Is the tide turning for Ukraine in war with Russia? – The Latest

The latest episode of 'The Latest' from Today in Focus examines a potential turning point in Ukraine's war with Russia, highlighting a surge in European support and tactical gains on the battlefield. Senior international correspondent Luke Harding reports from Kyiv, describing a shift from bleak winter conditions to renewed optimism, fueled by the European Union's approval of a 90 billion euro loan—two-thirds for military use—after months of deadlock caused by Hungary's resistance under Viktor Orban. The breakthrough coincides with a cooling of Ukraine's rhetoric toward Donald Trump, who has increasingly aligned with Russia, signaling a strategic pivot toward European solidarity. Ukraine is now leveraging its drone capabilities to strike Russian oil infrastructure, aiming to cripple Russia’s war economy through economic pressure rather than direct invasion. Meanwhile, Prince Harry’s surprise visit to Kyiv serves as a morale boost and a symbolic reminder of international attention, even as global focus remains on the Middle East conflict. Despite diplomatic efforts by Turkey, meaningful negotiations remain unlikely, as Putin shows no interest in ending the war and U.S. support has waned. The episode underscores Ukraine’s transformation from a reliant supplicant to a strategic player capable of offering defense technology to Gulf states like Saudi Arabia and the UAE—particularly in countering Iranian Shahid drones. This geopolitical irony is underscored by the fact that the U.S., once a dominant ally, now appears to be disengaging. While Russia benefits from high oil prices, its export infrastructure is under sustained Ukrainian attack. The episode concludes with a sober assessment: diplomacy is stalled, but Ukraine’s resilience and innovation may be reshaping the war’s trajectory. The overall tone is cautiously optimistic, emphasizing strategic adaptation and growing European commitment.