Joanna Kakissis
Appearances
Consider This from NPR
The fate of Ukraine hangs in the balance as Trump sides with Russia
So Zelensky has remained calm and he's tried to be diplomatic. And he seemed concerned, not angry, when he said yesterday that President Trump seems to live in a Russian-created space of disinformation. Trump is repeating Kremlin talking points. He's blaming Ukraine for the war, even as Russia continues to attack the country every night. And he's claiming Zelensky is an illegitimate president.
Consider This from NPR
The fate of Ukraine hangs in the balance as Trump sides with Russia
And now Ukrainians are, you know, they very much want this war to end. But they've been watching the Trump administration's actions with disbelief. We spoke to several Ukrainians who are outraged by Trump's comments. Olena Tokovenko, she's a 47-year-old lawyer. She said Trump is acting like he owns Ukraine.
Consider This from NPR
The fate of Ukraine hangs in the balance as Trump sides with Russia
Because this is Russia's policy coming through Trump. The feeling that the White House is aligned with Russia is so shocking to Ukrainians because they have staked their very survival as a country on Western-style democracy and liberty, which they believe the U.S. was a beacon of.
Consider This from NPR
The fate of Ukraine hangs in the balance as Trump sides with Russia
Well, Scott, he's here this week, but it's really not clear how much authority he has. And this point seemed to be driven home today when we went to the presidential palace for another press conference, this time with Kellogg and Zelensky. But while we were waiting to sit down for this press conference, Zelensky's spokesman said it would not happen at the request of the American side.
Consider This from NPR
The fate of Ukraine hangs in the balance as Trump sides with Russia
The Russians are pressing for a big ceasefire, and that ceasefire— would include caps on the size of Ukraine's military. It would impose strict limits on Western cooperation with Ukraine. And it would close the door to Ukraine's membership in NATO. Joanna, what about Ukraine?
Consider This from NPR
The fate of Ukraine hangs in the balance as Trump sides with Russia
So, Scott, Ukraine wants very strong security guarantees to protect itself from Russia to avoid more invasions in the future. And Zelensky says he will not give up Ukraine's push for NATO membership or its wish to get back territory occupied by Russia. And Ukrainians, they also want Russia to be held accountable for war crimes. But with the Trump administration, all this is up in the air.
Consider This from NPR
The fate of Ukraine hangs in the balance as Trump sides with Russia
You're welcome.
NPR News Now
NPR News: 05-14-2025 6AM EDT
Speaking to reporters in Kyiv, Zelensky said that if Putin does not show up in Turkey, it will send a clear signal. Russia is not ready for any kind of negotiation. Zelensky says he will be in Turkey's capital, Ankara, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and would move to Istanbul if Putin insists on meeting there.
NPR News Now
NPR News: 05-14-2025 6AM EDT
If Putin makes this step and says he's ready for a ceasefire, Zelensky said, then this opens the way to discussions on ending the war. Joanna Kakisis, NPR News, Kyiv.
NPR News Now
NPR News: 05-06-2025 3AM EDT
Over the weekend, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had told President Trump that Ukraine needs more patriot systems. The two men spoke at a Vatican Basilica just before Pope Francis' funeral. Ukraine has suffered a series of deadly Russian attacks in recent weeks.
NPR News Now
NPR News: 05-06-2025 3AM EDT
Air defense systems can help shoot down Russian drones and missiles, says Roman Kostenko, a colonel in Ukraine's armed forces and a lawmaker on Parliament's Defense and National Security Committee. He says he has not heard how many Patriot systems are arriving, only that they will come from Israel. Joanna Kakisis, NPR News, Kyiv.
NPR News Now
NPR News: 03-13-2025 8AM EDT
Ukraine captured a chunk of the western Russian province of Kursk last summer in a surprise incursion that embarrassed the Kremlin. Since then, Russian troops assisted by North Korean soldiers have retaken most of that land. Russia's defense ministry is claiming its soldiers have recaptured the city of Suja, an administrative center there. Following the U.S.
NPR News Now
NPR News: 03-13-2025 8AM EDT
announcement of a ceasefire offer, Russian President Vladimir Putin, dressed in military camouflage, visited Russian troops in Kursk. Putin rarely visits the front line of the full-scale war he ordered more than three years ago. Ukraine's military says its troops are hanging on to a slip of land, but acknowledge their situation is difficult. Joanna Kakissis, NPR News, Kyiv.
