Overview

• Russia launched a massive drone attack on Odessa, causing fires, injuries, and significant damage to civilian infrastructure.
• Ukraine retaliated with strikes on Russian infrastructure, targeting a gas station in the Kursk region.
• Ceasefire negotiations focusing on energy infrastructure are set to begin next week in Saudi Arabia, with U.S.-mediated talks involving Ukraine and Russia.
• France plans a summit in Paris to discuss European military support and security guarantees for Ukraine, with potential troop contributions from France and the UK.
• The EU announced plans for significant defense investments to bolster readiness and support Ukraine, while the U.S. seeks a rare-earth partnership with Ukraine tied to ongoing aid.