Discussion Held at Night: Luxon Contemplates Inclusion in the 'Ready-to-Act Group' Discourse

In the face of escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has called for a broad coalition of nations to support Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression. Rutte emphasized the need for Europe's deterrence to be strong enough to prevent further military action by Moscow.

Rutte's comments come as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed a need for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating it as a matter of necessity. However, the Kremlin has previously stated that Putin and Zelensky should meet only when an agreement negotiated by their delegations is close.

Meanwhile, Russian President Putin has expressed a desire to meet with US President Donald Trump to discuss a settlement for the conflict in Ukraine. Trump, in turn, has reportedly emphasized the need to put economic pressure on Russia during a phone call with European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

In response, European leaders have insisted that any European "reassurance" force in Ukraine needs the backing of the United States. Macron announced that 26 of Ukraine's allies have pledged to deploy troops as a "reassurance force" in Ukraine after the conflict with Russia ends. Germany, Italy, and Poland have committed to sending troops as a "restraint force" after the end of combat operations in Ukraine as part of the "coalition of the willing."

The "reassurance force" will aim to prevent any new major aggression and involve the 26 states in the lasting security of Ukraine. This comes as Ukraine's Air Force reported that Russia fired 112 strike and decoy drones across Ukraine overnight, with air defenses intercepting or jamming 84 drones.

Judith Collins, a New Zealand politician, made a secret visit to the site of a Russian missile attack in Kyiv, Ukraine. The visit underscores the growing international concern over Russia's actions in Ukraine.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz laid out three "areas of action," including working towards a summit that would include Zelensky, and a ceasefire must be agreed upon at the summit. Zelensky has been grateful about the US's willingness to be part of the plan, but did not provide specific details.

Putin has stated that "if common sense prevails, it is possible to agree on an acceptable option for ending the conflict." However, the ongoing tensions and military actions suggest that a peaceful resolution may still be elusive.

In a tit-for-tat move, Estonia has declared a Russian diplomat persona non grata, and Russia has responded by expelling an Estonian diplomat. This incident further highlights the strained relations between Russia and its neighbours.

As the situation in Ukraine continues to unfold, it is clear that the international community is rallying to support Ukraine against Russian aggression. The future remains uncertain, but one thing is certain: the world is watching closely as events unfold.

Discussion Held at Night: Luxon Contemplates Inclusion in the 'Ready-to-Act Group' Discourse