Russia rejects Christmas truce as US ramps up peace push

Norway will provide Ukraine with 425 million Norwegian kroner (approximately $40–42 million) to support its energy sector under a new agreement with the EU, the Norwegian government announced on May 26.

The new structure would allow for the rapid deployment of German and Dutch troops to Latvia and Estonia in the event of a conflict with Russia.

Robert Brovdi, commander of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces, said Ukrainian forces have identified potential military targets in Belarus amid concerns Minsk could become more involved in the war.

"The initiative is still working, but the new difficulty is that only about nine member states are contributing financially," Czech President Petr Pavel told the Financial Times.

Russia has not reacted to the General Staff's claim as of the publication time.

The 412th Brigade Nemesis said it had tested a new "secret" attack drone, which it claimed proved effective deep behind Russian lines, destroying "dozens" of trucks and fuel tankers.

The strike on the warehouse destroyed a significant amount of food intended for people in front-line areas, enough to feed 130,000 people.

The Kyiv Independent is introducing a new format within its Opinion section: Letters to the Editor, giving our readers a direct way to contribute to the stories we cover or highlight ideas worth attention.

Edouard Philippe has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine since the start of the full-scale war.

"We appreciate the European Commission's shown solidarity with the Baltic States. However, today's solidarity is not enough," said Lithuania's President Gitanas Nauseda

Britain imposed 18 new sanctions targeting financial networks it says help Russia evade restrictions and sustain its war, including the Ilan Shor-linked A7 network.