The US is considering creating an alternative military alliance involving Ukraine, according to Trump adviser Keith Kellogg. He suggests limiting participation of certain European countries that have not proven effective during the recent potential operation in Iran, while calling Ukraine a reliable ally. Potential members of this new alliance include Japan, Australia, Germany, Poland, and Ukraine. The plan's fate depends on Donald Trump, whose team questions the current NATO format.
On the Ukrainian front, Russian forces did not achieve any territorial gains for the first time in 2.5 years in March, as reported by the Institute for the Study of War and confirmed by Deepstate maps. Ukrainian troops maintain counteroffensive efforts, reclaiming some territory, though fighting has largely stabilized this spring.
Military escalation persists around Iran: Trump announced a strike on a bridge near Tehran, while Iran warned the US of severe consequences if a ground operation begins. The Strait of Hormuz is blocked for US troops, and UN Security Council efforts to authorize its reopening lack support from China, Russia, and France.
Ukrainian drone strikes have forced Russia to reduce oil production, though oil prices remain high. The EU is preparing for a possible energy shock, while Russia has sharply increased LNG exports to Europe despite ongoing war.
Domestically, Russia continues strikes on Kharkiv and Sumy regions, causing civilian casualties. Ukraine is restoring infrastructure and preparing for winter with limited resources, awaiting European credit support.
