Russia says it's ready for mass mobilization like in WWII anytime

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on April 30 that Russia is capable of mobilizing on a scale comparable to the Soviet Union during World War II, if required. Speaking at Moscow’s Victory Museum, Peskov asserted that “if a great country needs to stand up, it will stand up at any moment,” citing what he claimed was already widespread civilian support for the war effort.

His remarks come amid reports that Russia is recruiting 30,000–40,000 troops per month through incentives rather than formal conscription. Despite avoiding a second mass draft after the unpopular 2022 mobilization, Russian military leaders are said to be pushing for a broader draft due to mounting casualties.

Ukraine estimates Russian losses at over 950,000 troops since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. NATO puts current Russian frontline losses at about 1,000 soldiers per day.

Russians are attempting to reach the administrative border of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast

Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on April 30 that Russian forces have sharply escalated attacks on the Pokrovsk front, aiming to break through Ukrainian defenses and reach the border of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Despite Russia's recent statements about a May holiday ceasefire, hostilities have intensified.

Syrskyi reported that Russia is deploying fresh units daily, incurring heavy losses while achieving minimal gains. He ordered reinforcements, including ammunition, drones, EW systems, and reserves, with a special focus on attack UAVs. Ukrainian forces are reportedly maintaining their lines and striking Russian troops across the entire depth of the combat zone.

Ukraine ready to sign minerals deal with US on April 30

Ukraine is poised to finalize a long-awaited minerals agreement with the United States as early as April 30, according to a source in the President's Office. The revised deal reportedly includes a 50-50 investment structure and omits controversial debt-repayment provisions previously sought by U.S. President Donald Trump.

The agreement, which Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko is expected to sign, focuses on future joint investment projects rather than asset transfers or debt settlements. Ukrainian MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak said the revised framework is significantly improved from the March 23 draft and centers on reinvestment of profits rather than ownership of existing infrastructure.

Almost 90% of Ukrainians don't trust the US President Donald Trump - poll

A new public opinion survey reveals that trust in U.S. President Donald Trump among Ukrainians has plummeted to record lows, with nearly 90% expressing distrust just 100 days into his return to the White House. The poll, commissioned by the New Europe Center and conducted by INFO Sapiens between April 10 and 24, shows that only 7.4% of Ukrainians fully or somewhat trust Trump, while 89% do not trust him at all.

The data reflects a sharp decline in confidence since November 2024, when 47.2% of respondents said they distrusted the U.S. leader. The steep drop corresponds with increasing criticism of the Trump administration’s approach to Ukraine, particularly its push for a ceasefire plan that Kyiv says heavily favors Moscow.

Trump’s latest ceasefire initiative, which reportedly includes provisions for lifting sanctions and recognizing Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea, has been widely rejected by Ukrainian leadership. President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly called for a “full and unconditional ceasefire” without territorial concessions, accusing the Kremlin of using diplomacy as cover to prolong the war.

The poll also highlights that Ukraine now shows one of the lowest levels of public confidence in the U.S. president among European nations. Earlier research from the Pew Research Center found that just 16% of French citizens and 30% of Britons trusted Trump, while Hungary recorded the highest trust levels at 37%.

The April survey included 1,000 adults from across Ukrainian government-controlled territory and excluded areas currently occupied by Russia. The results have a margin of error of no more than ±3.1% at a 95% confidence level.

As the Biden-Trump transition in U.S. foreign policy continues to unfold, the growing disconnect between Kyiv and Washington under Trump’s leadership may have long-term consequences for Ukrainian perceptions of U.S. reliability — especially as war fatigue deepens and pressure mounts for a diplomatic solution.