Ukrainian president continues diplomatic push, China's Xi visits North Korea

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has continued diplomatic engagements, emphasizing Europe's crucial role in any future ceasefire negotiations due to continental security implications. He held discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron regarding diplomatic pathways and prospects for ending the conflict. Zelenskyy also discussed with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer the complex process of utilizing funds from the sale of Roman Abramovich's Chelsea Football Club to enhance Ukraine's air defense capabilities. The Ukrainian leader reiterated his expectation of international financial support to transition the nation's military to a contract-based system, noting that "being a soldier now is dangerous." Separately, Chinese leader Xi Jinping concluded a two-day visit to Pyongyang, where he and North Korean leaders agreed to expand cooperation across various sectors.

Sources: Громадське, Радіо Свобода, Українська правда