Photo : Alexander Kazakov, AFP
Photo : Alexander Kazakov, AFP
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 28 April, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asserted that Ukrainian forces were still active in Russia’s Kursk region. This comes in counter to Russia’s claims of gaining full control. In his evening address, Zelenskyy stated that Ukrainian troops continue operations in both the Kursk and Belgorod regions, maintaining a presence on Russian soil. He accredited that the situation remains challenging in several areas, including Kursk.
On the same day, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine's economic partnership with the US had become "more equitable" and significantly stronger following recent negotiations. He emphasized that the agreement now benefits both. He also dismissed a three-day ceasefire between 08-10 May ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin as an illusive gesture to WWII commemorations. Zelenskyy demanded an immediate, full, and unconditional truce lasting at least 30 days to ensure security and stability. He also stated that the economic partnership between Ukraine and the US had become "more equitable" following recent negotiations.
On 28 April, Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal confirmed that past US aid to Ukraine will not be taken into a forthcoming minerals agreement. Shmyhal stated that both sides agreed that any assistance provided before the deal’s signing would be excluded from its terms. Following his talks with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Shmyhal noted significant progress and ongoing legal work on the agreement. He emphasised that Ukraine had set firm boundaries to ensure the deal aligns with European commitments and complies with its Constitution and laws. They had previously signed a memorandum on 18 April as an initial step.
On 28 April, Ukraine and Russia engaged in long-range airstrikes. The Russian Defence Ministry reported that its forces downed 119 Ukrainian drones overnight, most of them over the Bryansk region, which lies near the Russian-Ukrainian border. Additionally, Russia claimed to have captured the Kamianka settlement in Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region. However, there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage from the strikes.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 28 April, Putin ordered a temporary three-day ceasefire in Ukraine, which coincides with Moscow's World War II Victory Day observances. The ceasefire, described by the Kremlin as being based on "humanitarian considerations," is set to begin at midnight on 08 May and end at 11 May. The Kremlin also stated that Russia expects Ukraine to follow suit, warning that any violations by Ukraine would be met with an "adequate and effective response" from Russian forces. This announcement comes after US President Donald Trump called on Putin to "stop shooting" and "sign a deal" to end the ongoing conflict.
On 28 April, North Korea government officially confirmed that it deployed troops to support Russia in the war against Ukraine, marking the first such admission. According to the state news agency KCNA, North Korean forces assisted Russia in reclaiming territory in the Kursk region, as per direct orders of leader Kim Jong Un as part of a mutual defence pact. The report emphasized that the soldiers treated Russian territory as their own, reinforcing the alliance between the two countries. Russia also confirmed the presence of North Korean troops,with an estimate of 14,000, in its ranks. While Russia claims to have fully barred Ukrainian forces from the Kursk region, Ukraine claims that its troops are still operating in neighbouring Belgorod. On the same, Putin thanked Kim Jong Un for the involvement of North Korean troops in helping push Ukrainian forces out of Russia's Kursk region.
On 28 April, the Kremlin expressed its willingness to engage in peace talks with Ukraine without any preconditions. Russia’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterated that Russia is ready to begin negotiations, a stance repeatedly confirmed by President Vladimir Putin, but emphasized that the initiative must come from Kyiv. Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also stated that Russia remains open to dialogue but suggested that Ukraine has not shown readiness to negotiate. In an interview with Brazilian newspaper O Globo, Lavrov pointed out that Ukraine had failed to uphold agreements, such as the energy infrastructure ceasefire and the Easter truce. He reiterated Russia's key demands, including Ukraine's neutral status, its non-accession to NATO, and international recognition of the annexed Ukrainian territories as part of Russia.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the US and Europe
On 28 April, Trump said he believes Zelenskyy is prepared to give up Crimea to Russia as part of a potential peace deal, contradicting Zelenskyy’s previous assertions that the peninsula remains Ukrainian. Trump also urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to halt hostilities and commit to signing a peace agreement, stating that the framework for a deal already exists. Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, remains a significant territory in the ongoing conflict.US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the urgency of securing a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia. Rubio remarked that while progress has been made, a final deal is still out of reach. He cautioned that the Trump administration may withdraw from mediation efforts if meaningful progress is not achieved soon. He also emphasized the urgent need to end the conflict in Ukraine during a conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Rubio described the war as "senseless" and reiterated that the US is committed to facilitating its resolution.
On 28 April, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius cautioned Ukraine against agreeing to excessive territorial concessions in the ceasefire proposal reportedly put forward by US. In an interview, Pistorius stated that Ukraine has long understood that a lasting and credible peace agreement might require some territorial compromises. However, he stressed that these concessions should not go as far as those suggested in the latest US proposal. The US plan includes significant concessions to Russia, such as Ukraine recognizing Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea, a demand Moscow has long pushed for.
On 28 April, France’s President Emmanuel Macron announced that Ukraine's Western allies plan to "increase pressure on Russia" over the next 10 days. In an interview, he revealed that he had urged the US to adopt a stronger stance against Putin, telling Trump that the West needs to be "much tougher" with Russia. Macron emphasized that Ukraine's allies aim to "establish the conditions for a ceasefire" and ensure that the ceasefire is upheld on Ukraine's side, indicating a more assertive approach.