Overview

• Chancellor Friedrich Merz issued a new ultimatum to Russia, warning of harsher sanctions targeting energy and finance if a ceasefire is not reached this week.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj confirmed his attendance at Thursday's Istanbul peace talks, stating he will personally wait for Russian President Vladimir Putin, though Putin's participation remains unconfirmed.
• The Kremlin announced that a Russian delegation is preparing for the talks but has not clarified whether Putin will attend in person or send representatives.
• The EU is finalizing its 17th sanctions package, with approval expected next week, aimed at increasing pressure on Russia to agree to a ceasefire.
• In his first government declaration, Merz emphasized strengthening Germany’s economy and military, including a pledge to make the Bundeswehr the strongest conventional army in Europe.