**Retired General Backs Military Support for Ukraine, Contrasting with Trump’s Policies**
In a Senate confirmation hearing on April 1, retired Lieutenant General Dan Caine emphasized the importance of US military support for Ukraine. As President Donald Trump’s nominee for chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, Caine highlighted the need for European countries to take on more responsibility in supporting Ukraine’s defense.
Caine, a former Air Force officer and venture capitalist, stressed that Washington should focus on providing unique capabilities that only the US can offer. He also emphasized that Europe should increase its share of support for Ukraine. This stance contrasts with Trump’s policies, which have not approved new military packages for Ukraine and even briefly paused defense assistance.
**Ukraine War Update: Russia Launches Strike Drones, EU Support Grows**
Meanwhile, the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate. Russian forces launched 15 strike drones against the eastern city of Kharkiv on April 1, causing shock among eight people, including three children. There were no physical injuries reported.
The European Union is stepping up its support for Ukraine by launching a new program worth €16.7 million ($18 million) to help prepare Ukraine for EU membership. Latvia has also pledged to provide 1,500 combat drones to Ukraine.
**Russian Aggression and US Response**
Caine’s comments come as the US is drawing up plans to exert additional pressure on both Kyiv and Moscow as a full ceasefire by April or May seems increasingly unlikely. The U.S. reportedly temporarily eased sanctions to allow Kirill Dmitriev to obtain a visa for what will be the first high-level Russian official visit to the U.S. since Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine in 2022.
**Global Response: EU, Finland, and Lithuania Join Efforts**
The European Union is launching the Ukraine2EU program worth €16.7 million ($18 million) to support Ukraine’s preparation for EU membership. Finland has also contributed by sharing a post on X that highlights their efforts to take greater responsibility for Europe’s defense.
Lithuania has expressed its commitment to stopping Russia’s aggression, with Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys stating that the country needs to show and introduce hard measures sooner rather than later.
**Ukraine’s Stance: Rejection of Russian Demands**
President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected recognizing Russian occupation and restrictions on joining alliances as part of negotiations. The Kremlin has demanded Ukraine’s full withdrawal from occupied regions, a ban on NATO accession, and recognition of Russia’s sovereignty over Crimea.
**Russian Response: Denial and Threats**
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov denied any mention of NATO in the US proposals and claimed that there was no place for Ukraine’s main demand – solving the root causes of the conflict. Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Pro-Russian Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik, saying he was “very happy” to see him in Moscow.
As tensions rise, it remains to be seen how the international community will respond to Russia’s aggression and whether Ukraine’s demands will be met.
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