Drivers queue for gasoline in Sevastopol in Russian-occupied Crimea, June 2026
EA-Ukraine VideoCast: How Zelensky Rattled Putin’s Cage
I joined Ukrainian journalists Sofia Nazarenko and Daniel Tkiie on Thursday for a 31-minute deep dive into the latest developments around Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
We begin with Ukraine’s increasing pressure on Russia through counter-attacks, including operations trying to cut off Crimea, occupied by the Russians since 2014.
I highlight the Ukrainian destruction of bridging linking Crimea to Russian-occupied areas in southern Ukraine. I describe the worsening situation around gasoline, with supplies reduced and even halted amid Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries.
Can Ukraine fully cut off Crimea from the south? Noting the failed Ukrainian counter-offensive in 2023, I assess the difference today: “In 2026, we are seeing new forms of economic pressure combined with military attacks. If you can hit the refineries, terminals, ports, and bridges, you make these areas unsustainable.”
We discuss further signs of the Kremlin’s concern, including the cancellation of public ceremonies, and I assess whether Kyiv can keep the Trump Administration involved in a productive way to end Russian’s invasion.
We also consider if developments in UK politics will affect London’s support for Ukraine, and we look at the latest in the Trump camp’s failing war on Iran.
