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US and EU Urge Stronger Stance Against Russia Amid Ukraine Invasion
Ahead of crucial discussions between Washington and European Union officials regarding the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, the United States has been urged to adopt a more assertive approach to compel Russia towards a ceasefire. As tensions escalate in Eastern Europe, diplomatic pressure mounts on Moscow to de-escalate the conflict. Top diplomats are meeting to discuss strategies for ending the war in Ukraine, including potential increased sanctions and diplomatic levers.
Key Diplomatic Meetings in Paris
Today in Paris, a high-level meeting will convene key figures including UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, and prominent diplomat Marco Rubio. They will be joined by Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Defence Minister Oborony Ukrayiny, to deliberate on pathways to resolve the conflict and establish peace in the region. Discussions are expected to center on bolstering international pressure on Russia.
EU Calls for Increased Pressure on Russia
European Union diplomats have reportedly conveyed to the BBC their appeal for the U.S. to intensify pressure on Russia. The aim is to push Moscow to agree to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine. According to one EU official, a firmer stance from Washington is deemed necessary to achieve a breakthrough in diplomatic efforts.
Deadly Drone Attack in Dnipro
Tragically, overnight, a large-scale Russian drone assault struck the southeastern Ukrainian city of Dnipro, resulting in the deaths of three individuals, including a child, and numerous injuries. This attack underscores the continued violence impacting civilian populations in Ukraine.
Casualties and Damage in Dnipropetrovsk Region
Serhiy Lysak, the governor of Dnipropetrovsk region, reported via the Telegram messaging application that the drone attack inflicted injuries on 30 people, among them five children. Currently, sixteen individuals are receiving hospital treatment for their wounds. The aerial bombardment also ignited several fires throughout the city, causing significant damage.
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Visual Evidence of Devastation
Online images depict extensive fires and emergency responders working diligently at the scene late into the night. The aftermath reveals scenes of destruction, with incinerated vehicles, buildings with shattered windows, and facades severely damaged by the Russian offensive.
Kharkiv Region Also Targeted
In the northeastern Kharkiv region, Governor Oleh Syniehubov stated that a separate Russian missile strike impacted the town of Izium, injuring two people. Izium, having previously been occupied by Russian forces in the early phase of the 2022 invasion before Ukrainian forces reclaimed it later that year, remains a volatile area.
Trump’s Relationship with Putin Under Scrutiny
Former US President Donald Trump has faced criticism regarding his relationship with Vladimir Putin. Accusations suggest that Putin has exploited Trump’s perceived goodwill, as highlighted by Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski on Monday. Sikorski expressed his desire for Trump and his associates to recognize Putin’s alleged manipulation of diplomatic overtures.
US Company Seizure by Russia Sparks Concern
Recent revelations indicate that Russia has formulated plans to utilize an American-owned company, seized by the Kremlin and placed under state control, to supply provisions to the Russian military. Documents obtained by Reuters suggest this move could potentially strain Moscow’s already delicate relations with Washington. The seizure of Glavprodukt, a canned food manufacturer, has become a point of contention amid ongoing negotiations to resolve the war in Ukraine.
Glavprodukt in the Crosshairs of US-Russia Relations
Glavprodukt, the sole American-owned firm taken under state control, was seized in October and now finds itself at the center of geopolitical tensions. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has affirmed that the treatment of Glavprodukt will be a topic of discussion in future dialogues concerning the reset of U.S.-Russia relations.
Justification for State Control
According to a letter addressed to Russia’s prosecutor general from Glavprodukt’s new management, the seizure was deemed necessary to maintain stable production, particularly for future provisions to the national guard and defence ministry. Reuters reviewed the letter, which outlines the rationale behind the state intervention.
Rosimushchestvo Oversees Glavprodukt
Currently, Glavprodukt is under the jurisdiction of Russia’s federal property management agency, Rosimushchestvo. The company was formerly owned by Los Angeles-based Leonid Smirnov prior to its seizure.
Allegations Against Former Owner
Russian prosecutors have accused Smirnov and his associated companies of illicitly transferring approximately 1.38 billion roubles ($17 million) out of Russia between 2022 and 2024, as reported by RBC daily in March.
Legal Battles and Corporate Raid Claims
On March 12, the Moscow Arbitration Court froze Glavprodukt’s assets following a request from the prosecutor general’s office. A court hearing is scheduled for April 18. Smirnov denies any wrongdoing, characterizing the lawsuit as a “Russian-style corporate raid” designed to unlawfully seize his company.
Trend of Asset Expropriation
Numerous European companies, including Danish brewer Carlsberg and Finnish utility Fortum, have had their Russian subsidiaries expropriated by presidential decree. The Kremlin has indicated that further asset seizures are possible, reflecting an increasing trend of state intervention in the Russian economy.
Extended Conflict and Strategic Assets
Initially anticipated to be a swift operation, the Ukraine invasion has now extended beyond three years. This protracted conflict has prompted Russia to significantly increase defence spending and exert tighter control over strategic assets, particularly as the war exposed vulnerabilities in military supply chains in 2022.
Druzhba Narodov’s Role in Glavprodukt’s Future
The letter reviewed by Reuters sheds light on entities poised to benefit from the expropriation. It reveals that Rosimushchestvo appointed Glavprodukt’s new director general at the behest of food producer Druzhba Narodov. This connection suggests a strategic realignment of food supply chains within Russia’s state-controlled sector.
Historical Ties and Classified Ownership
Druzhba Narodov served as the exclusive supplier to Russia’s national guard for 2019-20, according to a 2018 press release. While ownership details for Druzhba Narodov are currently classified, previous reports indicated ties to agriculture holding ‘Agrocomplex named after N. I. Tkachev’.
Tkachev’s Sanctions and Influence
Alexander Tkachev, identified as the ultimate owner of the Agrocomplex holding in 2025 audit filings, was sanctioned by the European Union in 2014 for his support of Moscow’s annexation of Crimea. Subsequently, Tkachev was appointed Russia’s agriculture minister and currently chairs the holding company’s board, highlighting potential links between political influence and economic interests in Russia’s state-controlled sectors.