A coalition of 57 countries, including all NATO members supporting Ukraine, convened today in Brussels for the latest round of coordination on military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s invasion.
The high-level meeting comes just one day after Ukraine launched a new attack on the Kerch Bridge in Crimea—an emblematic symbol of Russia’s occupation—using over one metric ton of underwater explosives, according to Ukraine’s security service (SBU).
U.S. Defense Secretary Absent from Key Meeting
Notably, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was absent from the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting. While he is expected to attend a separate NATO summit on Thursday, his no-show at today’s event is being interpreted by some analysts as a potential signal of Washington’s cautious stance toward Ukraine’s recent military escalations.
Peace Talks Continue Amid Military Tensions
Meanwhile, Russia and Ukraine held a second round of peace negotiations on Monday in Istanbul. Both sides agreed to the exchange of 6,000 fallen soldiers’ bodies, marking a rare humanitarian breakthrough amid ongoing hostilities.
Ukraine also acknowledged receipt of a Russian memorandum outlining proposed terms for peace. Kyiv confirmed it would review the terms within a week. In parallel, Ukraine has already submitted its own framework for peace conditions to Moscow.
