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Kremlin Says No Putin-Trump Call Planned as Ukraine Mediation Remains on Hold

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The Kremlin said there are currently no plans for a phone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that while direct mediation efforts on the Ukraine conflict remain paused, U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner continue to maintain communication with both Moscow and Kyiv.

According to Peskov, discussions between Russia and American negotiators are ongoing through existing channels, although no dates have been set for a possible visit by Witkoff and Kushner to Russia. Their earlier mediation efforts had stalled in February amid broader geopolitical tensions linked to military action against Iran.

The comments came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described a recent conversation with Witkoff and Kushner as positive and expressed optimism about renewed peace efforts. Peskov also dismissed the prospect of European mediation, arguing that European leaders are more focused on supporting the continuation of the conflict rather than advancing peace negotiations.

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German-Dutch Corps to Lead NATO Forces in Baltic Region

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NATO is set to strengthen its eastern defenses as the combined German-Dutch 1GNC corps prepares to take command of land forces in Estonia and Latvia later this year. Based in Muenster, Germany, the corps will officially become a tactical headquarters for the Baltic region by mid-2026, reinforcing NATO’s preparedness against potential Russian threats.

Currently, NATO operations across the Baltic states and northern Poland are coordinated through a single headquarters in Szczecin, Poland. Military officials say the new structure will improve rapid deployment capabilities and allow NATO to respond faster in the strategically sensitive region.

The move follows key agreements made during the 2025 NATO summit in The Hague and aligns with NATO’s Force Model introduced at the 2023 Vilnius summit. German and Dutch defense ministries stated that the additional command structure will strengthen alliance coordination and enhance regional deterrence.

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Russia and China Criticize U.S. ‘Golden Dome’ Missile Shield Plan

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Russia and China have jointly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump over plans for the proposed “Golden Dome” missile-defense system, warning that it threatens global strategic stability. The statement came during a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing. The project aims to expand missile interception capabilities through ground-based systems and space-based defense technologies designed to detect and potentially destroy incoming missile threats.

Moscow and Beijing argued that the proposed shield undermines the balance between offensive and defensive nuclear systems, which they say is essential for maintaining global security. The two countries also criticized Washington for allowing the 2010 New START nuclear arms treaty to expire without negotiating a replacement. Russia backed China’s stance against joining future U.S.-Russia nuclear arms control talks, while both nations accused the U.S. of pursuing destabilizing military strategies.

The joint statement also warned against the deployment of intermediate-range missiles and the use of preventive missile strikes aimed at disabling enemy forces before conflict begins. Adding to tensions, Russia released footage of military exercises involving the movement and deployment of nuclear warheads for Iskander-M missile systems across Russia and Belarus. The developments highlight growing geopolitical strains between major global powers over missile defense and nuclear security.

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Estonia Says NATO Jet Downs Suspected Ukrainian Drone After Airspace Breach

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Estonia said a NATO fighter jet shot down a drone that entered its airspace on Tuesday, with officials suspecting it was a Ukrainian drone diverted by Russian electronic jamming. Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur stated that a Romanian F-16 participating in NATO’s Baltic air policing mission intercepted the drone before debris landed in a marshy forest area near Põltsamaa. No injuries or property damage were reported.

Ukraine apologised to Estonia and the Baltic states, accusing Russia of intentionally redirecting Ukrainian drones launched at military targets inside Russia. Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhii Tykhyi said Moscow was using electronic warfare and propaganda to create tensions in the region. Estonia stressed that it had not granted permission for Ukrainian drones to use its airspace.

The incident comes amid rising security concerns in the Baltic region following several recent drone incursions into NATO member states Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Russia has accused the Baltic nations of allowing Ukraine to launch attacks from their territories, claims strongly denied by all three countries. NATO members have increased military deployments and air patrols in Eastern Europe amid fears of further provocations linked to the Russia-Ukraine war.

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Canada Strengthens Arctic Defense Ties With Nordic Nations Amid Trump Pressure

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Canada is expanding its Arctic defense cooperation with Nordic countries as concerns grow over regional security and comments by U.S. President Donald Trump about Greenland and Canada. Canadian officials and Nordic allies are increasing military coordination, intelligence sharing and Arctic preparedness amid rising tensions linked to Russia and growing Chinese activity in the region.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has strengthened partnerships with Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland as part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on the United States for Arctic security. In March, Canada and the Nordic nations agreed to deepen cooperation in defense production, military procurement and cybersecurity. Discussions are also underway to help Greenland develop a local force modeled after Canada’s Rangers.

The renewed focus on Arctic alliances comes as climate change makes the region more accessible and strategically important. Experts say Russia maintains the strongest military presence in the Arctic, while China is increasing its involvement through partnerships and infrastructure projects. Despite Canada’s push for stronger Nordic ties, analysts note that cooperation with the United States through NORAD remains essential for large-scale Arctic defense operations.

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Zelenskiy Says Russia May Use Belarus to Launch Attack on Ukraine or NATO

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Russia is trying to pull Belarus deeper into the ongoing war and could be planning military operations from Belarusian territory. Speaking after a meeting with military and intelligence officials, Zelenskiy said Ukraine had identified fresh contacts between Moscow and Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko regarding possible new aggressive actions.

