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[00:00:00] The Kremlin suddenly cannot confirm the [00:00:02] next round of Ukraine peace talks even [00:00:04] though K says the meeting is expected in [00:00:07] Switzerland next week. Putin's [00:00:09] spokesperson Ditri Pisco claims there is [00:00:12] no confirmation of Geneva talks and that [00:00:14] Moscow will speak only once there is a [00:00:17] clear understanding. But Ukrainian [00:00:19] President Wimmer Zalinski says the [00:00:21] opposite. In an interview with a Pierce [00:00:23] Morgan uncancered he stated the next [00:00:26] meeting is indeed planned in [00:00:28] Switzerland. So while Kee speaks openly [00:00:30] about the next step, Moscow is playing [00:00:33] dead. For weeks, Russia projected [00:00:35] confidence about negotiations, insisting [00:00:37] talks must happen on its terms. Yet the [00:00:40] moment a real venue and timeline appear, [00:00:43] the Kremlin suddenly pretends nothing is [00:00:45] happening. Either the talks are not [00:00:47] going Moscow's way or Russia still [00:00:49] cannot accept Ukraine as an equal at the [00:00:52] table. Russian intelligence services [00:00:54] were preparing a series of contract [00:00:57] killings targeting prominent Ukrainians [00:01:00] and foreign nationals with the networks [00:01:03] organizer operating from abroad. [00:01:05] According to Ukraine's prosecutor [00:01:07] general's office, a joint operation with [00:01:10] Muldovan authorities led to the arrest [00:01:13] of 10 members of the group, seven in [00:01:15] Ukraine and three in Muldova, including [00:01:17] the coordinator. Investigators say the [00:01:19] cell acted under Russian intelligence [00:01:22] supervision and was planning [00:01:24] assassinations of at least five public [00:01:26] figures. One of the intended targets was [00:01:29] Ukrainian military intelligence [00:01:30] spokesperson Andre Yusf. Members of the [00:01:33] network collected surveillance on [00:01:35] victims movements and residences, [00:01:38] prepared weapons and escape routes and [00:01:40] were promised payments of up to $100,000 [00:01:45] depending on the targets prominence. [00:01:47] More than 20 coordinated searches in [00:01:49] several Ukrainian regions uncovered [00:01:52] firearms, explosives, communications [00:01:55] devices, and evidence of contacts with [00:01:57] the Russian handlers. Authorities [00:02:00] believe the planned killings were [00:02:01] intended to trigger major public shock [00:02:04] and serve Russia's broader strategy of [00:02:07] destabilization inside Ukraine. The [00:02:09] investigation is going on. Europe must [00:02:12] be at the negotiating table on Ukraine. [00:02:15] That is the message from President [00:02:17] Zalinski that he's sending after the [00:02:19] latest round of US broker talks with [00:02:22] Russia in Switzerland ended once again [00:02:25] without a breakthrough. The meeting was [00:02:27] the third direct contact between [00:02:29] Ukrainian and Russian invoice organized [00:02:31] by Washington, but it produced no [00:02:34] visible progress towards ending the war. [00:02:36] Zalinski is now making clear that KE [00:02:38] expects Europe to remain fully involved [00:02:41] in the process and that any future [00:02:43] negotiations must reflect European [00:02:45] positions alongside Ukraine's own. The [00:02:48] stall talks underline how far apart the [00:02:51] sides still are on core issues, [00:02:53] especially territory, and why Ukraine is [00:02:55] pushing to prevent any settlement [00:02:58] framework from emerging without Europe [00:03:00] present. It was essential that European [00:03:02] partners were present in Switzerland and [00:03:05] this is the approach we will continue to [00:03:06] follow to ensure Europe's views are [00:03:08] fully reflected. [00:03:10] I also want to thank our entire [00:03:12] delegation for maintaining clear [00:03:14] discipline and unity during the [00:03:15] negotiations. [00:03:18] It is crucial that Ukraine speaks with [00:03:20] confidence, strength, and a single [00:03:22] voice. Western officials say Russia is [00:03:24] showing no real sign it wants peace and [00:03:26] Moscow's choice of negotiator only [00:03:29] reinforces that view. The Kremlin again [00:03:32] sent Vladimir Medinski known for [00:03:34] hardline rhetoric to lead its delegation [00:03:38] in the latest Geneva talks. During [00:03:40] negotiations, Russia repeated maximalist [00:03:43] demands, including territorial [00:03:45] concessions and political control over [00:03:47] Ukraine while describing the discussions [00:03:50] as merily business-like. At the same [00:03:53] time, foreign