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Telegraph
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Telegraph
For Ukraine's sake, Zelensky must now step aside
Volodymyr Zelensky was once Ukraine's saviour. In the first hours of the Russian invasion, as Putin's paratroopers advanced on Central Kyiv with specific orders to kill him, Zelensky refused to evacuate. Instead, he rallied his people to a heroic resistance that surprised the world – and Ukrainians themselves. It was thanks to Zelensky's relentless lobbying and inspiring showmanship that Western nations were cajoled into sending rockets, artillery and tanks where once they had offered helmets and bandages. But those times are gone. Zelensky is no longer part of the solution to Ukraine – he is part of the problem. Over the last year Zelensky has used emergency wartime powers to exile, investigate and jail many leading political opponents and critics. Opposition media have been shut down, and thousands of businesses have been seized by Zelensky cronies under the pretext of alleged links to Russia. Several senior cabinet members have been sacked – but not prosecuted – for massive corruption. And this week, Zelensky's party ordered the takeover of two key anti-corruption agencies who were investigating hundreds of government officials, parliamentarians and presidential administration insiders. For the first time since the beginning of the war, the streets of Kyiv have erupted with thousands of young protesters. Olga Rudenko, editor of the Kyiv Independent and once an ardent supporter of Zelensky, has written: 'Zelensky will feel the wrath of those exact stubborn, freedom-loving Ukrainians he has been an international symbol for.' Zelensky's attack on anti-corruption agencies, which he seems to now have backtracked on, was a huge and unforced error, coming right as Donald Trump seemed to be moving in a slightly more pro-Ukrainian direction. It was also a gift not only to Russian propagandists but also to everyone in the West who opposes further military aid for Kyiv's continued resistance. 'Zelensky … is a dictator and refuses to make a peace deal and end the war,' tweeted arch-Ukraine sceptic and Maga stalwart Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, praising the crowds of protesters who had gathered outside the Presidential Administration in Kyiv. 'Good for the Ukrainian people! Throw him out of office!' Zelensky's move also brought condemnation from the European Union, which was about to begin EU accession negotiations with Kyiv. European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos was 'seriously concerned' and sharply reminded Zelensky that 'rule of law remains in the very centre of EU accession negotiations.' What incriminating information did Ukraine's National Anti-corruption Bureau, or Nabu, have on Zelensky's inner circle? Whatever it was, it was serious enough for presidential chief of staff Andrew Yermak to convene parliament from recess and rush through a bill effectively shutting down the agency in less than 72 hours. Zelensky's term of office formally expired in May 2024, and he remains in office under wartime emergency powers despite calls for him to create a government of national unity. 'In May 1940 Winston Churchill invited the leader of the opposition Attlee to be his deputy and united all of parliament in one government,' says opposition MP Oleksiy Goncharenko. 'Zelensky has done the opposite, he is holding on to power by all means possible.' There are increasing calls for new elections to be held, despite the ongoing hostilities. Over 70 per cent of Ukrainians believe that their leaders are profiting from the war – a horribly corrosive thing in wartime – and combat fatigue among soldiers and civilians alike is profound. A June poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology showed that 43 per cent of respondents would be willing to give away de facto control over occupied territories in order to reach a peace deal with Moscow. So far, Vladimir Putin shows no sign of being serious about peace. Putin bears a personal hatred for Zelensky, the profound anger of a bully towards someone who has stood up to him. That's well and good in wartime – but not a relationship likely to yield peace. A new Ukrainian president would mark a reset moment – especially if he or she was ready to protect the rights of Russian speakers in Ukraine, a key demand of the Kremlin's and, ironically enough, also of the EU. Zelensky has played an epic role in saving his country from destruction. Now there is a danger of his imitating his corrupt predecessors, and he should step aside, for Ukraine's sake.
