Zelensky:

Pressure on Russia must be intensified. The 19th package of EU sanctions is currently being prepared. Japan is also working on sanction measures.

Germany Says Nein to Troops, Yes to Missiles for Ukraine

Germany and other European nations are discussing security guarantees for Ukraine but remain divided over sending troops.

Berlin prefers strengthening Ukraine’s air defense, long-range strike capabilities, and military training rather than direct troop deployment.

Macron, von der Leyen, and others want clear commitments; Berlin stresses caution.

Germany proposed aid includes a 20% annual increase in air defense systems, precision weapons production in Ukraine, and equipment for four mechanized brigades.

Three military options: observer mission, training & backline presence, or full front-line security—only the first two seen as realistic.

Europe awaits U.S. clarity on its role before moving forward.

“Porcupining” strategy: make Ukraine heavily armed to deter future attacks.

Source: Spiegel

WATCH: Syrian Culture Minister walks out during Iranian delegation’s speech at the Indonesia culture summit.

NOW: The call between Trump, Zelensky, and the Coalition of the Willing has ended.

Source: Reuters, citing Élysée Palace

Trump asked European leaders to stop buying Russian oil.

Source: White House official to Reuters

Macron:

Russia has lost some one million soldiers by the dead or wounded.

BREAKING: Trump emphasized that European leaders must place economic pressure on China "for funding Russia's war efforts."

Source: White House official to Reuters

BREAKING: France’s Macron:

26 countries committed to taking part in reassurance force in Ukraine, be it land, sea or air role.

In next few days, US support to security guarantees will be finalised.

France’s Macron:

If Russia continues to refuse peace talks, there will be new sanctions in coordination with the US.

Zelensky:

Putin will be forced for peace. We need to take away from the Russian war machine. Their means to produce weapons.

Macron:

Roughly 60-70% of all weapons currently used are made in Ukraine.

Zelensky:

American partners said Putin invited me to Moscow. I think when you don’t want a meeting, you invite me to Moscow.

Right now we do not see any wish on their part to stop this war.

Macron:

The day this conflict comes to and end, security guarantees will be rolled out. That is what we promised.

Macron says some countries have promised to put soldiers on the ground in Ukraine.

Zelensky:

Trump is not happy that Europe buys Russian oil. Among others there are two countries, Hungary and Slovakia.

Zelensky:

When Russia attacked our energy system, we hit theirs back.

They profit from oil, then use that money for weapons against us—yet these two countries (Hungary and Slovakia) complain to Trump about Ukraine.

US official to CNN:

Trump emphasized that Europe must stop purchasing Russian oil that is funding the war — as Russia received €1.1 billion in fuel sales from the EU in one year.

Sudan: Deputy to Burhan says no negotiations before all of Sudan is liberated.

South Sudan: UNMISS says peacekeepers ambushed by armed group in Western Equatoria, no casualties reported.

South Africa: Nelson Mandela’s grandson joins Global Freedom Flotilla to Gaza with 10 South Africans to challenge Israeli blockade.

Iraq: Intelligence says a recent West Africa operation captured and killed senior IS “West Africa Province” members.