Key facts
- Ukraine is mourning victims of a deadly Russian strike on Kyiv.
- Ireland is considering its decision on alumina exports to Russia, balancing jobs and environmental concerns.
- US President Donald Trump has voiced strong criticism of NATO allies' defense spending ahead of the alliance's summit.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appealed for timely delivery of promised air defense systems.
- Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha is scheduled to meet his Polish counterpart to discuss bilateral relations.
Ukraine is mourning victims of a deadly Russian strike on Kyiv, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urging allies to deliver promised air defense systems. Meanwhile, Ireland is weighing its decision on alumina exports to Russia, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin stating that factors such as local jobs and the environment will be taken into account before a final decision is made. The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is meeting with Irish government counterparts in Cork to discuss the EU budget and other key issues.
Ahead of a NATO summit in Ankara, US President Donald Trump has intensified his criticism of allies for not spending enough on defense. Kurt Volker, former US ambassador to NATO, suggested that while Trump has grievances, the summit is unlikely to collapse due to his relationship with Turkish President Erdogan.
In parallel, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha is set to meet his Polish counterpart Radoslaw Sikorski in Warsaw to discuss bilateral relations, following a diplomatic escalation over the renaming of a Ukrainian military unit. Poland's President had previously revoked Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's Order of the White Eagle in protest.