Zelensky: Negotiating Positions "Sound More Realistic"; Russia Drops Surrender Terms

LOCAL NEWS

• This morning Zelensky said that Russia & Ukraine’s negotiating positions “sound more realistic, but more time is needed.” Notes that meetings continue and are difficult, but there is “certainly room for compromise.”
  • A senior Aide also said Russia had softened its stance on a possible settlement by dropping requests for surrender – a notable development vs its prior demands.
  • Ukraine’s negotiators said they were moderately positive, but that a Zelensky-Putin meeting was needed for major progress. This comes after ma mixed day of reports where Putin said Kyiv is not serious about a solution – IFX, RTRS
• Russia’s bombardment of Kyiv edged closer to the centre last night using long-range missiles but made little ground with its troops.
  • UK’s MoD says Russia is ‘struggling to conduct offensive operations’ in the face of sustained Ukrainian resistance and loss of equipment, warning that continued losses may make it hard for Russia to secure further territory – which is why they have called in Syrian mercinaries for assistance.
  • Ukrainian forces repelled another attack on Kharkiv, but Russian troops have said they captured 500 people in Mariupol in a hospital, which they may try to use as leverage. – SKY, RTRS
• NATO has told military commanders to draw up plans for new ways to deter Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine. Stoltenberg said it must reset its military posture for the new reality and boost troop/missile defences in the region for the long term.
  • Slovakia says it has approved the NATO plan to deploy up to 2,100 troops on its territory. Germany will send 700 troops, Czech Republic 600 & US 400, while Poland & Netherlands will send some troops as well. – Sky