Today, Les, Martha, Andrew, and Matt unpack the latest developments in U.S.-Ukraine relations—from a newly signed mineral deal with financial provisions for reconstruction deal to reports of Ukrainian sea drones downing Russian fighter jets with U.S. tech, and the transfer of Patriot missile systems. With these moves, the U.S. is significantly increasing its support for Ukraine’s battlefield capabilities.

Is this a turning point in the Trump administration’s approach to Ukraine? What do these shifts mean for deterrence, reconstruction, and European defense? And with Zelensky and Trump’s Vatican meeting behind them, is the U.S.-Ukraine relationship entering a new phase of partnership?

Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines. 

Check out the sources that helped inform our experts today: 

https://www.wsj.com/world/europe/ukrainian-naval-drones-shoot-down-russian-jets-in-military-first-kyiv-says-bc0eaf08 

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/04/world/europe/ukraine-russia-war-patriot-systems.html 

Follow our experts on Twitter: 

@lestermunson

@marthamillerdc

@WMattHayden

@AndrewBorene

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