The White House and Moscow are secretly collaborating on a 28-point peace proposal to end the war in Ukraine, involving U.S. and Russian envoys who have extensively discussed the plan. This deal reportedly centers on peace in Ukraine, European security, security guarantees, and future U.S. relations with Kyiv and Moscow. Russian officials have expressed optimism about the plan, indicating that the Russian position is being heard, with the aim of presenting a written document before a potential meeting between President Trump and President Putin, despite the cancellation of a prior summit. U.S. officials have begun briefing Ukrainian and European officials on the proposal, while a planned meeting with President Zelensky has been postponed.
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Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a shift in strategy, committing to provide Ukraine with long-range missile systems while refusing to disclose specifics due to strategic ambiguity aimed at Russia. This change in policy follows months of collaboration with Ukrainian officials and will focus on bolstering Ukrainian military capabilities, including potentially domestic production of the systems. In response to Russia’s targeting of Ukrainian infrastructure, Germany also pledged an additional €3 billion in military support for 2026, primarily for air defense. Furthermore, Merz noted ongoing daily coordination with the US on potential peace efforts, though the chancellor tempered expectations regarding immediate progress.
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On Wednesday afternoon, the IDF responded to a ceasefire violation by Hamas, who fired upon Israeli troops near Khan Younis, by launching airstrikes across the Gaza Strip. The strikes, guided by intelligence, targeted areas like Gaza City’s Zeitoun neighborhood, resulting in the deaths of a Hamas battalion commander and a senior member of their naval operations. Prior to the exchange, an additional incident occurred in northern Gaza, where Israeli troops killed a terrorist crossing the border. While Hamas consolidates power and reestablishes order in areas outside Israeli control, many are welcoming the decrease in crime, and even viewing Hamas as a pragmatic force.
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A Russian spy ship, the Yantar, has been operating near UK waters, entering the UK’s exclusive economic zone multiple times in recent weeks. During these incursions, the vessel directed lasers at British military pilots, a significant escalation according to UK officials. The UK government, considering this “deeply dangerous,” is monitoring the ship and has military options prepared. The defense secretary has also stated this is part of a pattern of Russian incursions into NATO territory, and the government is increasing defense spending in response. The Russian embassy has responded by accusing the British government of Russophobia.
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The U.S. is reportedly developing a new peace framework to end the war in Ukraine, with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff crafting a plan in direct contact with Russian officials, sparking unease among Ukrainian officials. The framework, which is being presented to Ukrainian and European representatives, may require Ukraine to cede territory and relinquish weapons, along with other concessions. As negotiations continue, a parallel military-led peace track is also emerging, with a delegation planning to visit Ukraine and then travel to Moscow for talks. Despite renewed diplomatic efforts and the U.S. President’s expressed desire to end the war, fundamental disagreements between Ukraine and Russia remain, with the Kremlin’s position seemingly hardening.
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A Russian missile and drone attack on the western Ukrainian city of Ternopil has resulted in at least 25 fatalities, including three children, and 73 injuries, including 15 children. The strikes, considered one of the deadliest in the region since the full-scale invasion, targeted residential flats, with significant damage reported. The Ukrainian air force claimed to have intercepted a significant number of missiles and drones, including some shot down by Western-supplied fighter jets, but requested continued and timely supplies of aviation weapons to bolster defense capabilities, highlighting the devastating impact of the attacks.
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The Russian Federation launched a night attack on multiple Ukrainian cities, including Ternopil, Lviv, and Ivano-Frankivsk, targeting residential buildings and critical infrastructure. The situation is most dire in Ternopil, where two residential buildings sustained damage, resulting in 10 confirmed deaths and 37 injuries, including 12 children, with rescue operations ongoing to locate individuals trapped under rubble. Rescue efforts involve extensive resources, including aviation, specialized teams, and psychological support, while authorities are also establishing support services for affected civilians and documenting evidence of war crimes. Other regions reported injuries and damage, including warehouse fires in the Lviv region and disruptions to heat supply in Prykarpattia.
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In a significant development, U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud, finalized a Joint Declaration on Civil Nuclear Cooperation. The agreement signifies a commitment to expand the partnership, bringing American nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia while upholding nonproliferation safeguards. Secretary Wright emphasized the historic nature of the deal and credited it to a vision of fostering prosperity and peace in the Middle East. The collaboration aims to shift the region’s focus towards commerce rather than conflict.
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Defence Secretary John Healey announced that the Russian spy ship Yantar is currently operating on the edge of UK waters, marking its second deployment to the area this year. The vessel, designed for intelligence gathering and mapping undersea infrastructure, prompted the deployment of a Royal Navy frigate and RAF planes, during which the Yantar directed lasers at British pilots. Healey warned Russia that the UK is monitoring the ship’s activities and is prepared to respond to any further actions, acknowledging a “new era of threat” to the UK’s defense. This follows a report highlighting the UK’s need for a comprehensive homeland defense plan, despite the government’s efforts to boost military readiness.
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British Defence Secretary John Healey reported that a Russian spy ship, the Yantar, entered the UK’s waters and directed lasers at military aircraft monitoring its movements. Healey warned Russia of the UK’s readiness if the vessel proceeds further south. This incident is part of a pattern of provocations, as NATO observes Russia testing the alliance’s resolve amid escalating tensions. Additionally, a NATO ally, Poland, accused Russia of sabotaging a key rail line, and Romania reported a Russian drone violating its airspace.
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John Q. Hosedrinker