Europe is scrambling to boost its own defenses? Will anyone buy Putin’s “goodwill” if he offers to “save” Ukrainian troops he claims he surrounded?