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.
The Economist: US is pushing an Ukraine peace plan. But no one — not Ukraine, not Europe, not even Russia — has accepted it.
What’s in the deal, who’s resisting, and what happens if talks fail? 1/
The plan:
- Russia keeps most seized land de facto
- The US would recognize Crimea as Russian de jure
- Ukraine barred from NATO
- Sanctions on Russia lifted without conditions 2/
This initiative comes from the United States. 2/
In exchange, Ukraine would receive a ceasefire along current lines with no security guarantees. Sanctions would be lifted without mechanisms for enforcement. 3/
Bild: Ukraine is preparing for the worst scenario — the end of US support.
Trump’s team presented a proposal that Washington frames as a now or never moment.
Translation: Ukraine intends to reject any proposal that sells Ukraine out and is willing to fight without U.S. 1/
Proposal recognizes Crimea as Russian territory and accept Russia's control over large parts of eastern and southern Ukraine in exchange for freezing the war along current front lines. 2/
Zelensky rejected the terms, saying it violates constitution. JD Vance said it's time for a yes or the US withdraws from negotiations. 3/
Reuters describes the differences between Witkoff’s and Ukraine-Europe’s peace plans:
de sure recognition of territory, removal of sanctions, security guarantees, and size of Ukraine's military [the real red line!].
The Ukraine-Europe’s proposals is also much more specific 0/
The US proposal includes de jure recognition of Russia’s annexation of Crimea and de facto recognition of Russian control in the occupied territories of Ukraine.
The Ukrainian-European response rejects recognition and defers all territorial discussions until a ceasefire. 1/
Witkoff’s proposal offers the removal of sanctions imposed since 2014 as part of the settlement.
Ukraine and the EU propose a gradual easing after a sustainable peace is achieved, with mechanisms to reimpose sanctions if Russia violates the terms. 2/
Rutte: Attack on Kyiv proves Russian weakness; 3% NATO spending is a must, not because of Trump;
President Trump leadership broke the deadlock; any deal on Ukraine must be durable; acknowledging Crimea occupation is not legally recognizing it - like the Baltics in the 1950s. 0/
Rutte: What happened [Russian missile attack of Kyiv] shows Russia’s weakness - they’re not winning.
You don’t fire missiles at residential areas if you're in control. Innocent people, even children, are dying. It’s heartbreaking. I saw it in Kyiv and Odessa. 1/
Rutte on 3% GDP policy: EU and Canada know they must do it - not just because President Trump says it’s fair to match U.S. spending, but also due to the growing Russian threat.
They must step up and move beyond 3% if NATO is to meet its goals. 2/