The Kyiv Independent

News, analyses, investigations, opinions, podcasts and more. On-the-ground reporting from Ukraine

More news

Zelensky: Ukraine to discuss problems created by delayed US aid during Ramstein summit.

Ukraine is planning to discuss how to overcome problems that accumulated over the past six months while waiting for the passing of the U.S. aid package at the next Ramstein summit, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his evening address on April 25.

After months of political infighting, the U.S. House of Representatives finally passed the crucial foreign aid package on April 20, which includes $60.84 billion for Ukraine. U.S. President Joe Biden first requested Congress approve the aid last October. In the six months Ukraine waited for the bill to be passed, Russia has made significant territorial gains and dramatically increased aerial attacks on civilian areas and infrastructure.

"We are preparing for tomorrow's Ramstein meeting and will discuss, among other things, how to overcome the difficulties and problems that have accumulated over the past six months while we have been waiting for decisions on American support," Zelensky said.

"Politically, we have already achieved the support. Now we need to work on filling the packages with the necessary weapons and ensuring logistics."

After Biden officially signed the bill, Zelensky promised that Kyiv "will do everything" to compensate for the six months that passed "in debate and doubt."

"All his (Putin's) actions at the front, all his attacks on our energy sector and infrastructure, all his terror against our cities and villages – all this should mobilize us, everyone in the world who really values life, to put more pressure on Russia."

Russia has stepped up targeted attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure in the spring, overwhelming local air defenses and destroying some of Ukraine's largest coal-fired power stations.

The Ramstein-format summit of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG), which will be held online on April 26, exactly two years after the first summit of this format was held at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.

The U.S.-led UDCG comprises over 50 countries, including all 31 NATO members, and meets regularly to coordinate military aid for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.

Are the US university protests about more than just Gaza and Israel?.

Are the US university protests about more than just Gaza and Israel?.

As Gaza is laid to waste, students across the US have protested at universities against the Israeli offensive in response to the 7 October Hamas-led attacks on Israel. Tensions have continued to rise and police officers have taken action. But Sky'...

Sky News -

Blackpool result 'a message directly to Sunak' to call an election, says Starmer.

Blackpool result 'a message directly to Sunak' to call an election, says Starmer.

Sir Keir Starmer says the win in Blackpool is "historic", saying it is "incredible" to have won with a 26% swing. He said, "This [vote] was directly to Rishi Sunak to say we're fed up with your decline, your chaos, and your division, and we want c...

Sky News -

Labour wins Blackpool South from Tories as Starmer hails 'seismic win'.

Labour wins Blackpool South from Tories as Starmer hails 'seismic win'.

Labour has won the Blackpool South by-election in what Sir Keir Starmer hailed a "seismic win". Its candidate, Chris Webb, won the seat from the Conservatives with a majority of more than 7,000. The Tories only just beat Reform UK into second plac...

Sky News -

Reform MP: Public 'won't vote Sunak in'

Reform MP: Public 'won't vote Sunak in'

Former Conservative MP Lee Anderson suggests that Mr Sunak could 'drop £1m down every chimney in the UK and still not be voted back'. #politics #government #rishisunak SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel for more videos: Follow us on Twitter: Like us...

Sky News -

Trump’s bromance with Viktor Orbán could shape his second term.

Trump’s bromance with Viktor Orbán could shape his second term.

Some right-wing leaders think Viktor Orbán, the authoritarian prime minister of Hungary, should be a model for a Trump second term. CNN’s Kyung Lah reports. CNN's Erin Burnett and Harry Enten discuss. #CNN #News

CNN -

China blasts Chang'e-6 spacecraft to far side of moon.

China blasts Chang'e-6 spacecraft to far side of moon.

We have lift-off! Chang'e-6's mission will last for around 53 days and will collect about 2kg of material using a scoop and a drill. #china #space #rocketlaunch SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel for more videos: Follow us on Twitter: Like us on Fac...

Sky News -