A deadly Russian missile strike has slammed into the Pivdennyi port region, leaving Odesa reeling once again as the city’s crucial export artery comes under relentless assault. Seven people have been killed and fifteen injured in the latest barrage, tightening the pressure on a region already fighting to keep its lifeline intact. Even as international negotiations begin gathering momentum, Putin is signaling no slowdown. Fresh intelligence contradicts claims that Moscow is seeking a quick resolution, instead suggesting the Kremlin believes Kyiv and its Western allies now carry the responsibility for the next decisive move. WATCH 

Europe has taken one of its biggest wartime financial decisions yet. After intense late-night negotiations, the EU has officially approved a two-year, interest-free lifeline for Ukraine, designed to keep the country’s economy, military support systems, and government operations running through 2026. Instead of tapping into Russia’s frozen assets directly, EU leaders have chosen to raise the funds through capital markets, citing ongoing legal and technical barriers that have stalled any immediate use of Moscow’s immobilised billions. Antonio Costa emerged from marathon talks announcing the €90 billion support package, marking one of the EU’s strongest joint commitments since the war began. WATCH