NPR News Now
NPR News: 06-01-2025 5PM EDT
NPR's Joanna Kikis has more. In his nightly video address, Zelensky said 117 first-person view drones were used in what Ukraine's security services calls Operation Spiderweb. Zelenskyy said, we prepared for this operation for more than a year and a half. The organization and details were perfectly prepared.
NPR News Now
NPR News: 06-01-2025 5PM EDT
In a statement, Ukraine's security service said about a third of strategic cruise missile carriers in Russia's main airfields were destroyed at a total cost of about $7 billion. Russia often uses bomber planes to shoot missiles at Ukrainian cities, killing civilians and destroying homes. Russia's defense ministry confirmed the attacks. Joanna Kakisis, NPR News, Kyiv.
NPR News Now
NPR News: 11-30-2024 7PM EST
Zelensky told Sky News that NATO should eventually admit all of Ukraine into the security alliance, including one-fifth of territory now occupied by Russian forces. But until then, he says, NATO needs to protect what Ukraine still controls. Here's Zelensky speaking through an interpreter.
NPR News Now
NPR News: 11-30-2024 7PM EST
Russia is opposed to Ukraine's entry into NATO and has laid claim to land that is still under Ukrainian control. Joanna Kakissis, NPR News.
NPR News Now
NPR News: 06-07-2025 11AM EDT
NPR's Joanna Kokysis reports from Kyiv. The attack on Kharkiv comes a night after Russia launched a wide-ranging aerial assault targeting nearly all of Ukraine. Kharkiv is in northeastern Ukraine, about 20 miles from the Russian border. Overnight on Saturday, the city was rocked by at least 40 explosions, said Mayor Ihor Tedahov, writing on Telegram.
NPR News Now
NPR News: 06-07-2025 11AM EDT
He called it the most powerful attack since the full-scale invasion and said Russia used missiles, drones, and guided aerial bombs. Ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine have made little progress. Russia has increased attacks on Ukrainian cities, often hitting civilians, while Ukraine has destroyed bomber planes and military infrastructure targeting Russia's war machine.
NPR News Now
NPR News: 04-28-2025 1PM EDT
Russia seized Crimea 11 years ago and then armed and assisted Kremlin-allied separatists in occupying parts of eastern Ukraine. Ukraine cannot legally recognize a Russian takeover without changing its constitution, which requires a referendum. Zelensky has said repeatedly that he will not recognize an occupied territory as part of Russia.
NPR News Now
NPR News: 04-28-2025 1PM EDT
Artem Chigos, a member of Ukraine's parliament, is a Crimean Tatar, the indigenous people of Crimea. He told NPR that Russians persecute Crimean Tatars. President Trump and his team cannot ignore international law, he said. He cannot ignore the indigenous Crimean people.
NPR News Now
NPR News: 05-26-2025 1PM EDT
Russia launched huge drone and missile strikes against Ukraine for the third day in a row, killing more than a dozen people. President Trump criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for the attacks, but did not offer new sanctions against the Kremlin. NPR's Joanna Kikisis reports. In Kiev, the Russian strike sounded like this.
NPR News Now
NPR News: 05-26-2025 1PM EDT
This is NPR News in Washington. Britain's King Charles arrived in Canada today for a two-day visit. He's there at the invitation of Prime Minister Mark Carney, who's repeatedly rejected President Trump's desire to make Canada the 51st state. Charles is to open the Parliament in Ottawa tomorrow, delivering what's called a speech from the throne, the first time a monarch has done so in decades.
NPR News Now
NPR News: 05-26-2025 1PM EDT
Carney says the King's visit clearly underscores the sovereignty of Canada. In the U.S., the origins of the Memorial Day holiday can be traced back to the Civil War. NPR's Amy Held reports.
NPR News Now
NPR News: 05-26-2025 1PM EDT
Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Nora Rahm. President Trump placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery this morning to honor those in uniform who have given their lives for their country. He said the U.S. owes them a great debt.
NPR News Now
NPR News: 05-26-2025 1PM EDT
This Memorial Day, AAA estimates 45 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home over the weekend. That would break a record set in 2004. GasBuddy says drivers are finding gas prices at the lowest level in four years. I'm Nora Rahm, NPR News.
NPR News Now
NPR News: 05-26-2025 1PM EDT
Earlier today, he had another Memorial Day message. On social media, Trump called former President Joe Biden scum and criticized the judges who have blocked his efforts to fast-track mass deportations. After it returns from the Memorial Day recess, the Senate is expected to take up the multi-trillion dollar government spending bill.
