Russia “strikes back” today. This might be a response to successful attacks on Russian oil infrastructure
Zelensky: over 60 "shaheds" and nearly 90 different missiles targeted at power plants, power lines, a hydroelectric dam, residential buildings 1/
This is the largest combined attack on the Ukrainian power system since the beginning of the full-scale invasion: Ukrenergo
100s of thousands of homes are in blackout 2/
Kharkiv, Sumy, Poltava, Kirovohrad, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, Odesa and Donetsk are in blackout and being stabilized
There are interruptions of internet and water supply in multiple regions 3/
-Russia hit the Dnipro hydroelectric power plant. There is a major fire but no threat of a dam breach.
Ukrhydroenergo reported two direct missile hits on the plant. One part is in a critical condition and unlikely to be repaired, Ukrhydroenergo director Ihor Syrota 4/
Ukrainian Armed Forces shoot down 92 out of 151 missiles and drones - Air Force.
Politico: JD Vance gamble on Ukraine aid paid off. He had been opposed to Ukraine aid for a long time, after his confrontation with Zelensky, he managed to stop it. 1/
Vance broke protocol interrupted Zelenskyy in Oval Office. He asked Zelenskyy if he had ever said thank you. That's so uncommon for VP to interject in meetings between heads of state. 2/
After this White House paused all Ukraine military aid. What directly aligned with Vance long-held position to get the U.S. out from the war. 3/
The Economist: Merz wants to change Germany’s fiscal and defense policies before the new Bundestag can block them.
He plans a €500bn infrastructure fund and lifting limits on defense spending. 1/
Germany has been in recession for two years with zero growth expected this year. The country's GDP remains at pre-pandemic levels from five years ago. 2/
Germany will create a €500bn infrastructure fund over ten years - this equals 1% of GDP per year. The investment aims to boost the economy, which hasn't grown in five years. 3/
Rubio: Ukraine is a proxy war, and we asked Ukraine not to sabotage diplomacy. Zelensky tried to undermine Trump. Russia is ready to talk - Ukraine wasn’t. That changed when the U.S. applied pressure.
1/
Rubio: Zelensky challenged Trump’s push for diplomacy, undermining the plan. That led to the dustup.
Now, there’s a shift. Both sides need to make concessions. Ukraine and Russia must come to the table. Only Trump can make that happen. 2/
Rubio: We asked Russia - are you interested in ending the war. Because there can’t be a change in our relationship if the war doesn’t stop. They said yes.
But Ukraine signaled no interest in peace. Hopefully, that’s changed. Now, we’ll see if a deal is possible. 3/
Waltz: Would Zelenskyy ever negotiate with Russia? Will this war ever end? U.S. patience is running out. We’re already discussing location, date, and teams. It’ll be a tough shuttle, but both sides must enter. 1/
Waltz about Zelensky tweet: He said, 'Got it. Wish we had heard this last week.' This is a good first step. He directed us to lock in the negotiation details—I’ll report back today. 2/
Waltz: If we lock in negotiations and put confidence-building measures on the table, the President will consider lifting.