minister Serge Lavrov has [00:03:55] been attacking the United States on [00:03:57] global issues, portraying Russia as a [00:04:00] defender of the non-western world, even [00:04:02] as it continues its war in Ukraine. [00:04:05] European officials now openly say Moscow [00:04:07] appears to be deliberately prolonging [00:04:10] negotiations rather than seeking [00:04:12] compromises, but no one's surprised. At [00:04:15] the same time, the United States steps [00:04:18] back and holds direct military aid to [00:04:20] Ukraine. Europe is increasingly showing [00:04:22] it can carry the burden. According to [00:04:25] Axious, over the past year, European [00:04:27] governments have sharply expanded [00:04:29] weapons deliveries and financial [00:04:31] support, effectively replacing [00:04:33] Washington as the main lifeline for Kev. [00:04:36] Much of that support is now funded by [00:04:39] European taxpayers, even when the [00:04:41] weapons themselves are produced in the [00:04:43] United States. European leaders argue [00:04:46] the shift gives them both responsibility [00:04:48] and the right to shape decisions on the [00:04:51] war and any future settlement. Despite [00:04:53] America still providing critical [00:04:55] intelligence and strategic capabilities, [00:04:58] the balance of support on the ground is [00:05:00] changing. Europe is moving from junior [00:05:03] partner to primary backer of Ukraine's [00:05:05] defense and demonstrating that it can [00:05:08] sustain the role even as US engagement [00:05:10] becomes more uncertain. The latest round [00:05:13] of peace talks between Ukraine and [00:05:15] Russia has effectively collapsed. [00:05:17] According to the Telegraph, negotiators [00:05:19] managed to discuss only technical [00:05:21] issues, the front line and possible [00:05:23] ceasefire monitoring. But on the central [00:05:26] question of territory, the side remains [00:05:28] far apart. That failure is reinforcing a [00:05:32] familiar belief in some western capitals [00:05:35] that Russia with more troops and more [00:05:37] equipment can simply outlast Ukraine. [00:05:40] But developments on the battlefield are [00:05:42] beginning to challenge the assumption. [00:05:44] In just 5 days, Ukrainian forces [00:05:47] reportedly retook more than 200 square [00:05:49] kilometers in the Zapuria sector, the [00:05:52] fastest advance in two and a half years [00:05:55] and a quicker pace than Russia achieved [00:05:57] during its entire offensive push last [00:06:00] December. Technology is playing a [00:06:02] growing role. New Ukraine and fixedwing [00:06:04] FPV drones are striking tens of [00:06:07] kilometers beyond the front line while [00:06:10] bypassing Russian electronic warfare [00:06:12] defenses. Western supplied armored [00:06:14] vehicles are also helping narrow [00:06:16] Russia's artillery advantage and [00:06:18] improving crew surveillability. Manpower [00:06:21] pressure are also becoming more visible. [00:06:23] Ukrainian estimates put Russian losses [00:06:25] at over 1 million killed and wounded [00:06:28] with casualties now exceeding [00:06:31] recruitment for several consecutive [00:06:33] months. That strain is reflected in [00:06:36] Moscow's increasing reliance on foreign [00:06:38] records from Cuba to India and parts of [00:06:40] Africa, highlighting the limits of [00:06:43] Russia's own mobilizations pool. The [00:06:46] Kremlin appears to be prolonging [00:06:48] negotiations in the expectations that [00:06:50] time with shifts the balance further in [00:06:53] its favor. Yet, battlefield trends and [00:06:55] attrition dynamics suggest time is no [00:06:58] longer working exclusively for Russia. [00:07:00] The trajectory is gradually tilting [00:07:03] towards KE. And here's the real gray [00:07:06] cardinal of this war stepping into view. [00:07:09] China is massively supplying drones to [00:07:11] Russia, not directly, but through a [00:07:14] quiet transit hub in Southeast Asia. [00:07:17] According to Bloomberg, Thailand has [00:07:19] emerged since 2022 as a key route for [00:07:22] Chinese drones reaching Russia, and the [00:07:25] numbers are striking. In the first 11 [00:07:27] months of 2025 alone, Russia imported [00:07:32] $125 million worth of drones from [00:07:35] Thailand, accounting for almost the [00:07:38] country's entire drone exports and an [00:07:41] eightfold increase for the previous [00:07:43] year. During the same period, China [00:07:45] shipped 186 million in drones to [00:07:48] Thailand, effectively supplying nearly [00:07:51] all of its imports. The scheme looks [00:07:54] textbook. Chinese drones enter Thailand [00:07:56] and are then directed to