NPR News Now
NPR News: 05-26-2025 1PM EDT
People with disabilities and rights groups fear proposed cuts to Medicaid and a larger state role in the program could have devastating consequences. NPR's Kristen Wright explains.
NPR News Now
NPR News: 05-12-2025 5AM EDT
The same day, the leaders of four major European countries traveled to Kiev. Together with Zelensky, they proposed an unconditional ceasefire that would last 30 days starting on Monday. President Trump says he supports the proposal. Joanna Kekisis, NPR News, Kyiv.
NPR News Now
NPR News: 05-12-2025 5AM EDT
In his nightly video address, Zelensky said he was optimistic that Russia could agree to a ceasefire on Monday. I will be in Turkey on May 15th and I will be waiting there for Putin, Zelensky said. And I hope this time Putin will not look for reasons why he cannot do something. On Saturday, the Russian leader said he was ready for direct talks with Ukraine but did not address a ceasefire.
NPR News Now
NPR News: 04-18-2025 3PM EDT
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Qian said Beijing has not sent weapons or ammunition to either Russia or Ukraine during the war that China calls a crisis. Speaking to reporters in Kyiv on Thursday, Zelensky said Ukraine's intelligence has documented such shipments from China to Russia and said he wasn't surprised.
NPR News Now
NPR News: 04-18-2025 3PM EDT
Zelensky said, Chinese leader Xi Jinping promised earlier in the war that he would not sell or send weapons to Russia. Unfortunately, now we see information to the contrary. Zelensky said he would provide more information about these shipments sometime next week. Ukraine has also captured two Chinese nationals fighting for Russia. Joanna Kakissis, NPR News, Kyiv.
NPR News Now
NPR News: 05-16-2025 8AM EDT
Speaking to reporters in Turkey, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said Russia missed an opportunity to work toward a peace deal by sending mid-level technocrats to the talks.
NPR News Now
NPR News: 05-16-2025 8AM EDT
Putin had proposed the talks for May 15th as the Kremlin fueled speculation that he might attend. Then President Trump said he might go too. But only Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky showed up in Turkey on Thursday. He sent his own delegation to Istanbul, but won't be attending. Joanna Kekisis, NPR News, Kyiv.
NPR News Now
NPR News: 05-09-2025 3AM EDT
The deal will allow the U.S. to develop and profit from Ukraine's critical minerals and natural resources, while also investing in the country's reconstruction. Ukrainian lawmaker Roman Kostenko, who is also a colonel in Ukraine's armed forces, said he remains concerned that the deal does not have explicit security guarantees. So this is an open question, he told NPR.
NPR News Now
NPR News: 05-09-2025 3AM EDT
Maybe these security guarantees are addressed elsewhere in separate technical agreements that we have not seen. Lawmakers added a paragraph saying that the deal would cover all Ukrainian territory, including Russian-occupied areas. Joanna Kakisis, NPR News, Kyiv.
Up First from NPR
Ukraine Funds Paused, Trump Addresses Congress, Tariffs Begin
Good morning, Michelle.
Up First from NPR
Ukraine Funds Paused, Trump Addresses Congress, Tariffs Begin
Well, Michelle, we don't know a whole lot so far. This pause appears to affect at least a billion dollars in weapons and ammunition en route and on order for Ukraine. It's unclear whether this pause also includes cutting off intelligence sharing, a partnership that has helped Ukraine strategize and plan. I should emphasize that this is the worst case scenario for Ukrainians, since the U.S.
Up First from NPR
Ukraine Funds Paused, Trump Addresses Congress, Tariffs Begin
has been the country's strongest single ally. since Russia's full-scale invasion three years ago. And it's painful for Ukrainians because President Zelensky has repeatedly thanked the U.S. for helping his country. And Ukrainians say they are fighting to preserve American-style liberty and democracy.
Up First from NPR
Ukraine Funds Paused, Trump Addresses Congress, Tariffs Begin
there hasn't been much official reaction yet though a member of ukraine's parliament said lawmakers have been in meetings to find alternatives to usaid i've been speaking with ukrainians over the last few days and many say they were expecting something like this even before friday's debacle in the oval office president trump was repeating kremlin talking points for example
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Ukraine Funds Paused, Trump Addresses Congress, Tariffs Begin
claiming it was Ukraine, not Russia, that started the war. And the Trump administration has not been pushing back on some of Moscow's demands, including Ukraine giving up territory and a path to NATO membership.
