Julie Davis appointed interim head of US embassy in Ukraine

Julie Davis appointed interim head of US embassy in Ukraine.

She will serve as chargé d’affaires until a new U.S. ambassador to Ukraine is appointed by President Donald Trump.

What we learned from Ukrainian officials’ wealth disclosures

Rubio presses Europe to 'step up' support for Ukraine in talks with French FM.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised France’s leadership in building support for a peace agreement, but stressed that European partners must “step up with real resources and political will” if they hope to bring the war to an end.

Naftogaz profits grow 64% in 2024 despite Russian attacks on energy infrastructure.

Naftogaz Group, Ukraine's state-owned oil and gas giant, reported a net profit of Hr 38 billion ($913 million) for 2024, marking a 64% increase from the previous year, the company announced on May 1.

Ukraine's Supreme Court rules religious belief does not exempt citizens from military service during wartime.

The ruling comes from a case involving a member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, a religious group whose doctrine forbids any form of military service.

2:19 PM  (Updated:  May 1, 2025 8:15 pm)

Ukraine calendar: Events to look out for this week

Zelensky says minerals deal signing first result of talks with Trump in Vatican.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the minerals agreement — which sets up a joint investment fund between Kyiv and Washington — had been significantly revised during months of negotiations to ensure equal terms and benefits for both sides.

Ukrainian activist, volunteer Sternenko injured in attack, suspect detained.

According to the SBU, the attack on Serhii Sternenko was an attempted assassination involving a firearm. His life is not in danger.

7:20 PM

‘Warms words rather than real investment’ — uncertainty surrounds newly-signed U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal

Trump fires national security adviser Mike Waltz.

Steve Witkoff, U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy and longtime ally, is reportedly being considered as a possible replacement for Mike Waltz.

US to bring Ukraine, Russia together over the next 100 days, Vance says.

When asked about the current state of negotiations with Russia and Ukraine, Vice President JD Vance told Fox News "the first and necessary step of getting the Russia-Ukraine conflict solved is to get each of them to make a peace proposal.”

Zelensky imposes sanctions on former adviser, Kremlin-linked figures, Russian companies.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has imposed new sanctions against a number of individuals and entities, including former presidential adviser Oleksiy Arestovych, pro-Kremlin commentators, and several major Russian companies.

Ukrainian army retook 115 positions in April, Syrskyi says.

Syrskyi said the successes underscored the need to further expand drone operations.

4:40 PM

Where next for Ukraine after Trump’s first 100 days? Prospects for War and Peace – briefing by KI Insights

Witkoff's negotiation approach with Putin sparks concern in White House, NYP reports.

According to New York Post sources, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has even used Kremlin translators during discussions with Putin — a breach of standard U.S. diplomatic practice.

U.S.–Ukraine minerals deal: key points of the newly signed agreement

Russia, North Korea building bridge to create ‘road of friendship'

The 4.7-kilometer (3 miles) road bridge will span the Tumen River and cross the border between Russia and North Korea.

2 killed, 33 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day.

Russia launched 170 drones, including Iranian-designed Shahed-type drones, and 5 Iskander-M ballistic missiles overnight, according to the Ukrainian Air Force.

Delayed cluster munitions explode in Kyiv after Russian drone attack, woman injured, Klitschko says.

Kyiv City Military Administration head Tymur Tkachenko said the detonations likely stemmed from cluster munitions scattered by Russian drones.

8:28 PM  (Updated:  May 1, 2025 1:21 pm)

Russia's torture of Viktoriia Roshchyna shocks world, but dozens of Ukrainian journalists still in captivity

The full text of the US, Ukraine minerals agreement.

U.S. officials framed the agreement as a sign of lasting support for Ukraine, and it comes amid an apparent resetting of relations between Presidents Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky.

Trump administration notifies Congress of proposal to sell Ukraine $50m or more of ‘defense articles’.

This marks the first such move under the current U.S. government.

Republican Graham claims 72 senators back 'bone-crushing' sanctions on Russia.

The bill would impose new penalties on Russia and slap 500% tariffs on imports from countries that buy Russian oil, petroleum products, natural gas, or uranium.

Ukraine destroys 83,000 Russian targets using drones in April, Syrskyi says, up 8% on March.

"In April, units of unmanned systems of the Ukrainian Defense Forces achieved decent results in destroying the enemy," Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi wrote.

‘I didn’t want to look foolish’ — Trump says US ‘gets much more’ from Ukraine minerals deal than it gave in aid.

"I wanted to be protected... I didn’t want to be out there and look foolish," U.S. President Donald Trump said, referring to a minerals deal signed between Ukraine and the U.S. on April 30.