Int'l Business Times
7 days ago
- Politics
- Int'l Business Times
Germany Contradicts Trump Claim That Patriot Missiles Are Already En Route to Ukraine
Germany pushed back this week against President Donald Trump's claim that the U.S.-made Patriot missiles are already en route to Ukraine, stating it has no knowledge of any such shipments underway. Trump made the assertion on July 16, telling reporters at Joint Base Andrews that Patriot missile systems were "already being shipped" from Germany to Ukraine and would be replaced through a NATO-coordinated arrangement, the Kyiv Independent reported. The president added that the weapons would be fully reimbursed by participating nations. But Germany's Defense Ministry quickly contradicted that timeline. Speaking to Swiss public broadcaster SRF, a spokesperson said, "I cannot confirm that anything is currently on the way," and noted that a virtual meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) is scheduled for July 21 to work through unresolved details. The confusion comes in light of mounting pressure from Ukraine, which has urgently requested additional air defense systems to counter intensifying Russian attacks. On July 14, German officials confirmed that discussions were ongoing with European allies about sending at least three Patriot systems to Kyiv. Trump's remarks followed his unveiling of a new NATO-EU initiative under which member states would purchase U.S. weapons, deliver them to Ukraine and later replenish their stocks through agreements with Washington. The announcement also came on the heels of his threat to hit Russia with "severe" tariffs if it does not agree to a peace deal within 50 days. Originally published on Latin Times Germany Ukraine Donald trump
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Cracks in most powerful alliance? France, Italy break ranks — refuse to join US-led NATO arms deal for Ukraine
France and Italy have revealed that they will not join a new American-led NATO program to fund the delivery of sophisticated American arms to Ukraine, even though they are long-standing supporters of Ukraine, as per a report. What's the New NATO Arms Plan About? The proposal, pitched by Germany and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and unveiled by US President Donald Trump on July 14 in Washington, aims to buy new air defenses for Ukraine, as reported by Kyiv Independent. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category CXO Degree healthcare Data Analytics Management Cybersecurity MBA Others Data Science Leadership Product Management Operations Management Design Thinking Public Policy Healthcare Digital Marketing others PGDM MCA Technology Finance Artificial Intelligence Project Management Data Science Skills you'll gain: Digital Strategy Development Expertise Emerging Technologies & Digital Trends Data-driven Decision Making Leadership in the Digital Age Duration: 40 Weeks Indian School of Business ISB Chief Digital Officer Starts on Jun 30, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Operations Strategy for Business Excellence Organizational Transformation Corporate Communication & Crisis Management Capstone Project Presentation Duration: 11 Months IIM Lucknow Chief Operations Officer Programme Starts on Jun 30, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Customer-Centricity & Brand Strategy Product Marketing, Distribution, & Analytics Digital Strategies & Innovation Skills Leadership Insights & AI Integration Expertise Duration: 10 Months IIM Kozhikode IIMK Chief Marketing and Growth Officer Starts on Apr 7, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Technology Strategy & Innovation Emerging Technologies & Digital Transformation Leadership in Technology Management Cybersecurity & Risk Management Duration: 24 Weeks Indian School of Business ISB Chief Technology Officer Starts on Jun 28, 2024 Get Details The new arms plan for Ukraine comes as Russia has increased its attacks against Ukrainian cities in recent week, according to the report. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like La app de IA que está cambiando vidas — ¿por qué de repente está en todas partes? Finanzas y economía Prueba ahora Undo Why Are France and Italy Saying No? France has rejected joining the plan because of French President Emmanuel Macron's efforts for European nations to strengthen their own defense industries by buying domestically produced arms, as reported by Kyiv Independent. While France is also facing issues with budgets and increasing defense spending targets amid broader economic pressures, according to the report. Even Italy has taken a similar stance, as Italian officials dismissed directly buying US weapons because of fiscal limitations and the country's focus on different technological systems, such as the Italian-French-made SAMP/T air defense system already supplied to Ukraine, as reported by Kyiv Independent. Live Events ALSO READ: Jerome Powell's job on the line? Scott Bessent confirms Fed chair replacement process is underway However, Kyiv Independent's Italian Defense Ministry sources have highlighted that the decision must not be considered as a lack of support for Ukraine but rather as a way to find alternative ways to contribute to the broader effort, according to the report. Italy is also considering a NATO request to support the logistical transport of US-supplied weapons to Ukraine, whether by air, rail, or sea, and has indicated that it will not "shy away" from contributing, according to the Kyiv Independent report. Poland Says Make Russia Pay, Not European Taxpayers While Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has pointed out that the cost of arming Ukraine should not fall on European taxpayers but be covered by Russia's frozen assets instead, as per the report. Sikorski said that, "I asked my fellow foreign ministers: Who should pay for American equipment? Should it be European taxpayers, or, in my opinion, should the aggressor pay for it using its frozen funds?" as quoted by the Polish Press Agency. Germany Takes the Lead and Brings Donald Trump Onboard Rutte revealed that Germany is "massively" invested in the new arms plan, and also said that Trump's support came after extensive coordination with Berlin, as per Kyiv Independent report. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pointed out that the new initiative serves Europe's own interests and increases pressure on Russia to negotiate peace, according to the report. While Trump recently said that additional deliveries of Patriot air defense missiles and other weapons are already underway, as reported by Kyiv Independent. ALSO READ: Is the Gen Z stare a sign of declining social skills or a new form of expression? More Countries Step Up Other European countries, such as the US, the Netherlands, and several Nordic nations, have backed the arrangement, according to the Kyiv Independent report. FAQs Is France pulling back support for Ukraine? No. France is still backing Ukraine, but it's prioritizing its own defense industry. President Macron wants European nations to strengthen their manufacturing of weapons and reduce dependency on outside suppliers, including the US, as per the Kyiv Independent report. Does this mean France and Italy are against NATO's mission in Ukraine? No. Both countries remain committed to NATO and Ukraine's defense. They're just choosing different ways to help — like supporting logistics or using European-made weapons.
New York Post
16-07-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Russia launches fresh volley of deadly drone attacks on Ukraine in open defiance of Trump threat
Russia assaulted Ukraine with a fresh wave of deadly drone and missile strikes Wednesday in another audacious rebellion of President Trump's 50-day peace ultimatum to Vladimir Putin. Northeastern city Kharkiv was rocked by 17 strikes in just 20 minutes after midnight, the Kyiv Independent reported, citing Ukrainian government officials. The intense barrage was focused on the city's Kyivskyi district, where at least two people were killed and several more injured, Reuters reported. Advertisement 3 A building in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second biggest city, is ablaze following airstrikes carried out by Russian drones and jets overnight. There were also strikes reported to the east of Kharkiv in the town of Kupiansk and in the city of Kryvi Rih in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, according to the Kyiv Independent. Power and water supplies were knocked out of service at several of the bombed areas, the outlet reported, citing a local military official, and explosions were also heard in Izmail, a city in Odesa Oblast in southern Ukraine. Advertisement 3 First responders on Tuesday attempt to put out fires following the bombings carried out by Russia following President Trump's ultimatum. AP The deadly strikes mark the second day in a row that the Russian military violently rebelled against Trump's 50-day peace ultimatum he issued to Putin on Monday. Early Tuesday morning, Russia killed five and injured 43 others, including two teens and four children, in bombing strikes targeting Sumy, with Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Kharkiv, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia Oblast also under assault, the Kyiv Independent reported. Russia claimed to only target military-industrial facilities, but local reports stated several residential buildings, a university and medical sites were also hit by drones, according to EuroNews. Advertisement 3 Russian President Vladimir Putin was issued an ultimatum by US President Donald Trump on Monday, but has continued his deadly air campaign against Ukraine for two nights. AP The 'billions of dollars' worth of weapons being sent over to Ukraine via NATO allies will include 'everything,' Trump vowed Monday during an Oval Office meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Rutte later warned Moscow's allies to 'call Vladimir' and tell him 'to get serious' about the commander in chief's potential 'secondary tariffs' threat on Moscow's allies within those 50 days if no peace deal is reached. While the Kremlin called Trump's warning 'quite serious' Tuesday, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov insisted that 'any attempts to make demands, especially ultimatums, are unacceptable to us,' according to Russia's state-run TASS news agency. 'Fear is a present all the time' Advertisement A Ukrainian mother who was wounded with her 14-year-old daughter in Monday's brutal strike in Sumy is pleading with Trump to bring peace to their war-torn homeland. 'Fear is a present all the time, but we do not have a choice,' Nataliia Makhno exclusively told The Post after she and her daughter, Anastasiia, narrowly escaped death while walking home from a grocery store as the assault began. The teen's body was riddled with shrapnel wounds, and she and her mother both suffered severe blast trauma. The youngster — an award-winning modern dancer — is receiving inpatient care, putting her passion on hold until she recovers, said a devastated Nataliia, who also has an inner ear injury from the deafening boom. 'Living here is scary, but sadly, we have become used to it,' she said, adding that the family moved to Sumy, where her serviceman husband is stationed, from Myrophilla in 2022 because they thought it would be safer. The shattered mother is now begging Trump to act quickly to help end the nightmare they've endured throughout the 40-month-long war. 'I would like to ask very much that he help us so that peace comes to our Ukraine and that we can live as before when we were not afraid and our children lived under a peaceful sky,' Nataliia said. 'He can help us to cope with such a terrible misfortune that has come to us so that we can be here, live, rejoice, marry, have children and wait for grandchildren,' she added. 'Our children should be able to live calmly, grow, live quietly, work and be happy.'