Up First from NPR
Ukraine Funds Paused, Trump Addresses Congress, Tariffs Begin
Well, Michelle, there might not be an immediate impact. A member of the Ukrainian Parliament's Defense Committee said today that Ukraine might be able to hold on for about six months without U.S. aid. Ukraine's defense industry has also been growing exponentially since Russia's 2022 invasion. So some supplies can also come from Ukraine itself.
Up First from NPR
Ukraine Funds Paused, Trump Addresses Congress, Tariffs Begin
For example, Ukraine has become a powerhouse manufacturer of drones. which can replace artillery to some extent on the battlefield. But Ukraine can't replace everything like Bradley fighting vehicles or GPS guided rockets or crucially Patriot air defense systems, which are key to protecting Ukrainian cities from nightly attacks by Russian drones and missiles.
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Ukraine Funds Paused, Trump Addresses Congress, Tariffs Begin
And also there is the Starlink system owned by Trump ally Elon Musk. Starlink helps the military communicate.
Up First from NPR
Ukraine Funds Paused, Trump Addresses Congress, Tariffs Begin
Yeah, well, holding up military aid back then certainly had a clear impact. The lack of air defense systems meant Ukrainian cities were less protected from Russian attacks, as were Ukraine's thermal power plants, which Russia repeatedly bombed and largely destroyed. And soldiers on the front line ran so low on artillery shells that they had to ration them.
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Ukraine Funds Paused, Trump Addresses Congress, Tariffs Begin
Some military analysts here say Russia, as a result, was able to take key cities because of weakened Ukrainian defenses.
Up First from NPR
Ukraine Funds Paused, Trump Addresses Congress, Tariffs Begin
Well, Michelle, Europe has stepped up its support and recent research shows that the bloc could make up the difference in military aid, at least for a while. This morning, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also laid out a plan for the EU to boost its own defense spending by about 800 billion euros.
Up First from NPR
Ukraine Funds Paused, Trump Addresses Congress, Tariffs Begin
But without the U.S., defending Ukraine and Europe will be challenging, especially in the long run.
Up First from NPR
Ukraine Funds Paused, Trump Addresses Congress, Tariffs Begin
You're welcome, Michelle.
Up First from NPR
Boulder Attack Latest, Ukraine and Russia Talks, South Korea Election
Well, Ukrainian researchers have documented that nearly 20,000 Ukrainian children were abducted during the Russian invasion and occupation of some parts of Ukraine and then taken to Russia. I spoke to Hristina Shkudor, who advocates for these abducted children and their families.
Up First from NPR
Boulder Attack Latest, Ukraine and Russia Talks, South Korea Election
So in Istanbul, the Ukrainian delegation brought up these missing kids and pushed Russia to give them back.
Up First from NPR
Boulder Attack Latest, Ukraine and Russia Talks, South Korea Election
Yes, they have names, backgrounds. Some of them are from orphanages. Some of them are from families. So, yeah, there's documentation for many of these children.
Up First from NPR
Boulder Attack Latest, Ukraine and Russia Talks, South Korea Election
Well, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the Russians did not react well. Here's Zelensky speaking in Lithuania on Tuesday. He's saying that Russia claimed the Ukrainians were using this issue to pander to the West, to childless European grandmothers in particular. Zelensky did add that at least the Russians now admit to taking Ukrainian children.
Up First from NPR
Boulder Attack Latest, Ukraine and Russia Talks, South Korea Election
In Istanbul, Ukraine gave the Russians a list of 400 children to be returned immediately as part of these talks. Now, Russia said it would consider returning 10 of them and added that they did not abduct the children, but rather saved them from a war zone.
Up First from NPR
Boulder Attack Latest, Ukraine and Russia Talks, South Korea Election
Well, so this prisoner exchange agreed to yesterday is set to include as many POWs like 1,000, but with priority given to those who are wounded and sick, as well as young soldiers, those between the ages of 18 and 25. Zelensky, who did not participate in the talks but was briefed on them, said 200 Ukrainian civilians imprisoned in Russia might also be released.
Up First from NPR
Boulder Attack Latest, Ukraine and Russia Talks, South Korea Election
So, no, exactly not. As you mentioned earlier, not a ceasefire, but the two countries did agree to exchange the bodies of soldiers killed in action.
