Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski, the bishop for Ukraine in London, has called for the UK and US to maintain their commitments to support Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. During a statement made in London, Bishop Nowakowski emphasized the importance of financial aid to help Ukraine fend off Russian aggression, underlining the broader significance of the fight for rule of law and democracy. The request for support coincides with David Cameron’s efforts to secure increased military aid from the US, which is facing delays in Congress approval.

In related news, former British armed forces minister James Heappey has suggested the potential deployment of UK troops to Ukraine, provided they remain away from direct combat. Heappey emphasized the need to prepare for war by forming a “strategic reserve” force and urged increased defense spending. While supporting France’s idea of a Western troop deployment to Ukraine, he advocated for a non-combat role to avoid escalating tensions with Russia.

Amid continued geopolitical tensions, Slovakia’s political shift toward a pro-Russia stance has stirred controversy ahead of their Euro 2024 football match against Ukraine. The recent electoral success of President Peter Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert Fico, who both oppose military aid to Ukraine, has heightened tensions between the two countries, adding a political dimension to the upcoming sports event in Düsseldorf.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin has hinted at revisiting a draft peace agreement initially negotiated in Istanbul in March 2022. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov suggested that this draft, which proposed Ukraine’s neutral status and military limitations, could serve as a basis for future negotiations, albeit adjusted for “new realities.” This comes as Ukraine maintains its stance against negotiating without assurances of Russian troop withdrawals from occupied areas.

In the field of military developments, General Christopher Cavoli reported significant advancements by Russian forces in Ukraine, highlighting an urgent need for continued support to Ukraine. The US Senate has passed a hefty foreign aid bill favoring Ukraine, although further legislative action is required to unlock these funds.

In a separate yet related concern, Russian democracy activist Evgenia Kara-Murza called on the UK to impose stronger measures against regimes detaining political prisoners. The plea was made in the context of her husband, Vladimir Kara-Murza’s detention in Russia, emphasizing the need for a dedicated hostage affairs envoy and sanctions.

Lastly, there is growing frustration in Ukraine over unfulfilled Western promises regarding the supply of additional air defense systems necessary to protect against Russian missile attacks. European countries, including Germany and Poland, have cited their own defense needs as reasons for not providing additional systems, despite acknowledging the critical situation faced by Ukraine.