Vladimir Putin and other Russian officials continue their attempts to weaken Western unity by threatening foreign troops in Ukraine. ISW notes that these statements are aimed at intimidating European states.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected Vladimir Putin's invitation to Moscow for negotiations. Instead, he offered the Russian dictator to come to Kyiv.
European officials will visit the US on Monday to discuss economic pressure on Russia and new sanctions. This comes amid Trump's frustration with the war in Ukraine and his failed attempts to negotiate with Putin.
The European Union is sending a delegation to Washington to prepare new joint sanctions against Russia. European Council President António Costa confirmed increased pressure through further direct and secondary sanctions.
President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is responding to Russian strikes on energy facilities and will not tolerate darkness. Ukraine is ready to ensure Slovakia's energy stability by offering joint energy projects without Russian resources.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that negotiations with Putin concerned only bilateral cooperation. He denied information about discussing an energy blockade of Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Slovakia's support for Ukraine's accession to the European Union. Kyiv views this as part of security guarantees for Ukraine, as stated by Zelenskyy after a meeting with the Prime Minister of Slovakia.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Robert Fico in Uzhhorod. Fico arrived after negotiations with Putin, intending to discuss attacks on oil infrastructure.
MFA spokesperson Heorhiy Tykhyi stated that Putin's invitation to Moscow is a sign of the Russians' unwillingness to meet. However, the very fact of allowing the possibility of a meeting is regarded as a step in the right direction.
António Costa stated that Russia's unwillingness to start peace talks indicates its true intentions. He emphasized that Putin deliberately delays any negotiation processes.
President Zelenskyy stated that Russia has finally realized the significance of Ukraine's EU membership, although it took too long. He also criticized certain European countries, particularly Hungary, for continuing to purchase Russian energy resources.
President Zelenskyy held a conversation with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Issues of security guarantees for Ukraine and strengthening Ukrainian air defense were discussed.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that Ukraine needs additional air defense systems. Germany calls on European partners to transfer them to Kyiv, emphasizing the confidentiality of such discussions.
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin rejected the possibility of direct negotiations with Ukraine, considering them impossible due to key issues. He proposed Moscow as the best place for a meeting with Zelenskyy, promising "security guarantees."
Russian dictator Putin stated that NATO troops in Ukraine would be legitimate targets for the Russian army. He also cynically added that after peace agreements, Western troops would not be needed.
Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that the Russian dictator invited Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Moscow for negotiations. According to him, the terms for ending the conflict in Ukraine cannot be predicted, but "light at the end of the tunnel" is visible.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof called on Putin to sit down at the negotiating table and demonstrate readiness for peace. EU countries and partners plan to increase pressure on Russia and support the Ukrainian army.
US President Donald Trump announced his intention to hold talks with Putin. This will happen after his phone conversation with Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The Trump administration announced the curtailment of Pentagon programs for training and equipping the armies of Eastern European countries bordering Russia. This decision is intended to force European allies to bear a larger share of the costs of their own defense.
Conor McGregor announced his intention to run for President of Ireland in the 2025 elections. He called on citizens to contact MPs to support his nomination and promised not to sign laws without public review.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy ironically commented on Putin's invitation to negotiations in Moscow. He believes that this is being done to delay the meeting of leaders.
President Zelenskyy stated that Putin will try to use the meeting in China as permission to continue the war. Russia rejects all peace initiatives, demonstrating a lack of agreement for peace.
US President Donald Trump told EU leaders that Europe should stop buying Russian oil. He also called for increased economic pressure on China for financing Russia's military actions.
Participants of the "Coalition of the Willing" have declared their readiness to provide Ukraine with long-range weapons. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed this decision.
The Deputy Chief of Staff of the White House announced a sensational event that is likely to happen in the near future.
President Zelenskyy stated that Putin fears Ukraine's success and its accession to the EU, as this could set an example for Russians. He also emphasized that NATO expansion is important to Putin, even though the Alliance is a defensive organization.
European leaders are concerned about a possible new Russian offensive in Ukraine. They are meeting with Zelenskyy to discuss security guarantees and the situation around Pokrovsk.
President Zelenskyy emphasizes that European security guarantees alone may not be enough to deter Russia. He calls for an alliance between the US and Europe to prevent a repeated invasion.
Putin's visit to China ended without concrete agreements on the Power of Siberia-2 gas pipeline, despite his statements about "consensus". Beijing limited itself to general phrases about "promoting infrastructure projects."
President Zelenskyy stated that some partners, who declare their fight against the Russian aggressor, are simultaneously meeting with Putin in China. He emphasized that international pressure is insufficient, and Putin does not feel threatened, having significant financial reserves.
