**Ukraine Receives Boost from European Allies Amid Ongoing Conflict**
In a significant development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has met with the Defence Staff chiefs of Britain and France to discuss the deployment of troops to Ukraine as part of a potential ceasefire agreement. This meeting is seen as a major step forward in international efforts to support Ukraine in its conflict against Russia.
Zelensky expressed his gratitude to the UK and French governments for their leadership in bringing together countries willing to deploy troops to monitor a potential ceasefire. He stated that there has been “tangible progress” in these discussions, which could lead to the deployment of partner security forces.
The idea of a coalition force deployment was first floated by French President Emmanuel Macron at a summit in Paris earlier this month. The UK had initially proposed sending 10,000 peacekeeping troops, although Prime Minister Keir Starmer later said that Washington’s support would be needed for such an operation to go ahead.
**EU and NATO Leaders Demand Response from Russia**
Meanwhile, the European Union and NATO have called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to respond immediately to a ceasefire deal agreed upon by the US and Ukraine. The demand comes after another deadly attack by Russia on Ukrainian soil, which killed 19 people and injured dozens more in the city of Kryvyi Rih.
The incident has sparked outrage among European leaders, with European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas describing it as a “reckless” attack that continues to destroy Ukraine. The US Embassy to Ukraine also condemned the attack, saying it was “unpleasantly surprising.”
**Ukraine Makes Progress in Clearing Mines**
In other news, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has announced that over 35,000 square kilometers of previously mined territory have been cleared since Russia’s full-scale invasion began. This is a significant development, as the landmine situation had become increasingly hazardous for civilians and military personnel alike.
**EU Fines Elon Musk’s X Platform Over Alleged Violations**
The European Union has reportedly fined Elon Musk’s social media platform X (formerly Twitter) over $1 billion for allegedly violating the EU’s Digital Services Act. The move is seen as a significant step in holding tech giants accountable for their actions on the continent.
**Global Reaction to Conflict**
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, international leaders are increasingly speaking out against Russia’s actions. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has warned that any proposal for a ceasefire must be carefully considered, while Finland’s Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen has urged Europe not to become disjointed in its defense capabilities.
**Norway Commits Additional Military Support**
In a separate development, Norway has pledged to triple its military support for Ukraine. The funds will be spent abroad to avoid putting pressure on the country’s economy.
The conflict in Ukraine remains a major concern for the international community, and it is clear that global leaders are working together to find solutions to the crisis. As we continue to follow this story, it is essential to remember the human cost of this war – innocent civilians are being killed and injured every day.