Overview

• Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a U.S.-facilitated Black Sea ceasefire, with discussions underway about easing sanctions on Russia to support the peace process.
• The Trump administration has paused military aid to Ukraine, urging Europe to lead in providing security guarantees, a stance criticized by some allies.
• Leaked Signal messages revealed U.S. officials' frustrations with European nations' defense spending, which British Defence Secretary John Healey acknowledged as a valid challenge.
• The UK and France are spearheading efforts to form a 'coalition of the willing' to ensure Ukraine's security in the event of a peace deal, though U.S. officials have dismissed the initiative as ineffective.
• Concerns over secure communications have grown after the Signal leak, with the UK emphasizing the importance of safeguarding sensitive discussions.