Overview

• Volodymyr Zelensky said security guarantees should begin right away and could include Western troops in the thousands deployed on Ukrainian soil.
• Vladimir Putin warned from Vladivostok that any foreign forces in Ukraine would be treated as legitimate targets, reiterated his rejection of NATO membership for Kyiv, and invited Zelensky to Moscow with a pledge of immunity.
• Zelensky cited 45 countries in the security coalition with 26 prepared to provide tangible support, adding that President Trump confirmed U.S. readiness to participate.
• Reporting from Brussels indicated the U.S. is prepared to offer air and intelligence support but not ground troops, while Italy and Poland ruled out deploying soldiers and Germany’s stance remains cautious.
• EU and U.S. officials are prioritizing tighter sanctions and reducing reliance on Russian energy, with coordination talks under way as European leaders voice skepticism about a near‑term peace, including Italy’s Antonio Tajani saying a deal before Christmas is impossible.