North Korea has built a secret military base, Sinpung-dong, 27 km from the Chinese border. It is likely to house 6-9 intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear weapons.
Brent crude futures rose to $67. 11 per barrel, and WTI to $63. The increase is driven by high demand in the US and uncertainty regarding the war in Ukraine.
US Vice President J. D. Vance said that European countries would have to bear the main part of the costs for Ukraine's security guarantees. Donald Trump seeks a peace agreement and shifting more responsibility for costs to European allies.
The Kremlin is trying to impose its terms within the framework of a peaceful settlement, demanding a veto right on security guarantees for Ukraine. This could limit Ukraine's cooperation with partners and its ability to resist future threats.
The Times journalist Edward Lucas claims that threats of increased US sanctions against Russia have disappeared. Putin's meeting with Trump in Alaska signaled the failure of Western attempts to make Russia a diplomatic outcast; without a radical increase in external support, Ukraine will face difficulties.
The International Criminal Court condemned new US sanctions against its judges and deputy prosecutors. The ICC called these actions an attack on independence and an insult to member states.
The US plans to play a minimal role in Ukraine's security guarantees, said US Deputy Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby. European allies, including Great Britain, France, Germany, and Finland, expressed surprise and confusion.
European countries are asking Donald Trump to deploy American F-35 fighter jets in Romania. This is intended to deter Russia and provide security guarantees to Ukraine, and there is also talk of Patriot and NASAMS missiles.
The Kremlin continues to evade a bilateral meeting between Putin and Zelensky, as proposed by Trump. Moscow stated its readiness for negotiations in the "Istanbul format," which "differs from a meeting of heads of state."
Donald Trump said he stopped the conflict between Azerbaijan and Albania, likely confusing the latter with Armenia. He also claims that Barack Obama gave Crimea to Russia - "a huge piece of land in the middle of the ocean."
Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak held talks with national security advisors from partner countries. Security guarantees for Ukraine were discussed to prevent a repeat of aggression.
Russia insists on a veto right regarding security guarantees for Ukraine, which, according to the Financial Times, will give Moscow effective influence over Kyiv's defense. Ukraine rejects such an idea, which would negate the efforts of the US and allies towards a peace agreement.
Estonia is ready to send a company of peacekeepers to Ukraine as part of a "coalition of the willing. " The details of the mission will be discussed after the meeting between the presidents of Ukraine and Russia.
The US has imposed sanctions against four individuals from the International Criminal Court. The restrictions apply to judges and deputy prosecutors due to investigations against US and Israeli citizens.
Indian state-owned oil refineries have resumed purchases of Russian Urals oil after a short break. This comes despite criticism from American officials and threats of sanctions.
The Verkhovna Rada Committee supported the suspension of Mariana Bezuhla from parliamentary sessions for violating regulations and antisocial behavior. The resolution is planned to be voted on tomorrow at the parliamentary session.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Moscow would not agree to resolve issues of collective security without its participation. He called dialogue without Russia "a utopia and a path to nowhere."
Russia expects to retain India as a stable oil client, offering discounts of about 5% off the market price. The US is increasing pressure on India over its purchases of Russian oil, imposing duties and accusing it of supporting "Putin's war."
Today, more than 10 children abducted by Russia will return to Ukraine. In total, 1509 children have already been returned, and 20,000 children located in enemy territory have been identified.
Actor Mark Hamill considered moving to London or Ireland after Donald Trump's re-election as US president. His wife convinced him to stay in the country, noting that he should not let Trump drive him out of his own country.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticizes the idea of a meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin in Budapest. He recalled that in 1994, Ukraine had already received guarantees of territorial integrity in Budapest, which were violated by Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin could meet by the end of the month. Five possible locations are being considered, with Geneva deemed the best.
NATO is holding meetings to continue the Washington talks on ending Russia's war against Ukraine. Today, the North Atlantic Council and the Chiefs of Staff of the Alliance are meeting.
US and European military planners are studying security guarantees for Ukraine after the war. The deployment of European troops under US command and possible air support from Washington are being considered.
Elon Musk denied The Wall Street Journal's information about suspending plans to create his own party and supporting J. D. Vance. The billionaire stated that "nothing the WSJ says should be considered true."
An article by Ihor Harbaruk, Vice President of the "Ukrainian International Institute of Recovery", expert of the NGO "Economic Discussion Club".
A meeting between representatives of Syria and Israel, mediated by the US, took place in Paris to de-escalate tensions. A truce in Suweida, stabilization of southern Syria, and the restoration of the 1974 agreement were discussed.
President Zelenskyy commented on Russia's night attack, which included a strike on a gas distribution station in Odesa region and injuries to people in Sumy region. He emphasized that these are demonstrative strikes, which confirm the need for pressure on Moscow and new sanctions.
The new 2026 Nissan LEAF will be the most affordable electric car in the USA, starting at $29,990. It offers a range of up to 485 km and fast charging.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Besent stated that the US sells weapons to Europe, which then resells them to Ukraine with a 10% markup. These funds could be used to provide security guarantees for Ukraine.
