Overview

• Emmanuel Macron said a face‑to‑face between Trump, Zelensky and Vladimir Putin could happen within two to three weeks, stressing that Europeans must have a seat at the table.
• Volodymyr Zelensky said “security guarantees will happen” and indicated they could be formalized within 10 days as allied teams begin detailed drafting work.
• The meeting venue is unresolved: Giorgia Meloni proposed Rome, Macron backed Geneva and Putin favors it, Zelensky and Trump prefer the Vatican, and Italy’s foreign minister endorsed Geneva due to International Criminal Court complications for Rome.
• Ukraine’s air force reported Russia launched 10 missiles and 270 drones overnight during the Washington talks, underscoring continued attacks despite diplomatic activity.
• European defense shares fell on the prospect of a peace process, with Italy’s Leonardo down nearly 8% and peers including Rheinmetall, Hensoldt, Thales and BAE Systems also lower.