It seems that peace between Ukraine and Russia is getting closer. A peace largely imposed by Trump and his negotiation with Russia without involving Europe, the EU, or even Ukraine itself. Meanwhile, drones continue to fly, and bombs continue to fall. This morning, one person died in the Russian region of Belgorod, on the border with Ukraine, during an attack with Ukrainian drones, of which around fifty were shot down overnight across the country.
Russia also accuses Ukraine of carrying out an artillery attack overnight on a power plant in the Zaporiyia region, which Moscow claims annexation since September 2022.
Ukraine has reported that it now only controls 500 km2 in the Russian region of Kursk, two-thirds less than the 1,400 km2 it claimed in August, at the beginning of its lightning offensive in this area. The Ukrainian army, less numerous and less equipped than Moscow's, is gradually losing the territory it occupies in this western border region of Russia, which Kiev intends to use as a bargaining chip in negotiations.
Orban Says EU Will Be Finished If Energy Prices Are Not Reduced
Hungarian Prime Minister, the ultranationalist Viktor Orbán, stated on Friday that the European Union (EU) must reduce energy prices and create a European capital market if it wants to survive, reports Efe.
"The EU would be finished" if it does not implement these measures, Orbán opined in his Friday statements to the public radio Kossuth, adding that "energy prices must be reduced because they are ruining European companies."
According to the Prime Minister, energy prices have risen due to the war in Ukraine, caused by the Russian invasion, the EU's 'Green Deal,' and European regulations.
J.D. Vance Threatens Putin with Sanctions and Military Actions to Accept an Agreement
U.S. Vice President, J.D. Vance, has threatened to "impose sanctions" and even "military actions" to pressure Russian President, Vladimir Putin, to accept an agreement on the war in Ukraine, reports Efe.
In an interview with The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), the U.S. Vice President also emphasized that Ukraine must have "sovereign independence" and added that the agreement arising from the peace talks in Ukraine will be surprising.
Vance explained to the newspaper that the option of sending U.S. troops to Ukraine if Moscow does not negotiate in good faith remains "on the table," which represents a much tougher tone than that of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who on Wednesday suggested that the U.S. would not commit military forces.
"There are economic tools to exert influence, of course, there are military tools to exert influence" that the United States could use against Putin, Vance clarified.
IAEA States Chernobyl Attack Has Not Caused Leaks or Increased Radiation
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed on Friday that a drone has impacted the sarcophagus protecting the reactor (NSS) at the Ukrainian Chernobyl nuclear plant, and noted that there has been no increase in radiation detected so far.
"At this time, there are no indications that a breach has occurred in the inner containment of the NSC. Radiation levels inside and outside remain normal and stable. No casualties have been reported. The IAEA continues to monitor the situation," this UN agency reported on the X social network.
Russian Drone Damages Radiation Shelter at Chernobyl Nuclear Plant
Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenski, denounced on Friday, just hours before his meeting with U.S. Vice President, J.D. Vance, that a Russian drone loaded with explosives has impacted a structure that prevents radiation leaks at the Chernobyl nuclear plant in northern Ukraine, and although the damage is significant, radiation levels have not increased for now, reports Efe.
"This protection structure was built by Ukraine along with other European and world countries, along with the U.S., along with all those committed to the real security of humanity. The only country in the world that attacks these infrastructures, occupies nuclear plants, and wages war without considering the consequences at all is Russia," said Zelenski in X, explaining that the structure in question was damaged by the Russian attack.
Peace in Ukraine at the Center of Munich Conference Agenda
The Munich Conference begins on Friday in one of its most decisive editions in its over 60-year history, which will be marked by talks between envoys of U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenski to promote a negotiation process to end the Russo-Ukrainian war, reports Efe.
Trump also announced on Thursday a trilateral meeting in Munich between high-level representatives of the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine, which has not been confirmed by Moscow. Ukraine has stated that it has no such meeting planned.
Ukraine Says Russia Launched 133 Drones in Overnight Attack
The Ukrainian army said on Friday that Russia launched 133 drones against the country overnight, reports Reuters.
The air force stated that it shot down 73 drones, and 58 others did not reach their targets, likely due to electronic countermeasures. It did not specify what happened to the remaining two drones.
Zelenski Plans to Meet with U.S. Vice President Following Trump-Putin Rapprochement
Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenski, is scheduled to meet on Friday in Germany with U.S. Vice President, J.D. Vance, following the rapprochement between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin to initiate a peace negotiation that raised alarms in Kiev, reports Afp.
After a call on Wednesday, the U.S. President stated that he had agreed with his Russian counterpart to start peace talks and exchange visits, a radical shift from the isolation policy towards Moscow by his predecessor Joe Biden.
Trump and his administration also indicated that Ukraine will have to cede territory to Russia and ruled out its NATO membership, concessions met with concern from Kiev and its European allies, who fear being excluded from the dialogue.
Marco Rubio's Trip to Munich Delayed Due to Plane Mechanical Issue
The plane carrying U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, to Germany to participate in the Munich Security Conference had to return to Washington on Thursday night after experiencing a mechanical issue during the flight, reports Efe.
The plane landed shortly after 10:00 p.m. local time on Thursday (3:00 GMT on Friday) at Joint Base Andrews, outside Washington, after the problem was detected about 90 minutes after takeoff, and the pilots turned back, as indicated by the CBS correspondent traveling with Rubio.
According to State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, cited by various media outlets, the plane experienced a "mechanical issue," and "the Secretary intends to continue his journey to Germany and the Middle East on another plane."
Macron Warns Against "Peace That Is a Surrender" for Ukraine
French President, Emmanuel Macron, warned in an interview published on Friday of the danger of "peace that is a surrender" for Ukraine and asserted that Europeans have "a role to play" in discussions on regional security, reports Afp.
"Peace that is a surrender is bad news for everyone," Macron said in an interview with the Financial Times after the conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the conflict.
"The only question at this point is: 'Is President Putin willing, in a sincere, lasting, and sustainable way, to agree to a ceasefire on this basis?'" the French leader indicated.