Team Trump Praises Putin, Pressures Zelenskyy—Americans Side With Ukraine

I examine the reported 270-person prisoner exchange that brought home Ukrainian defenders, including fighters connected to the defense of Mariupol. Their accounts of captivity—and reports concerning American citizen Stephen Hubbard—raise the larger issue of how Russia treats prisoners as long-term bargaining assets. Returning people home is important, but it does not erase the years they spent in Russian custody.

I also assess Ukraine’s reported restoration of Starlink service after bipartisan congressional pressure, and why Kyiv is seeking alternatives including Nokia-linked communications options. Zelensky’s comparison is central: he said Ukraine received...