Russian invasion

Ukraine's response
Zelensky: Must not lose US support over Iran war

Ukraine must not lose US support over the war in Iran, President Volodymyr Zelensky tells several media outlets.

– We don't want to lose them when they are busy with other things in the Middle East, he says.

He also says that Kyiv has sent its drone specialists to help the US defend against so-called kamikaze drones, something Ukraine has become specialists in during the war. In exchange, he would like to see Ukraine receive technological assistance and financing for their defense.

Zelensky also says that the US delegation wants to resume peace talks with Ukraine and Russia. He himself would like to see a new meeting with Donald Trump.

Zelensky came up during last night's long Trump interview published by NBC News. In it, the US president says that it is easier to negotiate with Putin than with Zelensky, when he is asked about the US temporarily easing oil sanctions against Russia. 

Sanctions
Jonson disappointed that the US is easing sanctions on Russia

Defense Minister Pål Jonson (M) does not like that the US is reported to have eased oil sanctions against Russia due to the effects of the Iran war on the oil market. He says this in SR's Saturday interview.

- We think it is very important that the Russian sanctions remain in place, because they hinder Russian warfare and Russian military reconstruction, he says.

He goes on to say that increased sanctions pressure leads to a worse Russian situation both on the battlefield and at the negotiating table. It is important that Ukraine can negotiate from a position of strength, he says, and calls for increased pressure on the Russian economy, freedom of trade and the shadow fleet.