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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has acknowledged that drones entering Baltic airspace were Ukrainian, calling them 'occasional.' Meanwhile, Russian officials report 11 incidents in three months, with a NATO jet shooting down a drone over Latvia and political fallout in the region.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has promised Ukraine €9 billion in financial support by the end of June, including €6 billion for drones, and announced the imminent start of EU accession talks. The pledges, reported by Russian state media TASS, are part of a broader €90 billion package aimed at supporting Ukraine amid ongoing conflict.
In an interview with the Guardian, Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the removal of Ukrainian flags by some Reform UK councils, calling it a 'small mistake that can break a big friendship.' He also discussed plans to invite King Charles for a state visit, Ukraine's military position, and his request for UK alignment with Europe on sanctions.
The leaders of the UK, France and Germany have endorsed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's proposal for direct ceasefire talks with Russia, following a meeting in London. The move comes amid continued drone attacks and Russian strikes, with Moscow dismissing the proposal for now.
Armenians are voting in a parliamentary election that could cement the country's shift towards Europe and away from its traditional alliance with Russia. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's party is the favourite, but the vote is being closely watched by Moscow, Brussels, and Washington, with Russia imposing trade restrictions and the EU offering economic support.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Europe is ready for negotiations with Russia to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, according to TASS. Moscow has reportedly named former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder as preferred negotiator, while ex-top diplomat Sigmar Gabriel urged Europe to step up and propose Merkel or Stubb as mediators.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has declined Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's proposal for a face-to-face meeting, saying he sees no point in such talks. Zelenskyy had published an open letter urging direct negotiations to end the war, but Putin described the letter as rude and insincere, while Zelenskyy accused Russia of choosing war.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday dismissed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's offer for face-to-face negotiations, stating he saw 'no point' in such a meeting. Zelenskyy had proposed direct talks in a third country to end the war, but Putin insisted Russia will achieve its military goals and demanded Ukraine's capitulation on key territorial issues.
At a summit in Montenegro, EU leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, pledged to accelerate the integration of six Western Balkan countries into the bloc, proposing 'gradual integration' and discussing new safeguards for future members. The move comes amid renewed geopolitical urgency following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic has stated that Ukraine's bid to join the European Union by 2027 is unrealistic, citing Croatia's own lengthy integration experience. European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos has also dismissed the timeline, noting that EU accession talks often take over a decade. The statements come as Ukraine pushes for rapid integration amid ongoing conflict.
Kirill Dmitriev, Russia's special presidential envoy, said multifaceted dialogue with the US continues, with a meeting with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner expected later this month. He also claimed many European companies are willing to return to the Russian market, and that Russia has a clear plan for peace in Ukraine.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that President Vladimir Putin received and read Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's open letter but declined to reveal his reaction. Russian officials offered mixed assessments, with some dismissing the letter as a PR stunt and others reiterating Moscow's readiness to talk. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Russia had not received the letter through diplomatic channels.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in an interview with Izvestia, accused the West of pursuing the suppression and dismemberment of Russia, citing historical US strategy. He also described US-Russia dialogue on Ukraine as a 'vicious circle' while noting positive intentions from US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Europe will not support a settlement in Ukraine that removes President Volodymyr Zelensky's government from control, and that both Zelensky and European leaders reject Russia's territorial gains. The statements, made in interviews with RT Arabic and Izvestia, underscore Moscow's view of Western pressure on Russia through Ukraine.
The US House of Representatives passed the Ukraine Support Act on Thursday, providing over $1 billion in assistance and up to $8 billion in loans to Ukraine while imposing new sanctions on Russia. The 226-195 vote marks a bipartisan rebuke of President Trump's approach, with 18 Republicans joining Democrats. The bill's future remains uncertain in the Senate.
EU migration ministers have expressed broad support for a proposal to limit temporary protection for Ukrainian men of military age, according to Sweden's migration minister. The plan, which would apply only to new arrivals, aims to encourage more men to stay and fight in Ukraine. The final decision is pending, with the European Commission needing to propose any changes.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for direct face-to-face negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a rare open letter, proposing a full ceasefire during talks. The Kremlin acknowledged receipt, while Putin expressed conditional willingness to negotiate, and US President Donald Trump endorsed the idea of a meeting.
Hungary's new Prime Minister Peter Magyar has reaffirmed the country's refusal to supply weapons or troops to Ukraine, while a reported agreement to unblock EU military aid funds has sparked controversy among member states. Hungary also signals readiness to host peace talks.
NATO is reinforcing its eastern flank following a drone crash in Romania that Bucharest blamed on Russia, while Moscow suggested a Ukrainian drone was responsible. The alliance is considering additional deployments and drone purchases, and Britain has signaled it may send more fighter jets to Romania.
Sweden has pledged to deliver Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine, with deliveries expected from 2027, and plans to sell additional advanced models. A Russian military expert suggests Ukraine could use the jets for strikes on Russian territory, while France also signals potential Rafale deliveries under a framework deal.