CNN | Trump writes ‘Vladimir, STOP!’ after Russia launches deadliest strikes on Kyiv since last summer
US President Donald Trump said he is “not happy” after Russia launched its deadliest wave of attacks on Kyiv in nine months, telling President Vladimir Putin to “STOP!” as he attempts to push Ukraine to agree on a contentious ceasefire proposal.

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NBC News | Marco Rubio says Iran will need to drop nuclear enrichment to achieve a deal with the U.S.
Iran will have to stop enriching uranium under any deal with the United States and could only import what is needed for a civilian nuclear program, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said ahead of talks between Tehran and Washington on Saturday.

BBC | Why Zelensky can't and won't give up Crimea
Vladimir Putin initially denied having anything to do with Russia's capture of Crimea in February 2014, when mysterious masked commandos in unidentified green uniforms seized the local parliament and fanned out across the peninsula.

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The Wall Street Journal | China Signals Openness to U.S. Trade Talks—but Not Under Duress

China signaled it was open to trade talks with the U.S. a day after President Trump said he was willing to cut tariffs on Chinese goods, though Beijing warned it wouldn’t negotiate under continued threats from the White House.

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Military Times | Senate leaders set May 7 hearing to review VA budget, reform plans
The top VA executive is scheduled to testify before the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee on May 7 as part of the chamber’s preparation for the department’s fiscal 2026 request. Similar appearances from other Cabinet officials are expected throughout the month.

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Military.com | Supreme Court to Hear Case of Marine Veteran Allegedly Denied Years of Combat Disability Pay
The U.S. Supreme Court will consider a case Monday from medically retired service members who say the Defense Department's misinterpretation of a law prevented them from receiving the maximum amount of disability compensation for their combat-related injuries.

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Scripps News | Secretary Doug Collins outlines a plan for 'streamlining' care at Veterans Affairs

As the Trump administration approaches 100 days in its second term, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins describes a focus on 'customer service' as he settles into his role leading the department, amid efforts to trim the federal government.

The American Conservative | Saving the World is Not America’s Responsibility | Doug Bandow

The world can be an ugly place. Russia invaded Ukraine. Sudan is consumed by civil war. Haiti is overrun by violent gangs. Conflict has surged in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Somalia is ravaged by violence. Israel is waging war on Palestinians. In Burma the military regime is committing murder and mayhem.

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Responsible Statecraft | Ukraine and Europe can't afford to refuse Trump's peace plan | Anatol Lieven
Most of the peace plan for Ukraine now sketched out by the Trump administration is not new, is based on common sense, and has indeed already been tacitly accepted by Kyiv.

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Vox | The US has quietly gotten into another war in the Middle East | Joshua Keating
President Donald Trump has, in the past, described America’s military involvement in the Middle East as “the worst decision ever made” and came into office vowing to “end these endless wars.”

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In some areas, the administration has followed through. The US has begun a major drawdown of US troops in Syria, following through on a goal dating back to Trump’s first term, and is threatening to “walk away” from its involvement in the war in Ukraine, with or without a deal to end the fighting.

Concerned Veterans for America has been vocal on the war in Ukraine. We believe it is past time for a negotiated peace deal.

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CVA’s Executive Director, John Vick wrote a piece for Foreign Policy arguing that recent European defense investments prove burden sharing works. As allies finally meet their commitments, America gains the flexibility to focus elsewhere. With “Readiness 2030” underway, the Trump administration’s tough love may be reshaping the alliance for the better. Read how shared burdens make stronger allies. Read more here.

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ICYMI, CVA’s strategic director John Byrnes joined OAN’s The Real Story with Riley Lewis last week to discuss the Ukraine war and CVA’s realist perspective.

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And our director of education, Chris Enget, joined The American Potential Podcast to discuss his secret weapon for conquering anxiety and PTSD: His service dog, Bolt. Hear how a service dog can help its owner live their most fulfilling life.

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