Overview

• Zelenski said his call with President Trump was “very positive and productive,” citing concrete steps under discussion to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses.
• Russia’s latest barrage on energy facilities triggered widespread outages with a 7-year-old reported killed, as Ukraine reports repairs, canceled emergency cuts in several regions, a 30% rise in aerial weapons used, and about 74% interception rates.
• The European Commission is preparing a €140 billion recovery loan for Ukraine funded by income from frozen Russian assets, with EU finance ministers indicating broad support to advance the plan.
• Rheinmetall announced Skyranger 35 air-defense systems for Ukraine financed by an unidentified EU state using frozen Russian funds, with production and integration in Rome.
• Allied posture is hardening, with NATO members debating looser engagement rules and arming reconnaissance drones, the UK conducting a 12-hour RAF mission with U.S. support along the eastern flank, and Kyiv sending a delegation to Washington next week to discuss sanctions, energy and air defense.