Ukraine-Russia War Update: US Poised to Finalize Rare Earth Minerals Agreement with Kyiv on Third Anniversary of Conflict

Just one month following Donald Trump’s return to the presidency, uncertainty regarding American support for Kyiv has escalated.

In the past week alone, he has made multiple attacks on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, incorrectly labeling him a “dictator” and naïvely alleging that Ukraine “initiated” the conflict.

Consequently, Ukraine finds itself confronting challenges on two fronts: battling Russian forces in the east and working to maintain favorable U.S. relations.

Here, The Independent presents a detailed examination of the tangible impacts of three years of warfare in Europe—financially, militarily, and on the lives of individuals fighting for their freedom.

Report by Alicja Hagopian and Tom Watling:

Political correspondent Archie Mitchell reports:

Sir Keir Starmer reiterated his appeal for Donald Trump to establish a “backstop” to ensure peace in Ukraine when Vladimir Putin’s invasion concludes.

During a call with global leaders commemorating the war’s third anniversary, the Prime Minister received applause from fellow delegates for his commitment to “always stand with Ukraine and our allies against this aggression.”

“If Ukraine fails, Europe is next, and that is what we must safeguard here,” Sir Keir emphasized, echoing sentiments from an injured soldier he met in Kyiv.

Moreover, applying pressure on Mr. Trump, he stated: “The UK is prepared and willing to support this with troops in collaboration with other Europeans. Ultimately, U.S. backing will be critical to deter Russia from launching further invasions in the future.”

Mr. Trump has previously indicated his unwillingness to play a sustained role in Ukraine’s defense, instead encouraging European allies to enhance their self-protection measures.

There was a notable contrast between the messages delivered to Donald Trump by Canada’s Justin Trudeau and UK PM Sir Keir Starmer at the Support Ukraine 2025 Summit.

In his address to attendees, including Ukrainian PM Volodymyr Zelensky, Mr. Trudeau opened with a blunt rebuke of the U.S. president, who has accused Ukraine of dictatorship and initiating the war.

The Canadian PM stated: “Thank you, Volodymyr, for your brave leadership as the elected leader of this esteemed nation.”

“Frankly, you and the Ukrainian populace should never have had to withstand a single day of this unjustified brutal war…this conflict was not one Ukraine instigated or desired.”

In contrast, Sir Keir took on a more diplomatic tone, refraining from criticizing Mr. Trump for his recent comments on Mr. Zelensky, instead advocating for U.S. support as a “backstop” to ensure any peace deal between Ukraine and Russia.

Political correspondent Archie Mitchell reports:

“This will certainly be a matter of consideration once the situation in Ukraine reaches a conclusion, and we ought to reach that point promptly,” Mr. Jarvis stated during an interview on Times Radio.

Sir Keir Starmer has pledged a new series of extensive sanctions against Russia coinciding with the third anniversary of its invasion of Ukraine.

The UK and its allies must “increase economic pressure continually to bring Putin to a point where he is prepared not just to engage in talks but to make meaningful concessions,” Sir Keir stated in a remote address to a gathering of Ukraine’s allies in Kyiv.

Sir Keir indicated he would urge G7 partners to assume greater risks regarding the oil price cap, to impose sanctions on Russian oil giants, and to target banks facilitating sanctions evasion.

Keir Starmer has adopted a diplomatic stance again while addressing a meeting of Ukraine’s allies in Kyiv.

He refrained from echoing Trudeau’s emphasis on Zelensky being democratically elected.

“President Trump has altered the global dialogue in recent weeks, creating opportunities,” Sir Keir further noted.

“To ensure lasting peace, we must establish the fundamentals correctly. Ukraine should have a seat at the negotiating table, and any agreement must uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty backed by substantial security guarantees.”

However, Sir Keir asserted that a U.S. backstop “will be crucial” for maintaining peace, a sentiment Trump has rejected.

He reiterated a warning conveyed by a soldier he visited at a burns unit in Kyiv: “If Ukraine fails, Europe becomes next. This is what’s truly at stake.”

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged nations to “spare no effort” in striving to end the Ukrainian conflict.

We must “achieve a fair and enduring peace in accordance with the UN Charter, international law, and General Assembly resolutions,” he conveyed to the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva.

His comments arise before a UN clash regarding Ukraine later today in New York, as the United States seeks General Assembly support for its resolution aimed at ending the war, which stands opposed to a competing proposal from Ukraine and its European allies.

The motion states that the UN demands Russia withdraw its troops and stop hostilities.

This Monday, the U.S. chose to leave its seat empty at the human rights council, reflecting President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the body responsible for safeguarding human rights.

Thirteen-year-old Liza watched as her home was obliterated by a Russian airstrike during the liberation of her hometown in September 2022.

“I used to be joyful. I had a happy childhood, but now it’s gone forever.”

Read the poignant accounts of Liza, aged 15, and Oleksandr, aged 12:

On the third anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Putin briefed Xi about recent communications between Russia and the U.S. that took place last week in Saudi Arabia, where they profess to have agreed to initiate steps in restoring bilateral ties and preparing for peace talks regarding Ukraine.

Xi expressed support for the dialogue between Moscow and Washington, indicating that China is prepared to assist in finding a peaceful resolution in Ukraine, according to statements from the Kremlin.

This marks the second conversation the two leaders have held this year. Since the onset of the conflict in February 2022, Beijing has maintained a neutral stance, refraining from condemning Russia for its invasion.