German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has suggested that Ukraine might need to relinquish some territory to secure a peace agreement with Russia, which could subsequently facilitate its membership in the European Union. Speaking during a discussion with students in Marsberg, Germany, Merz stated, "Hopefully, there will eventually be a peace treaty with Russia. Then, possibly, part of Ukraine’s territory will no longer be Ukrainian." He emphasized that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky would need to convince the public through a referendum, framing the concession as a path to European integration: "But I have opened the way to Europe for you."
EU Membership as a Peace Incentive
Merz argued that the European Union should provide Ukraine with a clear and credible roadmap to membership amid its accession efforts. "Ukraine must have a European perspective. We must not lose Ukraine to Russia, but rather tell the people of Ukraine that they have a future in Europe," he said. This approach, he believes, could help Ukrainians accept a peace deal that involves territorial losses.
Ukraine Warns Israel Over Grain Shipments
In a separate development, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha summoned Israel's ambassador over what Kyiv describes as Israeli inaction regarding grain shipments from Russian-occupied Ukraine. Sybiha accused Israel of allowing vessels carrying "stolen" grain to dock at the port of Haifa. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar rejected the allegations, stating that Ukraine had provided no evidence and accused Kyiv of conducting diplomacy through the media. "You did not even submit a request for legal assistance before turning to the media and social networks," Sa'ar said. A Ukrainian diplomatic source warned that if Israel does not reject the latest cargo, Kyiv would "reserve the right to deploy a full suite of diplomatic and international legal responses."
Drone Attack on Russian Oil Refinery
Ukrainian drones targeted Russia's Tuapse oil refinery on the Black Sea, causing a fire, authorities reported on Tuesday. The Rosneft-owned facility and the adjacent port have faced repeated drone attacks in recent weeks. The incident underscores ongoing hostilities despite potential peace negotiations.
Odesa Strike Wounds 14
An overnight Russian drone attack on Odesa wounded 14 people, including two children, and damaged residential buildings, Ukrainian officials said. The historic Prymorskyi district suffered the worst damage, with high-rise buildings, private homes, and vehicles hit. Regional Governor Oleh Kiper confirmed the casualty count, while Ukraine's seaports authority reported minor damage to a foreign-flagged vessel in the port area.
Lithuania Charges 13 Over GRU-Linked Attempted Murders
Lithuania has charged 13 individuals from multiple countries with two attempted murders in Vilnius linked to Russia's GRU military intelligence agency. Police Chief Saulius Briginas stated that the suspects, some arrested in March, sought to kill a Lithuanian activist and fundraiser for Ukraine, as well as a Russian dissident granted asylum in Lithuania. The group is also believed to be behind an arson attack on Ukraine-bound military equipment in Bulgaria and espionage against Greek military targets.
Iranian Foreign Minister Praises Russia Ties
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg, praising the strength of bilateral ties and Russia's support for diplomacy. Putin received a message from Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, and reaffirmed Russia's commitment to strategic partnership with Tehran. Russia has offered to mediate Middle East tensions and store Iran's enriched uranium, a proposal rejected by the United States.
These developments come as Britain faces warnings from former US aide Fiona Hill that the UK is losing its hybrid war with Russia and is unprepared for a wider conflict, highlighting the global stakes of the ongoing crisis.
