**US Aid to Ukraine Could Become a Bargaining Tool**
The US government is considering making its aid to Ukraine conditional on future negotiations with Russia. This was said by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at a press conference in Brussels.
Hegseth said that the US will continue to deliver security assistance to Ukraine as planned, but hinted that future funding could be tied to certain conditions. He emphasized that President Donald Trump will decide what measures to use in potential talks with Russia.
**Ukraine’s NATO Membership Still Unclear**
The US has not ruled out the possibility of using its aid to Ukraine as a bargaining tool in negotiations with Russia. However, the US does not consider Ukraine’s NATO membership a “realistic outcome” of these talks. This stance is shared by President Trump, who believes that Ukraine joining the alliance is not practical.
Ukraine officially applied for NATO membership in September 2022, following Russia’s full-scale invasion. Despite this, no formal invitation has been extended to Ukraine.
**Russia’s War Efforts Continue**
Russian forces are still operating in various parts of Ukraine, including Grozny in Chechnya. The Ukrainian government is seeking information about 36 captured Ukrainian soldiers who may be held there.
Additionally, two laboratories have confirmed that Russian munitions contain a riot control agent known as CS.
**Drone Production to Increase in Ukraine**
A German drone manufacturer, Quantum Systems, plans to double its production in Ukraine. This comes after the country‘s Strategic Industries Ministry announced the move.
**Saudi Arabia Offers to Host Summit**
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has offered to host a summit aimed at achieving lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine. The country’s foreign ministry reaffirmed its efforts towards this goal.
**Ukraine’s President Speaks Out**
President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his concerns about the Russian government’s plans, saying that they aim to deploy 100,000 to 150,000 troops in Belarus.
He also stated that Russia’s army is expanding and continues to show no change in its anti-human state rhetoric.