Russia through [00:07:59] intermediaries and shell companies. Some [00:08:02] of the shipments include civilian models [00:08:04] from Chinese manufacturer OTEL that are [00:08:06] known to be used on the battlefield. One [00:08:09] major trading firm involved was even [00:08:12] sanctioned by the United Kingdom for [00:08:14] supplying technology to the Russian [00:08:16] military then simply changed its name [00:08:19] and continued operating. Washington has [00:08:21] repeatedly said China provides the bulk [00:08:24] of dual use components sustaining [00:08:26] Russia's war effort. Beijing denies any [00:08:29] military support and insists on [00:08:31] neutrality. The trade flows tell a [00:08:34] different story. So while China presents [00:08:36] itself globally as a mediator, behind [00:08:39] the scenes, it is enabling Russia's [00:08:41] drone warfare against Ukraine. Beijing [00:08:44] does not shout, it does not threaten, [00:08:46] just supplies. While the world focuses [00:08:48] on negotiations over Ukraine and the [00:08:50] role of the United States here, another [00:08:53] axis of the war is becoming increasingly [00:08:55] clear in the background. Russia and Iran [00:08:58] are now conducting joint military drills [00:09:00] aimed at rising tensions between Tehran [00:09:03] and Washington. The heel reports Iran [00:09:06] has already become a key military [00:09:08] partner for the Kremlin, supplying [00:09:10] drones that Russia uses extensively [00:09:12] against Ukraine. Now, this cooperation [00:09:14] is moving to a new level, openly [00:09:17] demonstrating mutual support on the [00:09:18] global stage. At the same time, global [00:09:21] oil prices have surged to a six-month [00:09:23] high. Markets reacted immediately after [00:09:26] Donald Trump issued fresh threats to [00:09:28] Iran over its nuclear program, and [00:09:30] Tehran announced joint navl exercises [00:09:33] with Russia near the Strait of Hormuz, a [00:09:36] checkpoint through which roughly 1/5 of [00:09:39] the world's oil supply passes. Traders [00:09:41] quickly priced the risk of the [00:09:44] escalation and a potential disruption to [00:09:46] energy flows. In effect, Moscow and [00:09:48] Tehran are signaling that they are [00:09:51] prepared to act together, not only [00:09:53] against Ukraine, but more broadly [00:09:55] against the Western security order. [00:09:57] Russia gains weapons and strategic [00:09:59] foothold on the Middle East. Iran gains [00:10:01] technology and political cover. What is [00:10:04] gradually emerging is a military [00:10:06] political axis stretching from Eastern [00:10:08] Europe to the Persian Gulf and it is [00:10:11] already shaping not only the war in [00:10:13] Ukraine but the stability of global [00:10:15] energy markets. Around 10,000 North [00:10:18] Korean troops are currently on Russian [00:10:20] territory where they are gaining real [00:10:22] combat experience in the war against [00:10:24] Ukraine. Assessments from Ukrainian [00:10:26] military intelligence and South Korea's [00:10:28] National Intelligence Service indicate [00:10:31] that these forces are being trained in [00:10:33] artillery, reconnaissance, and multiple [00:10:35] types of drones under actual battlefield [00:10:38] conditions. Units are rotated back to [00:10:41] North Korea after deployment, where many [00:10:43] of these soldiers become instructors, [00:10:45] transferring newly acquired skills [00:10:47] across the North Korean military. In [00:10:49] effect, Russia has turned its war [00:10:51] against Ukraine into a live training [00:10:54] ground for Pan's army. The long-term [00:10:57] risk is what happens next. These troops [00:10:59] are not returning with theory, but with [00:11:02] a hands on knowledge of modern warfare, [00:11:05] including drone operations and counter [00:11:07] strike tactics. That experience could [00:11:09] significantly strengthen North Korea's [00:11:12] military capabilities once it flows back [00:11:14] into the regime's armed forces. She once [00:11:18] wore ballroom dresses and taught [00:11:20] children to move to music. Today she [00:11:22] carries a sniper riffle and covers [00:11:24] assault units in combat. Tiana's story [00:11:27] is about a life that vanished overnight [00:11:30] and another that arrived with no way [00:11:32] back. The 47year-old mother of two from [00:11:35] eastern Ukraine was a Beloom dance [00:11:38] instructor, an international judge and [00:11:40] the owner of her own studio before [00:11:42] Russia's full-scale invasion to Ukraine. [00:11:44] Her days were filled with competitions, [00:11:47] travel, and constant movements across [00:11:49] Europe and