Photo : Bloomberg
Photo : Bloomberg
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON GROUND
On 18 April, Ukraine’s government released a memo confirming a soon-to-be deal with the US on the raw materials. The agreement is expected to provide the US access to Ukraine's rare earth minerals vital for high-tech industries, imitating the productive discussions between both nations. Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko described the deal as a sign of strong cooperation and mutual benefit. The final agreement aims to strengthen Ukraine's relationship with the US and secure continued support in the ongoing conflict with Russia. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal is scheduled to visit Washington to meet with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and finalize the agreement by 26 April 2025.
On 17 April, Ukrinform reported on the US and Ukraine signing the memorandum of intent for a broader minerals deal. This could lead to a formal Economic Partnership Agreement and the creation of an Investment Fund for Ukraine’s reconstruction. The agreement comes after rounds of negotiations between President Donald Trump and President Zelenskyy. Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko stated that the document reflected a joint investment commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.
On 18 April, Russia launched a series of missile and drone attacks across Kharkiv and Sumy regions. The strikes killed two and wounded 70 others. Zelenskyy condemned the assault, stating that it occurred just before Easter, calling it a mockery of Ukrainian citizens and cities. On 17 April, Regional Governor Serhiy Lysak reported on a Russian drone strike on the Dnipro city killing three, and injuring 30 more. The attack damaged 12 apartment buildings and sparked multiple fires. The strike was part of a series of attacks across several Ukrainian regions, such as Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Sumy, involving 75 drones and five missiles. Ukraine's Air Force claimed destroying 25 drones while remained had disappeared. Whereas, Russia claimed to have countered 71 Ukrainian drones which had targeted deeper territories into Russia such as Shuya in the Ivanovo region.
On 18 April, Ukraine government-imposed sanctions on several Chinese companies, including Beijing Aviation and Aerospace Xianghui Technology, Rui Jin Machinery, and Zhongfu Shenying Carbon Fiber Xining. These companies are now barred from operating business in Ukraine, and any assets they hold will be frozen. Although Ukraine did not specify the reasons for these sanctions, the move comes after Zelenskyy's claims China supplying Russia with gunpowder and artillery, and producing weapons in Russia. Zelenskyy also accused China of facilitating the recruitment of Chinese citizens for the Russian army. In response, China's Foreign Ministry denied the claims and reiterated its position focused on promoting peace talks and a ceasefire.
On 17 April, Zelenskyy accused China of supplying weapons to Russia. This comes after Ukraine gained evidence of Chinese involvement in the war after the capture of two Chinese soldiers in Donetsk Oblast. Zelenskyy also stated that China could be helping Russia manufacture weapons.
On 18 April, Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War reported on the recent exchange of dead soldiers with Russia after help from the International Red Cross. According to the report, Ukraine received 909 bodies of its soldiers, while Russian media reported on receiving 41 Russian soldiers'.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 18 Russia launched a series of missile and drone attacks overnight, targeting Ukraine’s eastern regions of Kharkiv and Sumy. The strikes killed two people and wounded 70 others. In Kharkiv, cluster munitions hit a densely populated neighborhood, resulting in one fatality and over 60 injuries. Meanwhile, in Sumy, Russian drones struck a bakery, killing a customer and injuring an employee, just days after a deadly Palm Sunday attack in the city. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the assault, noting that it occurred just before Easter, calling it a mockery of Ukrainian citizens and cities.
On 17 April, Russia warned that if Ukraine uses German-supplied Taurus missiles to strike Russian infrastructure, it would consider Germany a "direct participant" in the war. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said any such attack on critical Russian transport infrastructure would be viewed as German involvement in the conflict. This comes as Germany’s likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, signals openness to approving the missile deliveries, a move previously rejected by the outgoing coalition and parliament over concerns about escalating the war. Ukraine has been requesting the long-range missiles since 2023.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the US and Europe
On 18 April, US President Donald Trump stated that the US may abandon its efforts to end the war if a straightforward solution is not found soon. This was repeated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, said that the US would "take a pass" if negotiations become too difficult, criticising uncooperative parties as "foolish" or "horrible." He emphasized his administration’s desire to reach a quick resolution, saying, "It's coming to a head right now." He also mentioned that European officials have been "constructive" in discussions and hoped they would continue to push for a resolution.
On 18 April, US Vice President JD Vance expressed optimism about the ongoing negotiations to end the war. He noted that it was too early to make judgments, and the statements comes just hours after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested that the US might "move on" if no deal is reached soon.
On 17 April, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called on France to increase its military spending and take a leading role in Europe's conventional defence, amid ongoing tensions over President Donald Trump’s wavering support for NATO. According to the Pentagon, Hegseth emphasized the importance of France and other NATO members stepping up their defense commitments.
On 17 April, France’s President Emmanuel Macron praised the high-level talks in Paris between US, European, and Ukrainian officials as a key moment of alignment, calling it “a very important occasion for convergence.” With transatlantic tensions remaining and ceasefire efforts stalled, Macron emphasized the shared goal of achieving a robust and lasting peace. He hosted US Secretary Marco Rubio and envoy Steve Witkoff and President Zelenskyy’s chief of staff and top ministers, who joined the discussions, alongside the UK and German security advisors.