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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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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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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US sanctions targeting Chinese oil infrastructure and Russian energy firms have significantly reduced flows of Russian and Iranian oil into China, the world’s top oil importer, with Chinese seaborne imports of Russian crude potentially dropping by two-thirds. This shift follows sanctions on major Russian oil producers and a key Chinese port, impacting Iranian shipments as well. While state-owned Chinese refiners have paused purchases, smaller private refineries are also showing caution, influenced by EU and UK blacklistings, resulting in a glut of unsold oil and lower prices. Despite the slowdown, some ports and traders are circumventing restrictions through practices like ship-to-ship transfers, suggesting that the impact may be temporary.
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Ukraine’s military announced that it successfully struck military targets within Russia using US-supplied ATACMS missiles, a significant development in the ongoing conflict. This marks the first public acknowledgment of using these advanced ballistic missile systems against Russian territory, following the lifting of previous restrictions by the Biden administration in late 2024. Kyiv received the ATACMS in 2023 but was initially limited to using them within its own borders. Ukraine has also expressed interest in acquiring Tomahawk missiles, which have a longer range, to further pressure Russia.
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John Q. Hosedrinker