Ukraine war briefing: Reports Ukraine would join EU in 2027 met with scepticism

Blaise Metreweli, the new head of MI6, is set to deliver a speech highlighting the increasing threat posed by Russia, characterizing the current global landscape as an 'age of uncertainty' where the Kremlin's actions, including assassination plots and cyber-attacks, redefine conflict.

The United States has eased sanctions on Belarus following the release of over 100 political prisoners, including notable figures such as Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski and opposition leader Maria Kolesnikova. This decision marks a significant diplomatic shift and reflects the outcome of negotiations between U.S. officials and Belarusian authorities.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky is engaged in ceasefire talks in Berlin with U.S. envoys and European leaders, seeking concrete security guarantees to prevent future Russian invasions. The discussions highlight the ongoing tensions and the need for a stable resolution to the conflict.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed a willingness to abandon Ukraine's aspirations to join NATO during five hours of talks with U.S. envoys in Berlin, aiming to facilitate peace negotiations with Russia. This marks a significant shift for Ukraine, which has long sought NATO membership as a safeguard against Russian aggression.

France has called for a delay in the vote on the EU-Mercosur trade deal, stating that the current terms are unacceptable for EU member states. This request highlights ongoing concerns regarding the implications of the agreement for both European and Latin American markets.

The United States has intensified its regime change campaign against Venezuela, as historian Alan McPherson discusses the ongoing military and economic pressures being applied to the country. Recent actions include the seizure of an oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast, which is part of a broader strategy to undermine President Nicolás Maduro's government.

President Trump has claimed that the U.S. economy is thriving, yet data indicates a contrasting reality, with rising living costs impacting many Americans. This discrepancy raises questions about the actual state of economic growth under his administration.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his willingness to abandon Ukraine's NATO membership aspirations in exchange for Western security guarantees during discussions with US envoys in Berlin. The talks, which began on Sunday, are set to continue on Monday, with Zelensky rejecting US suggestions for territorial concessions to Russia and advocating for a freeze on the current front lines.