French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Washington on Monday for a crucial meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. The visit marks the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and Macron aims to persuade Trump to continue supporting Kyiv. The meeting at the White House is seen as a pivotal moment in Western efforts to sustain military and financial assistance to Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict.
Ukraine Conflict Dominates Global Agenda
While Macron engaged in diplomatic talks in Washington, global leaders gathered in Kyiv for a summit focused on Ukraine’s resilience and future reconstruction. The European Union announced additional financial aid to support Ukraine’s war efforts and economic stability. The summit, attended by various world leaders, underscored continued international commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Drone Attack Sparks Fire at Russian Oil Refinery
Amid diplomatic efforts, the conflict on the ground remains intense. Ukraine claimed responsibility for a drone strike on a Russian oil refinery in Ryazan, southeast of Moscow. The attack resulted in a large fire but no reported casualties, according to local authorities.
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Andriï Kovalenko, spokesperson for Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation, stated that the Ryazan refinery, one of Russia’s largest, was targeted in response to continued Russian strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure. Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that its air defenses intercepted 22 Ukrainian drones over multiple regions, including occupied Crimea.
Civilians Evacuated Amid Escalation
As hostilities persist, an agreement was reached for the evacuation of civilians from frontline areas. International humanitarian organizations facilitated the process, aiming to protect those most vulnerable to the ongoing violence. The evacuations highlight the worsening humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced since the war began.
With diplomatic maneuvers and military confrontations escalating, the world watches closely as key leaders navigate the future of the Ukraine conflict.
This article is originally published on ouest-france.fr