Ceasefire necessary before any negotiations, states Macron
Join our interactive war ticker for the latest updates on the intensifying conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
11:27 — Macron Holds a Hardline: No Truce, No Talks
Emmanuel Macron, President of France, stands firm against Russian negotiating offers, insisting that a ceasefire must precede any discussions. In a stern statement on the X platform, Macron declared, "Negotiations can't occur while the guns are still talking, and civilians are being shelled simultaneously." He reiterates his commitment to supporting Ukraine and stands in opposition to Putin's interference in Ukrainian affairs.
11:14 — Kiesewetter Accuses Putin of Stalling Tactics
Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal for one-on-one talks with Ukraine is dismissed by CDU foreign policy expert Roderich Kiesewetter as a ruse. According to Kiesewetter, who spoke to Reuters, Putin is simply playing for time and must agree to a 30-day ceasefire if negotiations are to be meaningful. He questioned the agenda of the potential talks, asking, "What are we negotiating about? The return of abducted children? The handling of people living in Russian-occupied territories?"
10:33 — Macron's Remark Boosts Selenskyj's Chance
Political scientist Klemens Fischer suggests that Putin's proposal to speak directly with Ukraine actually places Moscow under pressure, hopefully giving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj an opportunity to exploit. This pressure could provide Selenskyj with leverage in the ongoing negotiations and possibly lead to a breakthrough in the stalemated conflict.
10:19 — Trump: "Hope Beckons for Ukraine, a Turn for the Better?"
Optimism and a sense of hope emanate from US President Donald Trump, who sees an approaching end to the fighting in Ukraine. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump affirmed, "The possibility arises for Russia and Ukraine to put an end to the chronic battling that has so unjustly claimed countless lives." He remains hopeful that the latest diplomatic endeavors may lead to a resolution to the crisis and the opportunity to save hundreds of thousands of lives.
09:58 — Ukrainian Army Counts Enemy Losses
The Ukrainian army reports that at least 1,310 Russian troops have been casualties in the past 24 hours, marking one day's worth of a devastating toll. Since the initiation of the full-scale invasion, the Russian army has suffered an estimated loss of 965,890 casualties. Additionally, military equipment worth millions has been destroyed, with countless vehicles, armored weapons, and drones neutralized over the past day.
09:27 — Macron Frustrated by Putin's Offer: Not Enough to Settle
French President Emmanuel Macron has critiqued the Russian offer of direct negotiations with Ukraine as insufficient. Macron, alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, convened a joint press conference following their visit to Kyiv. Macron expressed that any meaningful dialogue would require an unwavering ceasefire and admonished Putin's proposal as an attempt to buy time during negotiations.
08:54 — Soldier Fights Back Undeterred
Despite the personal sacrifice and struggle, resilient soldiers like Nicolai return to fight for Ukraine — and for Nicolai, it's an honor to protect his homeland. Despite the perilous circumstances, this soldier—now down to one leg—staunchly chose to return to the front lines, pushing ahead against insurmountable odds in an unyielding display of bravery.
08:38 — Ukrainian Forces Repel Russian Attacks
In the past 16 hours, there have been 161 engagements along the Ukrainian front lines. The Pokrovsk sector saw 60 clashes, while the Russians deployed 63 air strikes and dropped 96 guided bombs on Ukrainian units and civilian areas. More than 4,000 artillery shellings and 85 multiple rocket launcher attacks were recorded, on top of 2,470 kamikaze drone bombings.
08:21 — Drone Attacks Resume Unabated
Russian drone attacks have resumed across Ukraine, including targeting the capital Kyiv and the regions of Odessa, Kharkiv, and Dnipropetrovsk. The unprecedented drone warfare has evolved from an escalation of air strikes, presenting constant air alerts for civilians in these regions. Nevertheless, no significant damage has been reported at the time of writing.
07:22 — Trump Remains Committed to Ukraine
US President Donald Trump reaffirms his intention to work diligently towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict, engaging with both Ukraine and Russia. Trump pledged his unwavering support for diplomatic efforts aimed at bringing an end to the devastating war.
06:57 — Witkoff's Kremlin Liaisons
U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy, Stephen Witkoff, has been accused of relying on Kremlin translators during his meetings with President Vladimir Putin. Witkoff's choice not to use his own translator breaches standard protocols, as he engaged in sensitive international negotiations with the use of Moscow-assigned translators.
05:46 — Kyiv Under Drone Attack
In the wake of Putin's proposal for direct talks, Kyiv faces renewed aggression as Russian drones attack the capital. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko has called on citizens to seek shelter in nearby bunkers, emphasizing the potential danger of the escalating drone attacks on the civilian population.
04:45 — Civilian Casualties Mount in Kharkiv Region
In the Kharkiv region, three civilians were injured in another series of Russian air strikes. The continued risk to innocent lives underscores the urgency for a ceasefire, allowing both sides to present their concerns in a peaceful and organized manner.
Power Plays and Diplomatic Chess
As world leaders continue to navigate the increasingly tense standoff between Ukraine and Russia, tensions remain high in the wake of Putin's proposal for negotiations and the looming 30-day ceasefire deadline imposed by Western powers. With trust at a minimum and opposing narrative agendas in full swing, the impending diplomatic showdown will prove crucial in determining the fate of a fragile peace and a long-suffering population. Stay tuned for the latest updates as the drama unfolds.
For more insight on the global implications and the ongoing developments, check out the Atlantic Council, Chatham House, and European Council on Foreign Relations.
- Emmanuel Macron and other leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, have called for an unwavering ceasefire before any meaningful negotiations can begin, criticizing Putin's proposal for direct talks with Ukraine as insufficient.
- Despite the urge for diplomatic efforts towards a peaceful resolution, the conflict in Ukraine continues, with reports of at least 1,310 Russian troops being casualties in the past 24 hours alone.
- Ukrainian forces have been actively repelling Russian attacks across various sectors, including Pokrovsk, where there have been 60 engagements in the past 16 hours.
- In an effort to exert pressure on Putin, Donald Trump has expressed optimism for a possible end to the fighting in Ukraine, while reiterating his commitment to engaging both Ukraine and Russia in diplomatic efforts towards resolving the conflict.
