At the NATO summit in Vilnius, Ukraine's potential accession to the alliance was discussed, with conditions such as the end of the war and further democratization being prerequisites. Commentators from various media outlets provided diverse perspectives on the significance of the decision. Some see it as a victory for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, while others view the security guarantees offered as insufficient or vague. The summit highlighted the West's reluctance for direct military confrontation with Russia and the strategic and moral implications of Ukraine's NATO membership. The discussions also touched on the need for a clear commitment to Ukraine and the broader geopolitical challenges posed by Russia and China.

Joe Biden's visit to Kiev, marking a year of resistance to the invasion, solidifies his role as the guardian of independent Ukraine and the sponsor of the Western camp united in defense. The article views Biden's actions as a challenge to Moscow, which had bet on the cowardice, division, or fickleness of democracies. Biden's commitment is described as unwavering, even as the new Republican majority in Congress scrutinizes the financial aid amounting to tens of billions of dollars. The article portrays Biden as having a cool head in the conflict and making few mistakes, in contrast to the impulsive Kremlin.

The political saga of Donald Trump, likened to a reality TV show, may be approaching its end. The first season, his candidacy, intrigued and fascinated; the second, his presidency, captivated the world; the third, his refusal to accept defeat, shocked those not already dismayed. The latest season, built on a potential 2024 candidacy amidst looming legal threats, struggles to ignite passions. A Republican official in the New York Times coldly suggests Trump is on the path to insignificance, a dire prospect for someone reliant on alternative realities through screens and social media. For the first time in American history, a congressional inquiry has recommended criminal prosecution against a former president for conspiracy and attempted coup.

A support conference in Paris for Ukrainian resilience resulted in over 1 billion euros pledged by 70 states and international organizations, exceeding President Volodymyr Zelensky's request of 800 million euros for winter needs after Russian strikes. France, contributing 200 million euros in civilian aid and mobilizing 500 companies for investment, along with supplying advanced weapons like Caesar cannons, demonstrates its role as a steadfast ally to Kyiv. However, President Emmanuel Macron faces skepticism over his stance towards Russia.

Emmanuel Macron, the 44-year-old French President, is characterized by his natural ability to engage with world leaders, speaking to them as an equal and attempting to persuade them without fear of resistance. Macron's self-confidence drives him to take initiatives and be at the forefront of global crises and issues, eliciting both admiration and irritation from the French public. His interactions with former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are highlighted as examples of his diplomatic approach.

Vladimir Putin's formalization of the annexation of 18% of Ukrainian territory, which Russia controls, is likened to a theatrical display reminiscent of Potemkin. The reported overwhelming support in regions like Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Luhansk, and Donetsk is met with skepticism, especially considering the historical occupation since 2014. The article references political scientist Brian Klaas, who highlights the illegitimacy of referendums conducted under duress, as observed in The Atlantic.

On May 9, Europeans celebrate a day focused on the future and peace, contrasting with Vladimir Putin's backward-looking and war-oriented commemoration. The article suggests that Ukraine's current struggle is a battle for European unity and democratic values against Putin's historical confrontation with the Western model. The Russian war challenges the cohesion of the twenty-seven EU member states, with initial condemnation of the invasion weakening over time due to associated risks and required sacrifices. The effectiveness of the three hundred measures proposed by the Conference on the Future of Europe remains to be seen after processing by the Brussels bureaucracy.