In a significant development, US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he will speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, with a focus on ending the war in Ukraine. Trump expressed optimism, stating, "We want to see if we can bring that war to an end. Maybe we can, maybe we can't. But I think we have a very good chance."

The White House believes that recent discussions between US and Russian officials in Moscow have been productive, paving the way for direct talks between the two leaders. Last week, the Trump administration proposed a 30-day ceasefire, which Ukraine has backed despite contesting some aspects of the plan. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the deal would require "concessions from both Russia and Ukraine."

Meanwhile, EU foreign ministers convened in Brussels to discuss Ukraine, with a focus on maintaining support for Kyiv amid uncertainty over US funding. The meeting centered on a proposed €40 billion ($43.5 billion) military aid package for Ukraine, aimed at sustaining the country's armed forces at their current strength. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys highlighted the importance of the funding, stating, "If we can sustain this amount… for a longer period of time, that would allow Ukrainians to keep their armed forces at current strength."

Germany has already committed €4 billion ($4.35 billion) for this year, while other EU nations, including France, Spain, and Italy, are expected to increase their contributions. The funding scheme is designed to be voluntary to avoid vetoes from dissenting states like Hungary, which has maintained a pro-Russia stance.

Germany Signals Strong Support for Ukraine

At the Brussels meeting, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock praised Germany's new debt rules, which allow increased defense spending. "This is a strong sign that Germany takes its own security, Ukraine's security, and Europe's security seriously," she said. Baerbock also welcomed the allocation of an additional €3 billion ($3.26 billion) for Ukraine support, emphasizing that a "strong and sovereign Ukraine" remains the goal.

The reforms, agreed upon by Germany's ruling coalition, relax the country's stringent debt policy, enabling greater investment in defense both domestically and across the EU.

Ukraine Reports Intensified Drone Attacks

On the ground, Ukraine's military reported facing 174 Russian drone attacks overnight, successfully intercepting 90 of them. The port city of Odessa, a strategic target, has endured daily strikes for three consecutive weeks. Regional officials confirmed that one civilian was injured, and a residential home and kindergarten were damaged. The attacks also disrupted the local electricity grid, leaving 500 residents without power. Russia continues to deny targeting civilians.

EU Rejects Territorial Concessions to Russia

Despite Ukraine's acceptance of the US ceasefire proposal, most EU member states remain opposed to any peace deal that allows Russia to retain Ukrainian territory. "The only peace that can be achieved is a just peace for Ukraine," said DW Brussels Bureau Chief Alexandra von Nahmen, echoing the bloc's commitment to Ukraine's territorial integrity. Hungary is the only EU member likely to support the ceasefire unconditionally, given its pro-Russia stance.

As the war enters a critical phase, the international community is grappling with how to balance diplomatic efforts with sustained military and financial support for Ukraine. With Trump and Putin set to speak directly, and the EU rallying to fill potential gaps in US funding, the coming days could prove pivotal in shaping the conflict's trajectory.