'It is not game': Ukraine's envoy to U.S. says peace plan must ensure no future Russia aggression

Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated that a U.S.-proposed peace plan could serve as a foundation for ending the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, while reiterating demands for international recognition of Russian territorial gains. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova emphasized that Ukraine's NATO membership is unacceptable to Moscow, framing it as a threat to Russian security.

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a new voluntary military service program targeting young people aged 18 to 19, aiming to recruit 10,000 individuals by 2030. This initiative comes in response to heightened security concerns following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the potential for further conflict in Europe.

Oleksandra Matviichuk, Ukraine's Nobel peace prize winner, has warned that any peace agreement with Russia that includes amnesty for war crimes could embolden authoritarian leaders globally. She criticized a leaked US-Russia peace plan for neglecting the human dimension of the conflict and expressed support for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's efforts to renegotiate it with the White House.

President Trump announced that U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will return to Moscow to engage in new peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This development comes amid leaked transcripts that raise questions about Witkoff's impartiality as a mediator, as he reportedly coached a Russian aide on how to present a peace plan to Trump.

Finland's Foreign Minister discussed the potential for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, highlighting the influence of former U.S. President Donald Trump in these negotiations. The conversation comes amid ongoing tensions and the need for a resolution to the conflict that has persisted since 2014.

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced the introduction of a voluntary military service aimed at strengthening national defense in response to rising security concerns, particularly regarding threats from Russia. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance military capabilities and attract young volunteers for service.

Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, leading to a 50% reduction in electricity production and forcing residents to endure rolling blackouts. Recent drone strikes, particularly in Zaporizhzhia, have underscored the ongoing military threat despite ongoing peace talks. Pregnant residents and vulnerable populations are facing significant hardships as a result of these assaults.

Euroclear has issued a warning to the European Union regarding its plan to utilize frozen Russian state assets as collateral for €140 billion in loans to Ukraine, suggesting this could result in increased borrowing costs for EU member states. The warning highlights the financial implications of the bloc's strategy amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.