Ukraine-Russia News
LAST UPDATE: June 19, 2025
Ukraine says it held talks with US on supporting defense projects under joint fund
On June 18, Ukraine’s First Deputy PM Yulia Svyrydenko and US officials, including Treasury’s Scott Bessent, discussed expanding the mandate of a joint investment fund to support Ukrainian defense projects. The fund was originally set up as part of a G7 deal linked to access to Ukrainian minerals.
Insight
This marks a strategic evolution: Ukraine is leveraging the joint fund not just for economic ties but also for military aid, signaling expanded US financial backing of Ukraine’s defense industry.
Russia hopes Brazil can complement China in replacing Western companies
Russia’s deputy economy minister said Brazilian companies could help fill gaps in the Russian market left by departing Western firms, complementing Chinese firms. Bilateral trade reached a record $12.4 bn in 2024.
Insight
This further pivots Russia’s economy toward BRICS partners. Building stronger ties with Brazil spreads geopolitical risk and deepens its non-Western alliances, compensating for the Western exodus.
Trump tells Putin to end Ukraine war before mediating Iran-Israel
On June 18, President Trump rebuffed Putin’s offer to mediate between Israel and Iran, urging him instead to end Russia’s war in Ukraine first, saying: “Do me a favor… mediate Russia first.”
Insight
Trump’s statement publicly pressures Putin, prioritizing Ukraine resolution and framing the US stance: Russia must address its own conflict before intervening in others, shifting diplomatic narratives.