New York Post
15-07-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Fresh Russian strikes kill 5, wound dozens in Ukraine as Putin rebels against Trump's ‘severe' sanctions threat
Russia launched further brutal drone attacks on Ukraine overnight Monday, wounding a 14-year-old girl and 'deliberately' targeting a university in a stunning act of rebellion against President Trump's threats of fresh sanctions and weapons deliveries to Ukraine. Five were killed and at least 43 injured, including four children, in attacks across Ukraine, the Kyiv Independent reported, citing regional authorities.. A 14-year-old girl, a university student, 19, and five members of staff were among the dozen injured during attacks on the northeastern city of Sumy. Separate attacks struck Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Kharkiv, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia Oblast, according to the Kyiv Independent. 4 Russia launched fresh air strikes on Ukraine overnight, defying Trump's threats of new sanctions. AP Russia claimed that it had targeted Ukrainian military-industrial facilities on Monday, however, several residential buildings and medical sites were also hit with drone strikes, EuroNews reported. The deadly strikes came hours after Trump and NATO chief Mark Rutte announced further Ukraine arms deliveries on Monday, manufactured in the US and paid for by European members of the alliance. Trump also handed Putin a 50-day ultimatum to reach a peace deal or face 'very severe' economic sanctions. 4 Trump gave Putin 50 days to come up with a peace deal. AFP via Getty Images 'Putin's rationale behind conducting strikes only a few hours after President Trump's announcement of weapons sales to Europe is rooted in his commitment to continuing the war in Ukraine,' Angelica Evans, Russia analyst for Washington, DC-based think-tank the Institute for the Study of War, told The Post. 'The Russians are trying to project confidence in their ability to weather sanctions and keep advancing forward in Ukraine, and last night's strikes are another example of Putin's intransigence,' she added. 4 The Post's front page on Tuesday. Russia is making a summer push to break through the 600-mile frontline, stepping up its bombardment on Ukrainian cities to its highest level since the start of the war almost three and a half years ago. Putin's allies suggest he will use the September deadline to try and blitz his way through as much of Ukraine as he can, to strengthen his hand in future negotiations. 4 Five were killed and dozens wounded in Russian drone strikes across Ukraine. AP 'Oh, how much can change both on the battlefield and with the mood of those leading the US and NATO in 50 days,' senior Russian lawmaker Konstantin Kosachev said on social media, according to EuroNews. Evans warned that the chances of a peace deal being achieved in 50 days are highly unlikely. 'Putin is looking at the next 50 days the same way he's looked at the last six months — an opportunity to keep pushing along the frontline and striking Ukrainian cities while pretending to be interested in peace,' she said. 'It's highly unlikely we'll get a peace deal in 50 days solely because Putin still isn't interested in one. Until the West agrees to more significant sanctions that bring serious costs on the Russian economy and Ukrainian forces start taking territory back — a serious political and military cost for Putin — I don't think we'll see any movement on peace.' However, she said a fresh round of secondary sanctions affecting Russia and China could have an impact. 'If the Trump administration goes through with this plan, countries like China and India could start feeling the pressure and reflecting some of that back in their relations with Russia,' Evans said. 'Putin will try and convince Trump to abandon secondary sanctions because this could threaten Russia's ability to finance and continue the war if properly enforced. We know that Russia is relying on sanctions evasion and ongoing oil purchases from some of its allies to fund and supply this war, and secondary sanctions are a way to get at these channels.'