Asia. At the time, she says [00:11:52] it all felt like routine. Now, it is the [00:11:55] routine she misses the most. February [00:11:58] 21st stopped the music. That morning, [00:12:01] she understood she could no longer [00:12:03] continue dancing and had to join the [00:12:05] army. After training in Europe and [00:12:07] service in several units, Tatiana became [00:12:10] a sniper in an airsault regiment. It was [00:12:13] a deliberate choice. She's saying [00:12:15] shooting had always been a part of her [00:12:17] life. While walking in the park with her [00:12:20] children, she would step into a small [00:12:22] shooting range and hit the bull's eyes. [00:12:24] She explains her decision in an [00:12:26] unexpected way. For her, snipping is a [00:12:29] creative profession. She loves [00:12:31] mathematics and study physics and math [00:12:34] at university, and the blend of [00:12:36] precision and creativity felt natural to [00:12:38] her. In combat, she works with a calm [00:12:41] focus like an athlete in competition. [00:12:44] But the war has changed her permanently. [00:12:47] She speaks about it quietly. She says [00:12:49] she has become a different person and [00:12:51] feels as if the strongest emotions of [00:12:54] her life have already been lived [00:12:56] through. Not because she does not want [00:12:58] to leave. She does. She wants to climb [00:13:00] mountains, swim in the ocean, see the [00:13:02] world. But she knows she will never feel [00:13:05] the same way again. [00:13:08] Life goes on. This is our life and this [00:13:12] is our choice but a choice made within [00:13:15] the realities we found ourselves in. We [00:13:18] are ordinary people who simply ended up [00:13:21] in extraordinary circumstances. [00:13:24] There wasn't a single moment, no sudden [00:13:26] click when I felt that my whole life had [00:13:29] changed. But now it feels almost [00:13:32] impossible to return to the life we had [00:13:35] before. Tatiano's story is not only [00:13:37] about war. It is about ordinary lives [00:13:39] pushed into extraordinary reality and [00:13:42] about the painful truth that sometimes [00:13:45] there is simply no returning to who you [00:13:47] were before. They woke up to a dog [00:13:50] barking. When they looked outside, [00:13:52] Russian soldiers with a white armbands [00:13:55] were already walking down their street. [00:13:57] In that moment, the Vanuko family [00:13:59] understood their village in eastern [00:14:01] Ukraine was occupied and the life they [00:14:03] knew was over. For days they hid in a [00:14:06] damn basement as shelling pounded above [00:14:09] them and groundwater kept rising from [00:14:11] below. Russian troops with riffles [00:14:13] patrolled the streets, search homes and [00:14:16] set up checkpoints. Who you were, where [00:14:18] you worked, what she believed could [00:14:20] suddenly put you in danger. Ena decided [00:14:22] to flee with her teenage son, knowing [00:14:25] that staying could cost them their [00:14:27] lives. Her husband, Alexi, remained [00:14:29] behind for several days to watch over [00:14:31] their home. That was when Russian [00:14:33] soldiers dragged him off the street, [00:14:35] pushed a riffle to the back of his head, [00:14:38] and pulled the bolt. He was certain he [00:14:41] was about to be executed. Alexi survived [00:14:44] and later escaped as well. The family [00:14:46] reached Estonia with one suitcase [00:14:49] between them. Today they are building a [00:14:51] new life, working, raising their young [00:14:53] daughter and trying not to dwell on the [00:14:55] fact that their parents still live in [00:14:58] the occupied village where only a [00:15:00] fraction of residents remain and basic [00:15:03] services have collapsed. [00:15:05] We put all the documents in that [00:15:07] suitcase, everything we had. We had warm [00:15:11] clothes on us, plus warm clothes as [00:15:13] spares, socks, towels, toothpaste, and [00:15:17] that's it. We came here with that [00:15:20] suitcase. [00:15:22] They have the right to live at home for [00:15:23] a certain amount of time and then as [00:15:26] non-citizens of the Russian Federation, [00:15:28] they have to leave. And this, of course, [00:15:31] leaves almost no opportunity to refuse a [00:15:34] Russian passport, [00:15:36] especially since a Russian passport is [00:15:37] tied to a whole range of other things. [00:15:40] You can't find a job. You won't get [00:15:42] medical care. Your children don't get [00:15:44] educational services. [00:15:46] Well, you're simply excluded. Thank you [00:15:48] for watching. For more content about [00:15:50] Ukraine and the world, please subscribe.