Summary
Trump’s stepping into the Ukraine war spotlight this week, offering to broker peace in calls with Putin and Zelenskyy. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s hitting Russian energy targets hard, and NATO’s bracing for possible Russian provocations after their summit.
Key Stories
Trump offers to mediate Ukraine war in calls with Putin and Zelenskyy — Trump spoke separately with Putin and Zelenskyy, positioning himself as a mediator to end the war. The Kremlin confirmed his willingness to help, but details on next steps are still fuzzy.
Ukraine ramps up strikes on Russian energy infrastructure — Ukraine’s drone campaign is putting serious pressure on Russia’s fuel supplies and air defenses, with attacks hitting deeper into Russian territory than ever before.
NATO on alert for Russian provocations after summit — Finnish defense experts warn Russia could launch hybrid attacks near NATO borders within days of the alliance’s summit in Ankara, testing Western unity.
Putin-linked yacht flees Europe under naval escort — The Graceful, a superyacht tied to Putin, left European waters with Russian navy protection, reportedly over fears of Ukrainian drone strikes.
Russian troops trapped in southern Ukraine under fire control — Ukraine claims 15,000–20,000 Russian soldiers are cornered in the south, with their supply lines cut off and facing relentless strikes.