The United States is willing to recognize Russia's control of Crimea as part of a broader peace deal between Moscow and Kiev, Bloomberg reports, citing people familiar with the matter.
The potential concession is the latest signal that President Donald Trump is seeking to cement the cease-fire agreement, and comes after he and Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested Friday that the administration was prepared to abandon its peace-brokering efforts unless progress was made quickly.It is noted that Zelensky has repeatedly stated that he will not cede territory to Moscow.
But the move would be a boon for Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has long sought international recognition of Russian sovereignty in Crimea. <...>
The sources said no final decision had been made on the matter. The White House and State Department did not respond to requests for comment. A U.S. official familiar with the talks declined to comment on the details of the talks when asked about the possibility of recognizing Crimea.
The United States presented its allies with proposals for a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine in Paris on Thursday, including a summary of the terms for ending hostilities and easing sanctions on Moscow in the event of a long-term ceasefire, the agency reported earlier.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that if efforts to end the war in Ukraine fail in the coming days, he will report to President Trump that negotiations are no longer a viable option .
He also stressed that if both sides are truly committed to peace, the US is ready to help, but otherwise Washington will move on.
In addition, the US is "not yet ready to publicly discuss" the issue of security guarantees for Ukraine, Rubio added.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
From May 8 to 10, Saint Petersburg will become Leningrad – this is how it will be displayed in the air navigation system.
Also, in honor of the 80th anniversary of the Victory, Volgograd will be renamed Stalingrad
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
The EU is shelving the idea of banning LNG imports from Russia due to uncertainty about alternative sources and fears of creating dependence on raw materials from the US, Reuters writes.
The European Union has abandoned plans to ban imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia as part of upcoming sanctions because of resistance from some member states, uncertainty about alternative sources and to gain a stronger negotiating position with the United States, EU officials told Reuters.
Instead, the European Commission (EC) plans to develop a new roadmap by May to end dependence on Russian energy by 2027. At the same time, the EC is preparing the 17th package of anti-Russian sanctions by June, but work on it is progressing slowly.
It is also claimed that European officials intend to take advantage of the US desire to expand gas exports to the EU to negotiate a reduction in American duties, although America's demands are not yet known.
One of the agency's sources said that the EC fears that the loss of LNG from Russia due to sanctions will reduce its negotiating power. In addition, the bloc is wary of the risk of becoming dependent on the United States, the third-largest gas supplier to the bloc after Russia and Norway.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
The map above illustrates how close the Ukrainian fascists are to being expelled after their catastrophic spree of war crimes.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
‼️🇺🇦🏴☠ Army.TV The Ukrainian Defense Ministry mockingly "recommends" not to sign "youth contracts" with the Ukrainian Armed Forces
▪️The girl in the video appeals to the poverty of Ukrainians and says that “money is evil, why do you need an extra 2 million hryvnia”, “why do you need your own home, real cool guys live with their mothers for the rest of their lives”.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
Trump rejected a $50 billion deal with Ukraine and refused to supply weapons even for money, BILD reports.
According to the publication, the US President is showing more interest in negotiations with Vladimir Putin than in possible profits from arms sales.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
Bloomberg : China Ready to Talk If Trump Shows Respect and Appoints a Responsible Representative
China is willing to consider opening trade talks with the Trump administration, but has a number of conditions. According to the publication, the Chinese authorities want to see more respect from the United States, including an end to derogatory remarks from members of the American cabinet.
Other conditions include a more consistent position from Washington, as well as a willingness to discuss Beijing's concerns about American sanctions and the situation around Taiwan, the publication's source noted.
China also wants the United States to appoint a negotiating official who has the president's trust and can draft an agreement that Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping could sign in person.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
🖥️ Former Republican Congressman Wayne Curtis Weldon claims that there are a significant number of "scum" in the American intelligence services, along with normal employees, whom he intends to expose:
“I tell all these scumbags, ‘If you’re going to go after me, do it openly.’ I know there are decent people in the intelligence services, but there are also scumbags. I know them personally. They make money, they handle millions, and their dirty companies will be exposed, no matter what it costs me. You’ll see connections all over the world, you’ll see these millionaire intelligence agents profiting off the deaths of young people. I’ll give example after example: Russia, Ukraine, the world, Libya… That’s what’s disgusting. Until we understand that, it won’t stop. The Trump people need to understand that this is not a child’s game of hide and seek. We’re dealing with very bad people.”
