Ukraine–NATO relations

Five people were killed and 46 wounded in a Ukrainian attack on the southwestern Russian city of Belgorod, according to local authorities quoted by Reuters. The governor of the Belgorod region, Vyacheslav Gladkov, stated that many of those injured in the attack were hospitalized.

Josep Borrell, the head of European diplomacy, has urged Ukraine's allies to remove restrictions on the use of weapons provided to Kyiv for attacks on Russian targets. Borrell's call comes as the EU foreign ministers convene in Brussels, reported the Associated Press.

Czech President Petr Pavel has warned that a truly fair peace deal between Ukraine and Russia may remain an elusive ideal. In a recent appearance on the Czech podcast PoliTalk, Pavel suggested that while the restoration of Ukraine's full territorial control and compensation from Russia would represent a just peace, achieving this outcome might be more fantasy than reality.

Bulgaria's defense spending for this year is set to surpass the minimum 2% of its gross domestic product (GDP), according to acting Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev.

The United States plans to deploy long-range Tomahawk missiles in Germany, prompting Russia to put its ballistic missiles on alert in response. This decision marks the first time since the Cold War that American long-range weapons will be stationed in Germany, intended to bolster European deterrence against potential threats.

NATO leaders on Thursday looked to bolster ties with Asian partners after slamming China as a "decisive enabler" of Russia's war, before holding talks with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky at the end of a summit in Washington.

The 32-nation alliance has used the pomp-filled set piece in the U.S. capital to showcase its resolve against Moscow and backing for Kiev.

On the second day of the pivotal NATO summit in Washington, the Alliance's member countries announced an increase in military aid to Ukraine. The summit's agenda includes discussions on the organization's future and the defense capabilities of its allies, particularly in light of the upcoming US elections in November, which could see the return of Donald Trump to the White House.

NATO leaders on Thursday will hold talks with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and turn their attention to the challenge from China at a meeting with Asian partners, as they wrap up a three-day summit in Washington.

The 32-nation alliance has used the pomp-filled set piece in the U.S. capital to showcase its resolve against Russia and backing for Kiev.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis reiterated NATO's support for Ukraine in his first comment upon arrival at the NATO summit in Washington on Wednesday

"We celebrate the creation of the most resilient alliance in the world," said Mitsotakis, adding that the meeting takes place at a time of great challenges.

"We will continue to support Ukraine," he emphasized.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged American leaders in Washington not to wait for the outcome of November's presidential election to take decisive action to support Ukraine against the Russian invasion. Speaking at the Ronald Reagan Institute before the NATO summit, Zelensky emphasized that the world, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, is focused on November.