Up First from NPR
Boulder Attack Latest, Ukraine and Russia Talks, South Korea Election
Ukraine says it took out a third of Russia's bombers using drones smuggled in on trucks to Russian airfields as far away as Siberia. And though Western weapons have certainly helped Ukraine, it's innovative operations like this that have helped the country punch above its weight against Russia, which is much larger and better resourced.
Up First from NPR
Boulder Attack Latest, Ukraine and Russia Talks, South Korea Election
And Zelensky says he believes the latest operation will actually force Russia to the negotiating table. So it's an important symbolic victory for Ukrainians, and it's also something that could bring Russia to the negotiating table.
Up First from NPR
Economy In The Next 100 Days, Ukraine Minerals Deal, India And Pakistan Tension
Thanks for having me, Michelle.
Up First from NPR
Economy In The Next 100 Days, Ukraine Minerals Deal, India And Pakistan Tension
So Ukraine's economy minister, Yulia Svitodenko, she led Ukrainian negotiations on the deal, and she said... income would come from new licenses for critical minerals, things like graphite, titanium, lithium, as well as other natural resources. And she noted that Ukraine and the U.S.
Up First from NPR
Economy In The Next 100 Days, Ukraine Minerals Deal, India And Pakistan Tension
will have equal voting rights over the investment fund and that Ukraine would keep total control of its infrastructure and natural resources. Now, U.S. mining companies are expected to make money, of course, as are other American companies if they end up being involved in Ukraine's reconstruction.
Up First from NPR
Economy In The Next 100 Days, Ukraine Minerals Deal, India And Pakistan Tension
Well, the Ukrainians I've spoken to describe, I would describe their reaction as very guarded optimism. We spoke to Volodymyr Londa, a senior economist with the Center for Economic Strategy in Kiev. He's been following the minerals negotiations closely for months. And he says this deal at least does not smack of colonialism.
Up First from NPR
Economy In The Next 100 Days, Ukraine Minerals Deal, India And Pakistan Tension
So unlike previous versions of the deal, Landa says, this version does not obstruct Ukraine on its path to the European Union. And crucially, it appears to not count previous U.S. military aid to Ukraine as debt that needs to be repaid.
Up First from NPR
Economy In The Next 100 Days, Ukraine Minerals Deal, India And Pakistan Tension
Well, you know, some people here are sure hoping so because the relationship wasn't good to begin with. You will recall that in late February, this minerals agreement stalled when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the White House and President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance publicly berated him for not being grateful enough for U.S. support.
Up First from NPR
Economy In The Next 100 Days, Ukraine Minerals Deal, India And Pakistan Tension
Zelensky had refused to sign an early draft of the minerals deal because he said it would have left generations of Ukrainians deeply in debt while giving them very little in return, especially Ukraine. security guarantees so Russia does not invade Ukraine again.
Up First from NPR
Economy In The Next 100 Days, Ukraine Minerals Deal, India And Pakistan Tension
So, Michelle, from what we know, it does not address them explicitly, though Ukrainians see the language coming out of the White House as a good sign. For example, in a statement, Treasury Secretary Scott Besant said that the agreement shows Russia that this administration wants a free... sovereign and prosperous Ukraine.
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Economy In The Next 100 Days, Ukraine Minerals Deal, India And Pakistan Tension
And he added, quote, no state or person who financed or supplied the Russian war machine will be allowed to benefit from the reconstruction of Ukraine. So Volodymyr Landa, the economist we heard from earlier, he says he hopes this represents a thaw in the relationship.
Up First from NPR
Economy In The Next 100 Days, Ukraine Minerals Deal, India And Pakistan Tension
Now, Ukraine says these security guarantees are crucial, especially as ceasefire talks continue. Meanwhile, Russia has unilaterally declared its own three-day ceasefire starting in a week to mark the Soviet Union's victory against Nazi Germany. But the Russians say they're in no hurry to come to the negotiating table.
Up First from NPR
Economy In The Next 100 Days, Ukraine Minerals Deal, India And Pakistan Tension
You're welcome.
Up First from NPR
Zelenskyy-Vance-Trump Blow Up, DOJ Demotions, Feds Plan for Bird Flu
Thanks for having me, Scott.
