Russian invasion

Negotiations
Russia rejects Zelenskyy’s peace proposal

Russia is rejecting Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s proposal for a 60-day ceasefire to allow for Ukrainian elections, *The Guardian* reports. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov claims that President Vladimir Putin does not want a time-bound ceasefire, but rather a peace agreement.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also dismisses the proposal, stating that Zelenskyy "does not deserve" a pause in the fighting, according to the state-controlled news agency Tass.

Ukraine has repeatedly signaled openness to a ceasefire, but Russia has shown limited willingness to cooperate. US President Donald Trump claims that both sides have agreed not to attack each other's energy facilities. 

Oil Market
Analysis: A potential misstep—Trump shooting himself in the foot

Donald Trump’s decision to allow Russia to export fuel despite sanctions could backfire on him. That is the view of Aftonbladet’s Johan Mathias Sommarström.

"It is difficult to grasp the logic behind Trump’s move to sacrifice Ukraine on the altar of domestic politics—especially since he stands to gain nothing from it himself."

The decision has faced fierce criticism at home, while diesel supplies to the US appear likely to be restricted. However, the deal could represent more than just an economic win for Putin, according to the BBC’s Liza Fokht.

"The Russian president can now claim that he personally aided President Trump at a crucial moment, while simultaneously seizing another opportunity to deepen tensions between Kyiv and Washington."

Sky News’s Ivon Bennett was impressed by Zelenskyy’s relaxed demeanor during his speech in Warsaw today, despite the setbacks involving the US. But most significant, he notes, was Zelenskyy’s message that Ukraine will retaliate if Russia does not agree to an energy truce. For me, it was a very clear signal that Ukraine will not stop attacking Russian...