Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (L) and Donald Trump at the G7 summit in Évian, France, June 16, 2026
EA-Ukraine VideoCast: Under Pressure, The Kremlin Considers A Return to Talks
I joined Ukrainian journalists Daniel Tkiie and Sofia Nazarenko on Thursday to examine Ukraine’s latest moves from resistance to strength against Russia’s 52-month full-scale invasion, incuding Donald Trump’s praise of President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Noting Trump’s past insults of the Ukrainian President, I explore how Kyiv’s counter-attacks inside Russia have shifted the mood of a reality TV star who wants to be alongside “winners”.
I caution that this does not mean increased Trump Administration support, however, given Trump’s volatile mood and Russia’s attempt to manipulate officials such as real estate developer Steve Witkoff.
But I assess the likelihood of more Ukraine “winning”, with Russia’s air defenses stretched and Russian-occupied Crimea facing the possibility of complete isolation.
I consider how Europe is filling the gap left by the US, and examine the possibility of renewed Ukraine-Russia talks.
I also discuss the latest in the failing US War on Iran.
