ANALYTICS

The Russian diesel deal gives Putin sanctions relief without concessions on Ukraine. Did Trump secure cheaper fuel or hand the Kremlin a political victory?

Eight minutes in front of the cameras, promises of peace before winter and another “yes” on Patriot. The Zelenskyy Trump meeting in New York raised hopes of progress — but left the most important question unanswered: what can actually force Vladimir Putin to stop the war?

Russia is increasingly launching individual jet-powered drones over Odesa, where they can circle for hours. These flights exhaust air defenses, disrupt daily life, and keep civilians in constant fear.

The meeting at the Kremlin ended without any announcements of concrete agreements. However, comments from the Russian side, the US envoys’ upcoming visit to Kyiv, and reports by international media offer some insight into the issues currently at the center of the diplomatic struggle.

Donald Trump’s representatives, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, could make their first visit to Ukraine in the coming days. Ukraine Brief examines how the trip could change their understanding of the war and how the order of talks in Kyiv and Moscow may shape the diplomatic process.

The Kursk disaster became the first major test of Putin’s presidency — and an early warning of the system he would build.