Territory remains the unresolved core. The US claims 90% of issues are solved, but Russia still demands Donbas, and proposals now include shared control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. Ukraine is being handed thought-provoking compromises, not clear enforcement mechanisms. 6/
Full-scale invasion and national resilience, broadcasted live.
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Europe cautiously relieved but wary of US pressure on Ukraine
Europe is cautiously relieved — but not fully convinced. Merz called the US guarantees remarkable, and European states backed a multinational force for Ukraine supported by the US. Still, Europe remains wary of Washington’s parallel pressure on Kyiv over territory. 5/
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Witkoff and Kushner lead non-traditional diplomacy in Berlin talks
The talks are being run by Witkoff and Kushner — not traditional diplomats. In Berlin, they are hashing out details with Ukraine and Europe alongside NATO’s top US commander, while Trump stays offstage but is briefed constantly — a sign of centralized, deal-driven diplomacy. 4/
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US officials pledge NATO-like security guarantees for Ukraine with possible Congress ratification
This is the Trump administration’s most explicit pledge so far. Senior US officials say the guarantees would resemble NATO’s collective defence in substance, even if Ukraine remains outside the alliance — and could be ratified by Congress to survive Trump’s presidency. 2/
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US offers Article 5-like security guarantees to Ukraine if peace deal soon
The US has put its strongest security offer yet on the table for Ukraine. Washington is offering Article 5-like security guarantees to Kyiv, but only if a peace deal is concluded soon — US officials say the offer will not stay open indefinitely, Politico. 1/
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US prepares sanctions on Russia’s shadow fleet
The Trump administration is preparing sanctions targeting Russia’s shadow fleet of oil tankers if Vladimir Putin rejects a peace agreement with Ukraine. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will brief European ambassadors on the plans this week.
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Russian airstrikes on Zaporizhzhia injure at least 26 civilians
Russia has launched a series of air strikes on Zaporizhzhia and the region. At least 26 civilians have been injured, and the number may still rise. The attacks damaged apartment blocks and private homes, as well as an educational facility and critical infrastructure. Fires broke
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Russia’s S-400 interceptor shortage boosts Ukrainian strike effectiveness
Russia can't replenish S-400 interceptors fast enough to match Ukraine's long-range campaign. Disrupting production expansion creates a deficit that makes each Ukrainian strike more effective as Russia burns through its remaining missiles. 8/
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S-400 production sites within Ukraine’s deep-strike range, temporary relief
S-400 production sites sit within range of Ukraine's deep-strike weapons, including the Flamingo cruise missile (claimed 3,000km range). But strikes alone give temporary relief — unsanctioned factories just buy new machine tools and restart in three months. 6/
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Sequencing military strikes with diplomatic sanctions for impact
Real impact requires sequencing military strikes with diplomatic action: hit the factory, then sanction it so it can't recover. Currently, Western militaries and foreign offices work with Ukraine separately — there's no coordination between strikes and sanctions. 7/