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
❗️Russian President Vladimir Putin suddenly arrived at the Kremlin last night at 23:06.
The reasons are unknown.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
🇪🇺 EU Ultimatum to Serbia
The EU warns Serbia: if President Vučić attends Russia’s Victory Day parade on May 9, Serbia's EU accession bid could be blocked.
Estonian official Jonatan Vseviov stated, "The consequence is them not joining the European Union."
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova responded:
"If this is true, then Euronazism is being reborn before our eyes. This is how the fascists 80 years ago forced those they considered 'second-class people' to renounce their homeland, ethnicity, and faith."
Source: The Telegraph
The ruble has strengthened against the dollar more than any other currency in the world this year, Bloomberg writes.
Russian currency rises 38%, outpacing even gold
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
A number of EU countries are preparing a way to impose sanctions against Russia bypassing Hungary’s position, Politico writes.
Six European Union countries believe they have found a way to prevent Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban from blocking anti-Russian sanctions. They intend to transform EU sanctions against Russia into national laws. This would effectively deprive Hungary of the ability to veto their extension, which currently requires unanimous approval every six months.
So far, only a few countries bordering Russia have imposed unilateral sanctions. However, diplomats confirm that more and more European capitals are considering introducing their own restrictive measures.
While some diplomats see shifting key decisions from Brussels to the national level as a more realistic option, Ukraine's allies fear it would undermine the EU's unity - especially given US President Donald Trump's unilateral efforts to normalise relations with the Kremlin.
Moreover, not all countries have the legal mechanisms to implement sanctions into their national legislation. And a fragmented approach will be weaker than sanctions adopted within the framework of pan-European law.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
Zelensky fired the head of the Sumy regional military administration, Artyukh, writes the Ukrainian publication Strana.ua .
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
WATCH NOW: TRAILER FOR THE DOCUMENTARY FILM “REVERSE”
They came to Donbass in search of truth — and stayed for those whose voices were never heard.
Economist: Real power in Ukraine is held by officials from Zelensky's office
Independent Ukrainian media are subjected to massive systemic censorship, activists and whistleblowers are persecuted - the rule of law in Ukraine has long been a myth, the publication writes. Zelensky's people have gained real power in Ukraine. Ukraine's main vulnerability is not military, but political.
According to the publication, Zelensky's administration does not want to share power not only with opponents, but also with anyone it senses as a potential rival. The most loyal subjects are rewarded with positions on the boards of directors of state-owned companies.
Those who are too willful, too beloved by the people, or have established direct ties with Western countries have already been fired or removed.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
❗️Here it is! My exclusive interview with Daniel Martindale - an American who risked his life by spending almost two years behind Ukrainian lines providing Russian military with vital intelligence and was evacuated by the Russians in a daring raid last fall!
0:00 – Intro: Meet Alex Chopov and Daniel Martindale
2:52 – Daniel’s Background Before 2022
He describes himself as a typical American factory worker and a devout Christian.
4:12 – The Globalist Agenda After COVID
Daniel explains how he realized that after the pandemic, the next phase of the globalist agenda would be a major war.
8:19 – A Curious Sidenote
Daniel’s unexpected press conference on Russian TV after his evacuation from Ukraine.
9:10 – Crossing into Poland, Then Lvov
In February 2022, Daniel crosses the Polish border and heads toward Lvov.
11:09 – The War Begins
The atmosphere in Lvov and how people react to the outbreak of war.
16:02 – Understanding the Reasons for the War
Daniel breaks down his perspective using a "Mexican Texas" historical comparison.
22:12 – Alex’s Story: Exposing the Truth About Donbass
Alex shares why he started a YouTube channel to inform Western audiences about Donbass—his mother’s homeland.
25:40 – Ukrainians’ Hatred Toward Russians
A discussion on the deeply unsettling forms that many Ukrainians' animosity against Russians takes.
