Monday's call between Putin and Trump has not changed anything in the Ukraine war. Drones and missiles continue to fall on Ukrainian territory, and Kiev continues to attack Russian regions. The U.S. president seems to no longer trust in a quick solution mediated by himself for the conflict and has passed the 'hot potato' to the new Pope Leon XIV, who has confirmed to the Italian government that he is willing to host the next round of talks between Ukraine and Russia.
Vladimir Putin, who visited the Kursk region on Wednesday for the first time since the expulsion of Ukrainian forces, stated after the two-hour call that he was willing to draft a memorandum with Ukraine on a peace agreement. Trump also spoke with the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, who explained that they were considering the Vatican, Turkey, or Switzerland as possible negotiating venues, along with several European leaders.
Another night of drone launches was experienced on the front. Russian air defenses shot down 159 Ukrainian drones over Russian regions early this morning. Most of them were over western regions of Russia, but at least six were shot down over the Moscow region.
Ukraine Suspends Commander for Russian Attack that Killed Six Soldiers
Ukraine's National Guard has suspended the commander of the unit to which the six soldiers who died in a Russian missile attack on a shooting range in the Sumy region, in northeastern Ukraine bordering Russia, belonged, reports Efe.
"An investigation into the tragedy has been launched. The commander of the military unit has been suspended, and the necessary information has been provided to the relevant authorities," said a statement released on Wednesday by the National Guard.
Six Dead and 10 Injured in Russian Attack on Military Training Camp
A Russian attack on Tuesday killed six Ukrainian soldiers and injured more than ten, announced the Ukrainian National Guard on Wednesday, reports Afp.
"Six soldiers died and more than ten were injured as a result of the attack while conducting exercises at the shooting range," explained the National Guard on Facebook, adding that "an official investigation is underway."
German Defense Minister Says Trump Misjudged His Influence on Putin
The President of the United States, Donald Trump, misjudged his influence on Russian President Vladimir Putin, said the German Defense Minister, after a phone call between the two leaders failed to make progress in peace talks on Ukraine, leading Europe to announce new sanctions against Russia, reports Reuters.
Canada Puts Ukraine in the Spotlight at G7 Finance Meeting
Canada wanted to send a "strong message" to the world on Tuesday by inviting a Ukrainian minister to the G7 Finance meeting, whose members are divided on supporting the country at war with Russia and shaken by Donald Trump's protectionist offensive, reports Afp.
As the host of the G7 Finance Ministers' meeting (United States, Japan, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Canada), Canadian Minister François-Philippe Champagne invited his Ukrainian counterpart, Sergei Marchenko.