Ukraine is set to engage in crucial meetings with its key partner, the United States, as it seeks to ensure continued support in the face of ongoing attacks from Russia. President Volodimir Zelenski is scheduled to attend the Munich Security Conference, where he will meet with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This meeting comes as Donald Trump has reportedly spoken with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin about potentially ending the war soon, putting Ukraine’s position to the test.
The central issue at the conference will be Ukraine, with the country’s position remaining opposite to that of Russia. Russia is insisting that Ukraine give up four regions that were annexed illegally, as well as its plans to join NATO in search of security. Ukraine, on the other hand, has acknowledged that it may have to wait for the return of 20% of its territory occupied by Russia, but is seeking reliable guarantees for its safety. The country warns that Russia will take advantage of any pause in fighting to reinforce its army and launch further attacks.
Ukraine’s Strategy
In an effort to secure US support, Ukraine has adapted its offer to align with Trump’s interests. The US president has stated that he intends to recover US aid to Kyiv with benefits, following Ukraine’s offer to give the United States access to its critical minerals. Ukraine has an unknown number of “rare earths,” a specific list of minerals used in high-tech productions, as well as significant reserves of titanium, uranium, lithium, nickel, and cobalt. These minerals have a high demand worldwide and are of great importance for geopolitical powers such as China and the United States.
Giving priority access to the United States is not considered too high a price for Ukraine to pay in exchange for increased commitment. The Minister of Finance, Scott Besent, will visit Ukraine to meet with President Zelenski and discuss the details. Meanwhile, the fighting continues, with Russia launching attacks against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and cities.
Continued Fighting
Last night, 19 missiles and dozens of drones attacked gas production facilities in the Poltava region, sparking fears that the country may have to apply cuts to its gas supply. Ukraine, in turn, has attacked a key Russian oil refinery in Saratov with drones, reducing the production of Russian oil products by 14% or 15%. This has also had an impact on the battlefield, where Russia has decreased its use of heavy equipment such as tanks.
The intensity of Russian attacks along the front line has decreased somewhat in recent weeks, but heated fighting continues in the eastern region of Donetsk and the Russian region of Kursk. Ukrainian forces are losing ground but are offering firm resistance, preventing Russia from transferring more forces to key objectives. The Ukrainian army has launched a series of surprise counterattacks, improving their tactical position and demonstrating their ability to achieve results despite being outnumbered and outgunned.
In Kursk, Ukrainian troops have advanced more than 5 kilometers east of Sudzha, gaining ground despite the return of North Korean soldiers to the front. Ukraine is hoping to exchange Russian territories for some of its own occupied territories, as the conflict continues to unfold. The situation remains critical, with the fate of Ukraine hanging in the balance as it seeks to secure its future and protect its people from ongoing Russian aggression.