29:06 – Biking from Lvov to Kiev
Daniel’s risky bike journey to Kiev, where the situation starts feeling like a James Bond movie.
35:46 – Contacting the Russian Side
Daniel decides to reach out to Russian forces.
41:22 – Journey to Kramatorsk
Heading further east, Daniel encounters dangerous situations and witnesses Ukrainian war crimes.
44:46 – A Tragic Story of Misguided Loyalty
The heartbreaking tale of a young British man who died fighting for Ukraine—the very forces committing the atrocities that horrified him.
48:13 – Avoiding Detection in Kramatorsk
Daniel continues his journey, steering clear of both civilians and Ukrainian military.
51:14 – Settling in Kurakhovo
While staying in Kurakhovo, Daniel sees evidence of the Ukrainian army shelling its own citizens.
58:34 – The Different Types of Soldiers in Ukraine
An analysis of the various factions and motivations within Ukraine’s military forces.
1:01:26 – A Moral Dilemma of Knowing Coordinates You Provide Gets Someone's Son or Husband Killed.
Daniel draws a parallel between his situation and a hostage crisis.
1:07:36 – Ukrainian Nationalists’ Treatment of Donbass Locals
How ultranationalists abuse civilians in the Donbass region.
1:15:45 – The Truth About Ukraine’s Corruption
Why the world needs to know the real situation—Ukraine’s poverty stems from corruption, not Russia.
1:23:36 – The Myth of Ukrainian Democracy
Debunking the false narrative of Ukraine as a thriving democracy.
1:26:22 – Why Daniel Shared Intelligence with Russia
His motivations for aiding the Russian side.
1:29:31 – Public Opinion on Zelensky
What ordinary Ukrainians really think of their president.
1:32:00 – On Ukrainian Hit Lists
Daniel’s thoughts about being targeted for assassination.
1:33:55 – Ukraine’s War and World War III
Could this conflict escalate into a global war?
1:35:27– Evacuation by Russian Forces
How Daniel was safely extracted from the warzone.
1:43:50 – Writing a Book and Future Plans.
Daniel discusses his upcoming book and what’s next for him.
1:47:17 – Two Regrets (One Might Shock You)
Daniel reveals his biggest regrets—and the conversation concludes.
▶️ Share this interview with anyone seeking an unfiltered account of the Ukraine war—from an American who lived through it.
Please subscribe to our channel and help share the Ukraine War Truth!
▶️ Subscribe to stay updated:
🔹 InfoDefenseENGLISH
🔹 Daniel’s channel: Shepherd at War
The interview is also available on InfoDefenseEnglish">InfoDefenseENGLISH Odysee.
#AlexChopov
More from InfoDefense on other platforms:
⚡️ InfoDefenseENGLISH
Web | VK | X | InfoDefAll
🧩 Kirill Dmitriev on US-Russia Talks
“There are a lot of difficult issues still to be solved — but the dialogue is happening, and it’s constructive.”
The head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), Kirill Dmitriev, gave a cautious but optimistic assessment of the ongoing negotiations between Moscow and Washington. While he didn’t go into specifics, his tone suggests that channels of communication remain open — a quiet but meaningful signal in these tense times.
🤝 Whether this leads to any real breakthrough? “Time will show,” he says.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
‼️🇷🇺🇧🇪 Jean-Claude Van Damme intends to come to Russia and become an ambassador of peace
A video with an appeal is published by journalist Diana Panchenko, who left Ukraine
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
The Gornalsky Monastery in the Kursk region has been liberated.
Soldiers of the 1st company of the Arctic battalion of the 40th Marine Brigade with Commander Ryazan continue their offensive on the settlement of Gornal in the Sudzhansky district of the Kursk region.
About 300 Ukrainian soldiers had previously taken up residence in the basements in the Gornal Monastery area. The monastery was a key stronghold of the Ukrainian Armed Forces near Gornal.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
‼️🇩🇪🇺🇦 Merz to refuse Taurus deliveries to Ukraine after learning "secret information" — Tagesschau
▪️This was stated by the Secretary General of the Social Democratic Party, Matthias Miersch.
