Defense Minister: Ukraine Needs 'Decisive Action From Our Allies'
Ukraine has "grown stronger" as it battles Russia's full-scale invasion but needs "decisive action" from allies if it is to prevail, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov says. "Only together can we restore our borders, free our prisoners, and make Russia pay for its crimes."
The three-year mark in the full-scale invasion comes amid uncertainty about the future of support from the West, in particular the United States, and questions about what kind of security guarantees Western countries might provide if a cease-fire or peace deal is reached.
Leaked Military Hospital Database Shows Vast Toll Of War
- By Carl Schreck
RFE/RL has obtained leaked Russian military hospital records that show the massive toll the Kremlin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has wrought on Russia’s armed forces.
Among the findings: the previously unrevealed fact that the head of Russia's defense forces was hospitalized with a gunshot wound nine months before he was killed in an exploding-scooter assassination that Ukraine claimed credit for.
Lavrov Says Russia Not Ready To Stop The War
- By Ray Furlong
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has a stark message as the war enters it's fourth year: Moscow is not ready to stop its invasion.
Speaking during a visit to Turkey, he said: "We will stop hostilities only when these negotiations produce a firm and sustainable result that suits the Russian Federation."
This came as Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in Moscow that talks with the United States would continue this week, focusing on "irritants" in relations.
Your Questions Answered
We have been asking you for your questions about the future of the war. Here, Rostyslav Khotin, a senior editor in RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, answers.
Will Europe be able to unite against Putin without the help of the U.S.?
Europe gave Ukraine 70 billion euros in financial and humanitarian aid, as well as 62 billion euros in military aid. The United States provided 64 billion euros in military aid and 50 billion euros in financial aid.
This is according to figures from the Kiel Institute For the World Economy.
U.S. aid is critical because of arms supplies. Even when Europeans transfer Patriot systems and F-16 jets to Ukraine, Washington still gives permission, because these are American weapons.
Zelenskyy Proposes Mass Prisoner Swap
- By Ray Furlong
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for a mass exchange of prisoners with Russia.
Speaking at a conference in Kyiv with EU leaders, he said it could be a confidence building measure.
But he also voiced doubts about the prospects for peace talks with Russia.
"Putin will not gift us peace. He will not exchange it for something. We have to reach peace through strength, wisdom, and unity."
Pro-Ukraine Protest in Taiwan Outside De-Facto Russian Embassy
Ukrainians living in Taiwan and local supporters protested outside the de-facto Russian embassy in Taipei on the eve of today's anniversary.
The self-governing island has been a vocal supporter of Kyiv, which the Taiwanese government sees as a foil for its own tenuous geopolitical position. China has long threatened to invade and annex Taiwan if it refused to peacefully accept unification with the mainland.
Those parallels have grown since the election of U.S. President Donald Trump. The United States is Taiwan's largest military backer and its support is considered vital for its survival, but Trump's global shakeup, including launching negotiations with Russia without Ukraine and threatening to cut off future aid to Kyiv, has brought anxiety to Taiwan about a similar withdrawal of American assistance.
So far, the Trump administration has reaffirmed its support for Taiwan.
VIDEO: RFE/RL Frontline Reporters Reflect On 3 Years Of Russia's Full-Scale War On Ukraine
- By Ray Furlong
RFE/RL correspondents Maryan Kushnir and Yevhenia Kytaiva-Rusetska have spent much of the last three years on the front line, producing insightful and sometimes disturbing reports on the realities of the trenches.
In this video, they reflect on their experiences.
In Kazakhstan's Main City, A Russian Staged A Protest In Support of Ukraine. It Lasted Less Than 20 Minutes.
Timofei Morozov, a Russian living in Kazakhstan’s commercial capital, Almaty, decided to mark the third anniversary of the Russian invasion by showing solidarity with Ukraine.
He drew up a sign, in blue and yellow -- the colors of the Ukrainian flag -- with the words “Ukraine will be victorious. Russia will be free." He stood on a square in central Almaty.
In a brief interview, Morozov, who said he moved to Kazakhstan last year, said he felt obliged to stage the protest.
"I demand a just world for Ukraine, and that can happen only if Ukraine receives all its [occupied] territories back and receives reliable security guarantees."
He stood with his sign for about 20 minutes before police approached him and warned him to stop. A third officer then ordered him to a police precinct station.
Your Questions Answered
More of your questions for Rostyslav Khotin, a senior editor in RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, to answer.
How would Ukraine feel about accepting German troops on its territory to aid its defence?
I believe there would be no problems for Ukrainians if Germany decided to send a contingent for a military mission in Ukraine. Yes, the memory of the Second World War exists, but Ukrainians look at modern Germany as a partner and ally.
The problem of the possible presence of German troops wold be for Russia (it is generally against any Western troops in Ukraine). And it will also be a difficult psychological choice for Germany itself. But if Ukrainians drive German Leopard tanks, then what is the problem with German soldiers - together with British, French, and others?
Trudeau Gives Frozen Russian Assets To Ukraine
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his country's transfer of the first $5 billion in frozen Russian assets to Ukraine.
He also added that Canada would also transfer 25 LAV II infantry fighting vehicles, four F-16 flight simulators and landing systems, and ammunition. Trudeau is in Kyiv for events marking today's anniversary.