Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced an upcoming meeting between Ukrainian and EU advisers to discuss a peace plan, scheduled for Friday or Saturday. According to Zelensky, the plan’s details will be discussed before its possible handover to Donald Trump, who may propose it to Putin to reach a ceasefire.
Zelensky stressed that Ukraine does not plan to fight for decades, and the 2-3 years of support cited by European politicians reflects the EU’s own position. He urged greater pressure on Europe for political and practical decisions related to the transfer of frozen Russian assets to Ukraine. He noted that future G7 leaders will not be able to halt the process of Ukraine receiving these funds.
The president also referenced the impact of US sanctions on major Russian energy companies, which are expected to reduce Russia's revenues by at least $5 billion per month. Zelensky emphasized the complex air defense situation, with kamikaze drones now proving even more dangerous than ballistic missiles.
Ukraine is ramping up production of interceptor drones and striving to boost domestic missile manufacturing, despite technological hurdles. Zelensky mentioned plans to expand arms exports and pointed out corruption cases linked to drone procurements by the state communication service.
In response to Russia’s expressed readiness to sign a non-aggression pact with the EU and NATO, Ukraine remains cautious. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov reiterated that Russia has no intention of attacking NATO or EU countries and is willing to formalize this stance.
Zelensky also highlighted problems with Russia's export sector and the adoption of a Russian law enabling year-round army conscription.
About 4.7 million Ukrainian refugees now reside in the EU. Other key events include reports of drone attacks in Europe, Lukashenko’s actions over Lithuania, and heightened security tensions in Israel following intensified fighting in Gaza.
