Photo : Meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Brussels on April 2025. Source: nato.int
Photo : Meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Brussels on April 2025. Source: nato.int
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON GROUND
On 03 April, Ukrinform reported on the agreement between the US and Ukraine on rare earth metals. According to the deal proposed by the US, it does not include any security guarantees. One of the Ukraine officials said that Ukraine received the agreement through diplomatic channels and is currently reviewing it through internal procedures. The new document is observed to be varied from the previous expanding its scope beyond a framework agreement. Ukraine is consulting executive bodies, ministries, and agencies to ensure that the agreement aligns with national interests, constitutional requirements and Ukraine's EU aspirations.
On 03 April, Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration Head, Serhii Lysak, reported on a Russia’s ballistic missile attack on an industrial facility in Kryvyi Rih leading to 17 injuries and four deaths. The attack also caused major damage to nine apartment buildings, vehicles, garages, a gas station, administrative buildings, and a post office. A relief centre has been installed for residents to access building materials and financial assistance. Meanwhile, Russian drone strikes overnight also targeted the Dnipropetrovsk region, Pavlohrad and the Mezhova communities.
On 03 April, Ukrinform reported on the situation along the Pokrovsk-Kostiantynivka axis. According to the report, the road remains critical as Russian forces escalate their efforts to cross it. Spokesperson for the Khortytsia Operational and Strategic Group of Forces, stated that Russian forces are actively attacking from multiple directions. Previously, they were found bypassing Pokrovsk from the west, but now they have been directing their efforts eastward toward the Pokrovsk-Kostiantynivka road. Pokrovsk direction is the most active hotspot, with other areas like Toretsk, Novopavlivka, Lyman, and Kramatorsk also seeing significant attacks. Despite some areas, such as Siversk and Kharkiv, being slightly less critical, the Russians are regular with their offensive across all fronts. The amplification of shelling in the Lyman sector is aimed at regaining lost territory, with the Russian tactical goal being to attain the administrative borders of Luhansk and Donetsk regions. Russia is expected to persist in this objective, despite heavy losses.
On 03 April, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the village of Yahidne in the Chernihiv region, where Russian forces held all the residents in the basement of a school for nearly a month in 2022. Zelenskyy condemned and vowed that Ukraine would never forget or forgive Russia for its actions. Zelenskyy had also inspected a hospital in Dnipro meeting injured defenders, veterans, and local entrepreneurs. Zelenskyy also visited the Sumy region to meet with combat units and assess their needs for continued defence. He praised the bravery soldiers from various brigades, commended their efforts in the Kursk operation for preventing Russian advances.
On the same day, Zelenskyy outlined Ukraine's "red lines" for any potential peace talks to end the war. He stressed that Ukraine will not recognise Russian-occupied territories or agree for reduced military size. He stressed that Ukraine's army was three times larger than before 2022 and will remain strong. He suggested that a just peace would involve the return of all occupied territories, but also accepted that diplomatic negotiations may be necessary for some areas.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 03 April, Russian Defence Ministry reported on Russian assault units capturing village of Veseloye in the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) killing up to 100 Ukrainian. As per the report in TASS, the Russian forces used assault drones and unmanned aerial vehicles to target Ukrainian firing positions and troop stations. In the operation, over 200 buildings, basements, three armoured combat vehicles and eight military motor vehicles were destroyed.
On the same day, the Russian Defence Ministry accused the Ukrainian military for launching 116 munitions and 63 drones at nine districts in Russia’s Belgorod Region, injuring seven. According to Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov, in the Grayvoronsky district, the attacks involved nine munitions and six drone strikes, wounding five civilians. The Krasnoyaruzhsky district witnessed a larger attack and with 107 munitions and 14 drones, one of which struck a car, injuring the driver. Other districts, including Shebekinsky, Belgorod, and Valuysky, were also targeted by drone strikes, damaging private residences, cars, and outbuildings.
On 03 April, Russia has expressed willingness to a realistic peace initiatives and mediation proposals that consider its interests. Russia’s Foreign Ministry stated that achieving a “comprehensive and lasting peace” requires addressing the root causes of the conflict, including the security threats posed by NATO's eastward expansion and the treatment of Russian-speaking populations in Ukraine.
