Global attention remains fixed on the ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. US President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders at the White House for crucial discussions on security guarantees for Ukraine. During these talks, President Trump emphasized that no American troops would be deployed to Ukraine as part of any security commitment, though he did suggest the possibility of US air support. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expressed optimism, calling it his "best meeting" with the US leader to date.
A significant development from these discussions is the reported agreement by Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet with President Zelenskyy within the next two weeks, following a telephone conversation with President Trump. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed Putin's willingness for such a meeting, while stressing that Ukraine should not be pressured into ceding any territory. Western allies are working to formalize security guarantees for Ukraine within ten days, aiming to prevent future Russian aggression should a peace agreement be reached.
In the Middle East, a potential breakthrough in the Gaza conflict has emerged as Hamas announced its acceptance of a new Arab ceasefire proposal. The proposal is currently under review by Israel, which has maintained its stance on the release of all hostages in any future deal. Mediators are reportedly exerting extensive efforts to revive a US proposal for a 60-day ceasefire that would include the release of some remaining hostages.
In other significant news, a major disruption to air travel has been averted in Canada. Air Canada and the union representing its flight attendants have reached a tentative agreement, signaling an end to the widespread strike that had impacted hundreds of thousands of travelers. Air Canada plans to gradually resume services, though the full normalization of operations is expected to take time. Additionally, Spain has declared a civil protection emergency due to widespread wildfires ravaging the country.