Up First from NPR
Zelenskyy-Vance-Trump Blow Up, DOJ Demotions, Feds Plan for Bird Flu
Well, Scott, I would describe the reaction as outrage laced with panic. The U.S. is Ukraine's most important single ally, and Zelensky himself has said repeatedly that it will be very hard for Ukraine to keep defending itself against Russia without U.S. support. I got several text messages from Ukrainians I know saying, oh, no, it's over, and they wondered why.
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Zelenskyy-Vance-Trump Blow Up, DOJ Demotions, Feds Plan for Bird Flu
With the Trump administration embracing Russia, what will happen to Ukraine? And now this is the panic talking. But what's been louder than the panic has been the anger. Ukrainians are rallying around Zelensky, recording TikTok videos supporting him and writing on social media.
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Zelenskyy-Vance-Trump Blow Up, DOJ Demotions, Feds Plan for Bird Flu
Likening President Trump and Vice President Vance to schoolyard bullies who set out to humiliate and browbeat Zelensky, one prominent Ukrainian politician, Mustafa Nayyem, posted a godfather meme and wrote, quote, This administration doesn't just dislike us, they despise us. Not just Zelensky, but us, as a country, as a problem, as an annoying obstacle in their cozy world of backroom deals.
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Zelenskyy-Vance-Trump Blow Up, DOJ Demotions, Feds Plan for Bird Flu
We spoke to Ukrainians about this last night at the Kiev food market. They brought it up and this idea that Vance thinks Zelensky isn't grateful. And they pointed out that Zelensky has literally thanked the U.S. almost every single time he speaks publicly. They found it baffling that Vance would claim this since it's easy to check.
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Zelenskyy-Vance-Trump Blow Up, DOJ Demotions, Feds Plan for Bird Flu
A Ukrainian soldier, Denis Sokolov, he told us that Ukraine and the Trump administration have two different goals.
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Zelenskyy-Vance-Trump Blow Up, DOJ Demotions, Feds Plan for Bird Flu
So, Scott, making peace versus making a deal.
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Zelenskyy-Vance-Trump Blow Up, DOJ Demotions, Feds Plan for Bird Flu
Well, I hear many Ukrainians saying, look, let's work more closely with Europe where ties are already strong. Zelensky is now in London and is preparing to join a European conference on Sunday. European Union leaders have publicly defended Zelensky, including the EU's top diplomat, Kaya Kalas.
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Zelenskyy-Vance-Trump Blow Up, DOJ Demotions, Feds Plan for Bird Flu
She wrote on social media that the free world needs a new leader now, and it's up to us, the Europeans, to take this challenge. Here in Ukraine, political analysts say Zelensky is in a terrible spot. since Trump seems to dislike Zelensky and seems to openly favor Russian President Vladimir Putin.
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Zelenskyy-Vance-Trump Blow Up, DOJ Demotions, Feds Plan for Bird Flu
Here's Oleksandr Kraev, the North America director for the Ukrainian PRISM Foreign Policy Council in Kiev.
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Zelenskyy-Vance-Trump Blow Up, DOJ Demotions, Feds Plan for Bird Flu
But Kriove did say he expects Zelensky to keep trying to get through to President Trump.
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Zelenskyy-Vance-Trump Blow Up, DOJ Demotions, Feds Plan for Bird Flu
You're welcome.
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Russia Intensifies Attacks On Ukraine, Summer Travel Season, Wildfire Forecast
So Russia launched hundreds of drones and missiles at Ukrainian cities over the past three days. And these attacks have killed at least a dozen people, including children and injured many more and also destroyed homes. And so here in Kyiv, we consider ourselves lucky if after all that we are only sleep deprived. Here's what woke me up last night.
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Russia Intensifies Attacks On Ukraine, Summer Travel Season, Wildfire Forecast
That's the sound of Ukraine's air defenses shooting down drones buzzing over our neighborhood.
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Russia Intensifies Attacks On Ukraine, Summer Travel Season, Wildfire Forecast
So, Michelle, we don't really have a clear answer, but this all happened after the Trump administration brokered a 30-day ceasefire proposal in March. Ukraine agreed to it, but Russia refused unless the West stopped sending weapons to Ukraine.
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Russia Intensifies Attacks On Ukraine, Summer Travel Season, Wildfire Forecast
And now last month, Russian missiles hit near a playground in one Ukrainian city and the crowded downtown of another city, killing 53 civilians and all, including several children. After this weekend's attacks, President Trump criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin on social media and saying Putin had, quote, gone absolutely crazy.
