Russia

Finnish ex‑president Sauli Niinistö urged EU leaders to speak directly to Putin to end the war in Ukraine; analysts warned a Russian victory would impose huge costs on Europe.

Aftenposten, de Volkskrant, Dagens Nyheter

Ukraine’s general staff chief acknowledged supply shortages to embattled eastern cities and denied Myrnohrad was encircled, while Russia claimed it seized three villages in Donetsk and Zaporizhia.

Ian Bremmer, Scott Lucas, Michael Kofman, Gérard Govers, Anaclet Pons