UkraineUpdated 2h ago

Trump lifts Russia diesel sanctions as Ukraine strikes and shelling continue

What it means

Trump lifted diesel sanctions on Russia, drawing Zelensky's condemnation. Ukraine's Operation Vivaldi reclaimed about 175 square kilometres near Lyman, while Russian strikes killed at least 35 in Donetsk and 30 in Kramatorsk.

Why it matters

The EU faces a $78 billion shortfall for Ukraine in 2027, with a €90 billion loan proving insufficient. Russia's federal budget spending rose 14.5% in nine months, and Moscow uses fear to divide NATO.

How it affects you

Russian strikes on Kyiv's energy infrastructure cut power and water for hundreds of thousands, halting metro, tram and trolleybus service. Ukrainian drones damaged two Yandex data centres, disrupting its services.