Overview

• NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte visited Odesa with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to demonstrate solidarity after a Russian missile strike in Sumy killed 35 people and injured over 100.
• Rutte emphasized NATO's unwavering support for Ukraine, pledging continued assistance to bolster its defense and deter future aggression.
• Zelensky reiterated Ukraine's pressing need for additional air defense systems, including 10 more Patriot batteries, to protect civilians and infrastructure from ongoing Russian attacks.
• U.S.-led peace talks, supported by NATO, face significant hurdles as Russia continues its military aggression and rejects proposals for an unconditional ceasefire.
• The Ukrainian army vowed retribution against Russian military units responsible for attacks on civilian areas, while also reporting successful strikes on Russian missile positions.