According to Zelenskiy, Russia may be considering attacks either toward Ukraine’s northern Chernihiv-Kyiv region or directly against a NATO member bordering Belarus. Belarus shares borders with NATO countries Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia, raising concerns about broader regional security. However, Zelenskiy did not provide specific evidence or operational details regarding the alleged plans.

Belarus previously allowed Russian forces to use its territory during the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, though it has not officially deployed its own troops in combat. Minsk has also hosted Russian tactical nuclear weapons and Oreshnik hypersonic missiles. Zelenskiy said Ukraine has ordered stronger defenses along its northern border and warned Belarus against supporting any new Russian military campaign.

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Poland Passes Crypto Law Amid Major Exchange Fraud Investigation

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Polish lawmakers have approved new cryptocurrency regulations as authorities investigate a major fraud case linked to the collapse of the country’s largest crypto exchange, Zondacrypto. The new legislation aligns Poland with the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) rules, which member states must implement by July.

The investigation centers on allegations that thousands of Zondacrypto users were unable to access their funds, with estimated losses exceeding 350 million zlotys ($95 million). Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has claimed the exchange may have connections to Russian criminal networks, intensifying political tensions and calls for stricter oversight of the crypto sector.

The scandal has also sparked a political dispute after President Karol Nawrocki previously blocked similar legislation, arguing that heavy regulations could drive crypto companies out of Poland. However, officials warn that failure to implement the EU rules by the July deadline could prevent Polish firms from legally offering crypto-related services.

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Russian Drone Strikes Kill Nine Across Ukraine After Ceasefire Ends

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At least nine people were killed and 28 injured in fresh Russian drone attacks across Ukraine following the expiration of a three-day US-brokered ceasefire. Ukrainian officials said the central Dnipropetrovsk region suffered the heaviest damage, with eight deaths reported, while another casualty occurred in the eastern Donetsk region. Authorities said a total of 14 Ukrainian regions came under attack during the latest wave of strikes.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said more than 100 Russian drones were active over the country on Wednesday morning and warned of continued attacks. Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched 139 drones within 24 hours, with 111 intercepted or destroyed, though several strikes hit civilian infrastructure, including railway facilities and residential areas. Regions including Kharkiv, Odesa, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and Poltava also reported injuries and property damage.

Meanwhile, Russia said Ukrainian drones targeted industrial and energy facilities overnight in multiple Russian regions, including Astrakhan and Krasnodar. Russian officials claimed hundreds of Ukrainian drones were intercepted and confirmed damage to a gas processing plant and other industrial sites, though no casualties were reported. The renewed attacks highlight escalating tensions after the temporary ceasefire collapsed amid mutual accusations of violations from both sides.

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EU Rejects Putin’s Proposal for Schroeder Role in Russia Security Talks

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European Union foreign ministers have rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin’s suggestion that former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder could represent Europe in future security negotiations with Moscow. Putin recently said he was open to discussing new security arrangements for Europe and named Schroeder as his preferred negotiating partner. However, EU leaders argued that Schroeder’s close ties to Putin and his past work with Russian state energy companies make him unsuitable to act as an impartial mediator.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said allowing Russia to effectively choose Europe’s negotiator would be unwise, while Germany’s Europe minister Gunther Krichbaum stated that Schroeder could not be viewed as an “honest broker.” Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the European Union has largely isolated Moscow through sanctions and limited diplomatic engagement. Many ministers also questioned whether Russia is genuinely ready for meaningful peace negotiations.

Despite the criticism, some European officials believe the EU should prepare for future direct talks with Moscow alongside ongoing US-led peace efforts. European Council President António Costa said discussions are already taking place among EU leaders about how Europe should approach any future negotiations. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also said Europe could play a complementary role in peace talks, though several ministers stressed the bloc should first strengthen pressure on Russia and agree on a united strategy before entering negotiations.

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Putin Says Ukraine War May Be Nearing Its End

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested that the conflict in Ukraine could be approaching an end, saying after Russia’s Victory Day parade in Moscow that the “special military operation” was “coming to an end.” During his speech, Putin criticised Western nations for continuing to support and arm Ukraine, accusing Nato countries of fuelling the conflict. The annual Red Square parade was notably scaled back this year, with no tanks or heavy military hardware displayed amid fears of possible Ukrainian attacks.

Putin also indicated he would only agree to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky once a long-term peace agreement had been finalised. He said negotiations could take place in a third country and mentioned former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as his preferred negotiating partner for broader European security discussions. Meanwhile, European leaders have hinted at possible future talks with Moscow, with EU officials saying there may be potential for negotiations at the right moment.

Although a US-brokered temporary ceasefire reduced tensions during the Victory Day celebrations, both Russia and Ukraine later accused each other of violating the truce through drone strikes and artillery attacks. The two sides have agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners each, but Moscow claims it has yet to receive confirmation from Kyiv. The conflict, which began with Russia’s seizure of Crimea in 2014 and escalated into a full-scale invasion in 2022, continues despite renewed diplomatic signals.

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