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By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 01 May, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the finalising of minerals agreement with the US as a “historic” and significantly improved deal. He described it an “equal partnership” to invite major investments, industrial modernization, and legal reforms in Ukraine. In his evening address, he highlighted that the agreement evolved substantially during negotiations and credited a pivotal discussion with the US President Donald Trump at the Vatican as critical to the deal’s progress.
On 01 May, a Russian drone strike sparked fires and injured 14 in the Zaporizhzhia city. However according to the Regional Governor, Ivan Fedorov, no fatalities were reported. Following the attack nine are hospitalized. Fedorov stated that Russian forces launched at least ten attacks, hitting private homes, apartment buildings, schools, and infrastructure targets.
On 01 May, Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy reported after his meeting with Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel, and Defense Minister Yuriko Backes. He highlighted Luxembourg’s continued support for Ukraine through new aid packages focused on energy and defence, and discussed Luxembourg’s role in rebuilding the Kryvyi Rih region and advancing Ukraine’s European integration. Reaffirming Kyiv’s stance, he stated Ukraine is ready for a full and unconditional ceasefire as a first step toward peace but emphasized that negotiations can only begin once the killing of Ukrainian citizens ceases.
On 01 May, Ukraine’s parliament reported its plan to ratify the recently signed US-Ukraine minerals agreement in a week. According to senior officials from the Trump administration the deal could serve as a template for future international agreements.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 01 May, Russian government accused Ukraine of launching a drone strike on a crowded market in the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky in southern Ukraine, claiming the attack killed at least seven civilians and injured over 20 others. Kyiv, however, stated that the strike targeted Russian military personnel and resulted in no civilian casualties. Videos released by Saldo and social media users showed explosions and bodies at the scene, with Reuters report verifying the location but not the timing or identities of the victims. Ukraine’s military spokesperson, Vladyslav Voloshyn, maintained that only Russian forces were hit.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the US and Europe
On 01 May, France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced EU’s plans for a 17th round of sanctions against Russia, calling President Vladimir Putin the “sole obstacle” to peace in Ukraine. He emphasized that these new measures will align with a similar US initiative, aiming for coordinated timing and content, and reaffirmed the EU's stance that sanctions will remain in place until Russia fully withdraws its forces from Ukraine.
On 01 May, the US. State Department appointed Julie Davis, a seasoned diplomat with 30 years of foreign service experience, to lead the US embassy in Kyiv amidst peace efforts in Ukraine. Currently the ambassador to Cyprus, Davis has also served as ambassador to Belarus and deputy ambassador to NATO. Her appointment was announced after the US-Ukraine minerals deal replacing Bridget Brink, who recently stepped down amid concerns that the Trump administration’s peace efforts might lean in favour of Moscow.
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