Donald Trump's phone diplomacy has failed. Putin refuses to make concessions, and Zelensky warns of the risks of prolonging the conflict under the guise of peace initiatives. Amid the uncertainty, the EU is preparing another package of sanctions, Washington is threatening new economic sanctions, and Iran is signing a long-term deal with Moscow that strengthens its international position.
Trump failed to convince Putin to cease fire
A telephone conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin did not result in an agreement to cease fire in Ukraine. Trump abandoned his demand for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, causing concern among European allies and Ukraine. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said that Trump had overestimated his influence on Putin, especially in the context of peace talks over the war in Ukraine.
The U.S. is awaiting a proposal from Russia, and Zelenskyy is warning against delay
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, that Russia may present proposals for a ceasefire in Ukraine in the coming days. At the same time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Moscow could use the talks to delay and prolong the war. Trump held separate phone calls with Zelenskyy and Putin, but no concrete results were achieved.
The EU is preparing new sanctions against Russia, and the US is considering additional measures
The European Union is preparing its 18th package of sanctions against Russia, which will focus on the energy sector and financial institutions. In response to Putin's refusal to abandon the ceasefire, the leaders of Ukraine and Lithuania are calling for tougher measures. Meanwhile, in the United States, Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that all existing sanctions against Russia remain in place and that new sanctions could be imposed if there is no progress in the peace talks.
Putin visits Kursk, situation at the front remains tense
Putin visited to the Kursk region for the first time since Russian troops, backed by North Korea, retook it in April. During the visit, he met with volunteers and pledged support for the displaced. Meanwhile, a Russian missile attack on Sumy region killed six Ukrainian soldiers. Ukraine continues its offensive in the region, and diplomatic efforts to reach a peaceful settlement remain fruitless.
Iran and Russia signed a 20-year strategic agreement
The Iranian parliament ratified a 20-year strategic agreement with Russia, which provides for deepening defense and economic cooperation between the two countries. This move is a cause for concern among Western countries, as it strengthens Moscow's position in the international arena and complicates efforts to isolate Russia over its aggression in Ukraine.
Rubio: The U.S. will cut ineffective aid and focus on national interests
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio presented the State Department's budget request for 2026 in the Senate, announcing his intention to reform foreign aid programs. He stated that the United States will remain the world's largest donor, but only programs that strengthen America's international position will receive funding. Rubio emphasized that only 12 cents of every dollar reaches the intended recipients, so ineffective initiatives will be canceled, and authority will be transferred to regional bureaus and embassies.
Author: Danylo Pievchev