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Russia Intensifies Attacks On Ukraine, Summer Travel Season, Wildfire Forecast
But Trump also slammed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and former President Biden and insisted they were also to blame for the war.
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Russia Intensifies Attacks On Ukraine, Summer Travel Season, Wildfire Forecast
In terms of ending the war, no. As I said, Russia has not even agreed to a ceasefire, even after talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul. A couple of weeks ago, the only breakthrough out of those talks was an agreement to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war from each country, an exchange which took place this weekend.
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Russia Intensifies Attacks On Ukraine, Summer Travel Season, Wildfire Forecast
So, Michelle, they all looked sickly and gaunt. Their clothes were just hanging off them. Their heads were shaved. We don't know yet what these soldiers endured in Russian captivity, but other Ukrainians imprisoned by Russia have described horrific conditions. They were starved, beaten, and tortured.
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Russia Intensifies Attacks On Ukraine, Summer Travel Season, Wildfire Forecast
Well, it was incredibly moving and also heartbreaking. Families were gathered in this leafy courtyard in northern Ukraine, waiting to see if their loved ones would be among the soldiers getting off these chartered buses. 18-year-old Milena Moroz held a photo of her father, who has been missing since February, and she broke down when we talked. I'm sure you've never been able to say, I love you.
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Russia Intensifies Attacks On Ukraine, Summer Travel Season, Wildfire Forecast
She's saying, I wish I had told them, I love you, Dad. So when the buses carrying the soldiers arrived, the families rushed to hug them as they walked out. One young soldier, Anton Kobylnik, told us he'd been in captivity for three years. He's saying, I won't really feel like I'm at home until I see my mom. We only saw a handful of these reunions.
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Russia Intensifies Attacks On Ukraine, Summer Travel Season, Wildfire Forecast
However, Michelle, most family members were left waiting in tears, including 18-year-old Milena Moroz. Her father is still missing.
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Ukraine-Russia Peace, Noncitizens And Due Process, Khartoum Destroyed
Well, A, there is a lot of anger and grief here, as to be expected. We spoke with 40-year-old Maria Rumyantseva, who scrambled to evacuate her elderly mother before a Russian missile destroyed their home. She said Russian attacks on Ukraine seem to have escalated after Trump started accommodating Russia in peace talks. And she had this question for President Trump.
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Ukraine-Russia Peace, Noncitizens And Due Process, Khartoum Destroyed
We also spoke to Olena Kurkovska, who ran out of her home in her bathrobe just before the walls caved in. She believes Trump is sacrificing Ukraine for a quick deal.
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Ukraine-Russia Peace, Noncitizens And Due Process, Khartoum Destroyed
Now, most Ukrainians refuse to recognize Ukrainian land occupied by Russia as part of Russia, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has refused to accept demands by the Trump administration to do so.
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Ukraine-Russia Peace, Noncitizens And Due Process, Khartoum Destroyed
Well, no, I mean, Trump did chide Putin on social media for the attack, but he also said that Russia is already making a big concession by not occupying all of Ukraine. And statements like this obviously make Ukrainians very nervous, especially coming from the leader of the U.S., which was once Ukraine's strongest single ally. Now, Zelensky says his country wants peace.
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Ukraine-Russia Peace, Noncitizens And Due Process, Khartoum Destroyed
He has agreed to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire brokered by the U.S. last month, something Russia did not agree to. And Zelensky's team is finalizing a minerals deal that could make the U.S. a lot of money. So in return, Ukraine wants the U.S. to provide security guarantees so Russia does not invade their country again. But the Trump administration so far is only offering vague promises.
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Ukraine-Russia Peace, Noncitizens And Due Process, Khartoum Destroyed
Well, I'm still hearing some hope in the northeastern city of Sumy recently. I spoke to Commander Oleg Shiryayev. He is with the 225th Separate Assault Brigade. And here's what he had to say.
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Ukraine-Russia Peace, Noncitizens And Due Process, Khartoum Destroyed
He's saying, I do not believe in friendship between the United States and Russia. It is impossible. He said, such a friendship defies history and the interests of the West. But when I pressed him about the U.S. cutting off military aid to Ukraine last month, he admitted that this could happen again. And then he said, Ukraine will try to defend itself on its own as long as it can.
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Ukraine-Russia Peace, Noncitizens And Due Process, Khartoum Destroyed
You're welcome.