Russo-Ukrainian war, day 1251: Trump gives Putin 10-day ultimatum on Ukraine

Exclusive

Man wants to counter China by letting Russia dismember Ukraine, forgets they're allies. Pentagon's Undersecretary Elbridge Colby crafted America's China strategy. Beijing couldn't be happier.

Spain Ukraine military aid: Patriot missiles, Leopard tanks—plus surprise Chornobyl solar plant. Missiles and tanks are only part of Spain's military aid to Ukraine: the past year also brought troop training, demining, sanctions and a solar plant in Chornobyl.

19 Ukrainian protest signs that are pure art (and also completely unhinged). Ukraine's "cardboard revolution" proved teenagers can save democracy with markers, literary references, and perfectly placed f-bombs.

"It's high time" for Ukraine's tanks as Russia encircles Pokrovsk. Russian units are closing a ring around Pokrovsk, and analysts say only Ukraine's armored reserves can break it.

Military

Resistance never sleeps: Ukrainian partisans strike Russian rail and freeze ammo convoys. A relay box blew, and the wheels of war ground to a halt. Hackers attack Russia's largest state airline, disrupting dozens of flights. They sign off "Glory to Ukraine! Long live Belarus!". The hackers claimed year-long access to Russia's flagship airline before destroying infrastructure, telling Russian security services "you are incapable of protecting even your key infrastructures." Frontline report: Ukraine teaches Georgia battle-tested drone warfare during NATO exercises after both lost territories to Russia. Georgia appears poised to follow Syria and Azerbaijan's playbook, seizing territorial gains while Russian forces remain preoccupied with Ukraine. Ukraine just took back Kindrativka and is pushing into Russian flanks in Sumy. Weeks into Russia's push across the Sumy Oblast border, Ukrainian forces are holding positions and putting pressure on the enemy's main axis.

Intelligence and technology

HUR: Kremlin's drive to reabsorb former Soviet states threatens freedom across Eurasia. Ukraine's fight for EU integration stands as a barrier to Moscow's plan to unify neighboring countries under its thumb. British expert warns Russia could blow up six reactors at Europe's largest nuclear plant if war turns against Kremlin. Six reactors, enough to power Finland for a year, could be weaponized into a radioactive bomb. Europe promises secret weapon for Ukraine—but can't outproduce 1,020 Russian missile barrage. As missile numbers climb, Ukraine's survival depends on hitting the source. Drone crosses second time in month into NATO territory from Belarus — Russia's key ally. Video footage suggests the aircraft may be a Russian "Geran" or "Gerbera" type based on its characteristic sound signature.

International

While Russia kills 232 Ukrainian civilians in one month, its citizens sip wine on French Riviera—with EU visas in hand. Hotel bookings by Russians in France and Italy are up 19% — even as their missiles devastate Ukraine. Trump's ceasefire clock: 10 days for Putin to stop war in Ukraine, not 50 or face oil sanctions. Trump signals a turning point: no more patience for Putin's war of attrition. With infrastructure in ruins and winter ahead, Ukraine finds gas power where Russia once ruled. The Trans-Balkan corridor becomes Kyiv's newest artery in the war for energy survival.

Humanitarian and social impact

Investigation: Russia blew up 53 Ukrainian POWs in Olenivka prison, then honored killers with medals. The same men who rigged the barracks were officially praised for "combat duties." "Ah, this one's dead? Good," said Russian Olenivka prison chief — and continued sipping coffee. As wounded Ukrainian soldiers begged for help, their jailers watched and smoked. Toddler hospitalized with shrapnel wounds after Russian overnight attack. The 3-year-old child was among eight civilians injured when a Russian drone struck a residential complex in Kyiv.

Political and legal developments

As Russia burns billions on war against Ukraine, Minsk's depending economy is approaching its bottom. An 8.1% drop in farming and a 70% plunge in exports to Russia choke the economy of Moscow's satellite. Sanctions fail to hit 200 companies feeding Kremlin's fake reconstruction system in occupied territories of Ukraine. Russia's occupation profits flow freely through a maze of unsanctioned shell companies. Russian prestigious School of Economics opens first master's programme on circumventing Western sanctions. A Moscow educational institution has launched a two-year program, costing $6,000 per year, designed to prepare students for work in state corporations navigating international restrictions.

New developments

Investigation exposes Putin's media network playing dress-up as Global South agency. A video news agency Viory that launched in Abu Dhabi claiming to represent the "Global South" is actually a rebranded version of Ruptly, the Berlin-based footage supplier that was part of Russia's state media network RT Russia starts regular passenger flights to North Korea. The inaugural flight coincided with North Korea's Victory Day celebrations, where leader Kim Jong-un referenced Russia's participation in "anti-imperialist struggle." Read our earlier daily review here