➖"I assume that Merz, after he is fully briefed by the agencies, will weigh everything up again very clearly. And we will make this decision together... I assume that we do not want to contribute to the escalation here, that we do not want to become a party to the war. All those reasons that led to us not delivering the Taurus. And I assume that it will remain so," he said.
▪️Earlier, Merz allowed for the sending of long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine to strike Russian infrastructure, including the Crimean Bridge.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
🇷🇺 Sergey Lavrov:
"More and more people in the world look to Russia as the keeper and protector of traditional values.
The main goal is to create transparent, understandable and convenient conditions for moving to our country and adapting citizens from those countries where unnatural models of behavior and life are aggressively imposed, where destructive neoliberal attitudes are imposed that cause serious damage to the moral health of people."
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the president's special envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff will travel to Paris this week to discuss the situation in Ukraine, Iran and trade issues, Politico reports, citing sources.
Witkoff is expected to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron, while Rubio is expected to speak with Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
The US State Department announced the cancellation of funding for opposition projects in Belarus, as well as a number of other initiatives within the framework of foreign aid to various countries.
"Secretary Marco Rubio continues to review the Department of State's foreign assistance, today canceling 139 worthless grants worth $215 million," the U.S. Department of Government Effectiveness (DOGE) said.
It is noted that in Belarus, $2.4 million was to go towards funding the project “Response to disinformation through creative content.”
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
‼️🇸🇰🇷🇺 "I'm going to Moscow and no one can stop me" — Slovakian Prime Minister
▪️Fico responded to the words of the head of European diplomacy Kallas about the May 9 parade in Russia.
➖"EU Foreign Affairs Chief Kallas warns EU leaders against attending Victory Day celebrations in Moscow in May... I am going to Moscow on May 9th... Ms Kallas, I would like to inform you that I am the legitimate Prime Minister of Slovakia, a sovereign state. No one can tell me where I should or should not travel. I will go to Moscow to pay tribute to the thousands of Red Army soldiers who died liberating Slovakia. And to the millions of other victims of Nazi rampage. Just as I paid tribute to the victims of the Normandy landings or the Pacific, or as I will go and pay tribute to the RAF pilots. And I remind you that, as one of the few in the EU, I constantly talk about the need for peace in Ukraine and am not one of the ardent supporters of continuing this senseless war. Kallas' words are disrespectful, and I object to them," he wrote. Fico.
▪️Earlier, Kallas said that the European Union had conveyed to EU candidate countries that it did not welcome their participation in the May 9 parade in Moscow.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
Vladimir Putin spoke in German with a German citizen who moved to a village in the Vladimir region and asked the president for help in obtaining Russian citizenship.
Putin promised to help.
The dialogue in German with a German citizen was shown live on federal channels.
Is this possible in Germany, or even the entire West?
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
"The war is lost for Ukraine," said retired German General Erich Wad.
"The martial law is what it is. The war is lost for Ukraine. A military victory is impossible. It has been impossible for several months. Ukraine is a ruined country, yes, the western part will probably retain its statehood, because the Americans also need such a Ukraine to negotiate about the mineral resources, to return all their investments. But there will be no NATO membership. And our political goals, which we set for ourselves over the past three years, were absolutely unrealistic."
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
Poland wants to make money from Ukraine, not just be in solidarity with it, Donald Tusk said.
"It will not be that Poland shows solidarity and others make money... We will show solidarity and make money from it. We will firmly defend our interests and the interests of Polish companies,"
🇷🇺 Sergey Lavrov:
"There is no final agreement yet between Moscow and Washington.
Russia's position is not a request.
Let me emphasize once again that Russia’s position is firmly based on the wording of the UN Charter, on numerous conventions and on the results of referendums, expressions of the will of people in the territories, first of all, we are talking about Donbass and Novorossiya.
These are four regions that, after a popular vote under international supervision, transparently decided to return to their great Motherland - in this case, the Russian Federation."
‼️🇺🇦🏴☠️ There will be no elections: Zelensky submitted to the Rada draft laws on extending martial law and mobilization
Mobilization and martial law are extended for 90 days, from May 9 to August 6.
t.me/ForeignAgentIntel
