News - Russia Criticizes Plans for European Peacekeepers Amidst Ongoing Power Crisis in Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted the near-finalization of a pivotal security agreement with the United States, following high-level discussions in Paris. This agreement, deemed crucial by Kyiv, aims to provide legally-binding assurances from allies, thereby deterring potential Russian aggression in the event of a ceasefire. However, key details of these guarantees, along with the framework and engagement strategies of a proposed European peacekeeping force, remain undisclosed. As Zelensky seeks clarity on assurances in case of further Russian incursions post-agreement, he faces challenging negotiations over territorial disputes in the Donbas region and the management of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. In a separate development, Ukraine is grappling with widespread power outages following a series of Russian missile strikes targeting energy facilities in the Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions. These attacks have left approximately 600,000 households without power. Borys Filatov, the mayor of Dnipropetrovsk city, declared a national emergency as local authorities endeavor to restore services, prioritizing hospitals and extending school holidays amidst the crisis. Despite these disruptions, Russia continues its military advances in the contested regions, claiming control over another village in Dnipropetrovsk, a territory not recognized as part of the five Ukrainian regions previously annexed by Moscow. Zelensky's comments on social media underscore the conclusion that Russia remains firmly committed to its strategic objectives, showing no signs of reassessing its priorities.