On 03 April, Russian Ministry of Defence reported that Ukraine has conducted four attacks on its energy infrastructure, against the US-brokered ceasefire agreement. It highlighted the recent attacks including a drone strike on a gas distribution station in Luhansk, a drone attack on an electricity facility in Kursk Region, artillery shelling of a substation in Belgorod Region.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the US and Europe
On 03 April, NATO foreign ministers held a meeting in Brussels amid tensions caused by US President Donald Trump’s tariffs. Since Trump, relations between the US and its NATO allies, particularly in Europe and Canada, have been tense due to his stance on trade imbalances and the possibility of reducing US military presence in Europe. However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in the summit, urged NATO members to commit to increasing their defence spending to five per cent of GDP and emphasised that the US will remain highly active in the alliance. On the same NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that there were no plans for a sudden withdrawal of US forces from Europe. He said thatthe US must focus on multiple global issues but NATO’s primary concern will be to defend its territory against Russian threats, even after the Ukraine conflict is resolved.
During an informal EU Defence Ministers' meeting in Warsaw, NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska emphasised the need for enhanced support for Ukraine to secure lasting peace and ensure European and global stability. She highlighted NATO's ongoing efforts to strengthen Ukraine's armed forces through programs like NATO’s Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) and the NATO-Ukraine Joint Analysis Training and Education Centre in Poland. Meanwhile, Rutte stressed on increasing defence investment, calling it crucial for NATO’s future. He highlighted over EUR 20 billion in security assistance pledged by allies in 2025 and were aimed at building a "stronger, fairer, and more lethal NATO" to face global threats.
On 03 April, following the Foreign Ministers meeting in Brussels, European Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius emphasised the collective defence as a symbol of European solidarity and a key strength of the EU. Ahead of an informal meeting of EU defence ministers, Kubilius highlighted the importance of solidarity in defence, where every member state shares responsibility not only for its own security but also for collective defence. He stressed that a lack of investment in defence by any member state weakens the entire EU. The ministers will discuss increasing support for Ukraine and enhancing EU defence capabilities, as outlined in the White Paper on the Future of European Defence. Kubilius also praised Poland for its leadership in defence spending and regional security, particularly through initiatives like the Eastern Border Defence Shield, which it promotes alongside the Baltic States.
On 03 April, Denmark’s government approved its 25th military aid package for Ukraine worth USD 970 million, from 2025 to 2027. Denmark’s Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen emphasised the importance of maintaining important support for Ukraine given the rapidly evolving security situation. The package includes USD 203 million allocated to enhance Ukraine's artillery capabilities and facilitating the transfer of shells through allied efforts. Additional funds will focus on air defence systems, drone development, and improvements in IT infrastructure. Moreover, Denmark will contribute USD 290 million in 2026 and 2027 to strengthen Ukraine's defence industry.
On 03 April, Czech Republic led initiative on artillery ammunition supplies for Ukraine guarantees deliveries until September. Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky, confirmed securing enough funds for monthly shipments, with contributions from Canada, Norway, and Denmark. Lipavsky stated that the initiative has greatly diminished the success of Russian artillery, reducing it by 500 per cent. He also emphasised that this initiative does not conflict with the European Commission's plan to provide two million munitions.
References
“Zelensky visits Yahidne in Chernihiv region,” Ukrinform, 03 April 2025; “Zelensky meets with combat units in Sumy region,” Ukrinform, 03 April 2025
“Zelensky names Ukraine’s red lines at war settlement talks,” Ukrinform, 03 April 2025
“U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal does not include security guarantees – Presidential Office,” Ukrinform, 03 April 2025
“Ballistic missile strike on Kryvyi Rih: Injury toll rises to 17,” Ukrinform, 03 April 2025
“Russians attempting to cross road and break through to Pokrovsk from east – military spox,” Ukrinform, 03 April 2025
“Russian units wipe out up to 100 Ukrainian troops while mopping up Veseloye in DPR,” TASS, 03 April 2025
“Ukraine fires over 110 munitions at Belgorod Region in past day,” TASS, 03 April 2025
“Russia open to realistic peace initiatives, mediation offers on Ukraine — Foreign Ministry,” TASS, 03 April 2025
“Kiev commits new breaches of US-brokered energy ceasefire – Russian MOD,” RT, 03 April 2025
“Collective defense symbol of European solidarity, strength – Kubilius,” Ukrinform, 03 April 2025
Alex Berry and Wesley Dockery, “NATO members seek assurances at summit amid US tariffs,” Deutsche Welle, 03 April 2025
“NATO Deputy Secretary General calls for stepping up support to Ukraine at EU Defence Ministers’ informal meeting,” nato.int, 03 April 2025
“Denmark announces nearly $1B military aid package for Ukraine,” Ukrinform, 03 April 2025
“Czech initiative guarantees ammunition supply to Ukraine until September,” Ukrinform, 03 April 2025