Russia Requests UN Security Council Meeting Over Ukraine Peace Talks

Russia has called for a United Nations Security Council meeting to address what it claims are European attempts to obstruct peace negotiations with Ukraine, following a separate council meeting on the humanitarian situation in Ukraine. This comes shortly after a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine during their first direct talks since 2022, signaling cautious progress amid ongoing conflict. Ukraine is pushing for swift resumption of peace talks with clear conditions, emphasizing it will not compromise on its territorial integrity or sovereignty, and is awaiting ceasefire proposals from Russia. In parallel, Russian officials have indicated readiness to present a draft for long-term crisis resolution, though details remain unclear. Meanwhile, the upcoming NATO summit faces potential tensions due to differing views on Ukraine's future, with the U.S. under President Trump retreating from its role as primary protector of Europe and winding down support for Ukraine. These developments underscore the complex and fragile nature of diplomatic efforts surrounding the Russia-Ukraine conflict.