Zelenskyy to Bring EU Leaders to White House for Peace Push with Trump

AP News,

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will travel to Washington with a group of European leaders for talks at the White House aimed at securing security guarantees and shaping a possible roadmap for ending the Ukraine war. The meetings follow the recent Trump–Putin summit in Alaska, where broad ideas for a settlement were floated without Kyiv’s participation. European capitals are seeking to keep Ukraine’s interests central as they weigh potential ceasefire parameters and postwar security architecture. Zelenskyy is expected to press for air defenses, long-range strike capabilities, and firm commitments against further Russian aggression. The White House consultations come amid intensified Russian strikes and renewed debate in Europe over sustaining military aid and reconstruction financing.

Hungary Says Russian Oil Flows Halted After Strike on Druzhba Infrastructure

Reuters,

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said Russian crude shipments to Hungary were suspended after a Ukrainian attack on a transformer station linked to the Druzhba pipeline network. He reported that Moscow’s deputy energy minister told him repairs were underway but gave no restart timeline. The disruption underscores Central Europe’s lingering dependence on Russian energy via the pipeline’s southern branch, which supplies Hungary and Slovakia under EU exemptions. Any prolonged outage could force draws on strategic reserves or trigger alternative supply routes, adding pressure to regional fuel markets already sensitive to war-related risks. Budapest condemned the strike as a threat to Hungary’s energy security, while Kyiv has targeted Russian infrastructure to degrade funding for Moscow’s war.

Israel Pounds Gaza as Casualties Mount; Regional Tensions Rise

Al Jazeera,

Israeli forces conducted wide-ranging strikes across the Gaza Strip, with reports of rising casualties and destruction of residential areas as ground incursions and drone operations continued. The live updates detail ongoing shelling, movements around key urban districts, and emergency efforts amid damaged infrastructure and communications blackouts. The escalation is fueling regional concerns, with cross-border fire involving armed groups and diplomatic warnings over the humanitarian toll. Aid agencies cite severe shortages of medical supplies, fuel, and access routes, while ceasefire diplomacy remains fragile. The sustained operations follow periodic lulls and protest movements in Israel, keeping the risk of broader spillover into neighboring fronts.

Ukraine War Live: EU Leaders Align Positions as Zelenskyy Heads to Washington

The Guardian,

European leaders coordinated ahead of Zelenskyy’s Washington visit, seeking a common stance on security guarantees, reconstruction financing, and potential ceasefire terms following the Trump–Putin Anchorage meeting. Live coverage tracks statements from Paris, Berlin and London, and notes market and political reactions to hints of a U.S.–Russia framework. Europe is balancing deterrence—continued military aid and sanctions enforcement—with pressure to explore credible talks that safeguard Ukraine’s sovereignty. The agenda includes air defense replenishment and longer-term security architecture to deter renewed aggression. Domestic politics in several EU states and upcoming budget cycles add complexity to sustaining support levels as the war grinds on.

Qatar PM Travels to Cairo for New Gaza Ceasefire and Hostage Talks

Bloomberg,

Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani is heading to Egypt for a fresh round of talks on a Gaza ceasefire and hostage exchange, signaling renewed momentum in negotiations brokered by Doha and Cairo. The visit follows intensified Israeli operations and growing international pressure to stabilize the humanitarian situation. Mediators are attempting to bridge gaps over sequencing—cessation of hostilities, prisoner releases, and guarantees against renewed fighting. While previous rounds stalled over verification and timelines, the latest shuttle diplomacy reflects urgency to reduce civilian harm and prevent wider regional escalation involving Lebanon and Red Sea flashpoints.

EU Envoys May Skip China’s Military Parade as Putin Attendance Raises Optics Concerns

South China Morning Post,

European Union diplomats are weighing whether to attend a high-profile military parade in China amid concerns over optics if Russian President Vladimir Putin is present. The debate highlights tensions between maintaining dialogue with Beijing and avoiding signals that could be read as tacit acceptance of Moscow’s war narrative. Any EU pullback would add to recent frictions, including trade investigations and tech export controls, even as Europe seeks cooperation on climate and global economic stability. The decision carries diplomatic signaling weight ahead of upcoming EU-China contacts and could factor into broader alignment with Washington on Russia and Indo-Pacific security matters.

Europe Falling Behind in Global Chip Race Despite EU Chips Act Spending — Audit

El País/Cinco Días,

A new analysis cites an audit by the European Court of Auditors warning that the EU is unlikely to reach its goal of securing 20% of global semiconductor output by 2030. Despite mobilizing tens of billions of euros under the Chips Act and related initiatives, the report says fragmented implementation, financing gaps, and supply-chain constraints leave Europe trailing the U.S., China and Taiwan in foundry capacity and advanced node capabilities. While the bloc retains strategic strengths—such as ASML’s lithography dominance—the auditors argue a sharper, more realistic strategy and tighter industrial partnerships are required to reduce vulnerabilities in a sector central to AI, defense, and automotive competitiveness.

Dozens Dead After Boat Capsizes in Nigeria’s Niger State

AP News,

A wooden boat carrying villagers capsized on the River Niger in Nigeria’s north-central Niger state, leaving dozens dead and others missing. Local authorities and rescue teams recovered bodies and launched search operations as initial reports pointed to overloading and poor safety conditions common on rural waterways. The tragedy underscores recurrent transport risks in the region, where inadequate regulation, night travel, and aging vessels contribute to frequent mass-casualty incidents. Officials have pledged investigations and safety enforcement, while communities mourn the victims. Seasonal rains and strong currents complicate rescue efforts, increasing fears that the death toll could rise.