White House Says 'Peace To Begin' As Putin Agrees To Halt Attacks On Ukraine's Energy Facilities For 30 Days

"The call readouts from both sides are out, outlining the some 90-minute 'positive' conversation between Presidents Trump and Putin. The huge 'win' for Trump diplomacy is getting his Russian counterpart's agreement to halt all aerial strikes on Ukraine's badly

damaged energy infrastructure. This is a first of the war. It marks a huge victory for the White House, albeit much will be determined on Ukraine's willingness to cooperate. After all, Zelensky has been cut out of this deal-making and is in the meantime being urged on to escalate action from some quarters of Europe, particularly the UK, France, and the Baltic states. "Both leaders agreed this conflict needs to end with a lasting peace," the White House readout says. It pledges that Washington and Moscow will improve the bilateral relationship with an eye towards achieving "enormous economic deals and geopolitical stability when peace has been achieved." ZeroHedge

Russian army destroys oil refinery in Kharkiv region with drones

"A man is seen on the premises of an oil refinery destroyed by a Russian drone attack, Kharkiv region." Ukrin

Zelensky arrives in Finland

"Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, accompanied by First Lady Olena Zelenska, has arrived in Finland for an official visit." ZeroHedge

ECB Prepping The Ground For Digital Euro Launch

"The European Central Bank (ECB) is laying the groundwork for the probable launch of its

wholesale and retail central bank digital currency (CBDC), the Digital Euro. Christine Lagarde, President of the ECB, shared this update at their latest press conference. 

President Lagarde stressed that the digital euro is ‘more relevant than ever,'” the ECB tweeted.
Lagarde emphasized that the Digital Euro, the EU’s CBDC solution, is set to launch in October 2025—provided it passes the legislative phase involving key stakeholders, including the European Commission, Parliament, and Council. Notably absent from this process is the European public, despite the significant impact this initiative will have on their daily lives." ZH

Permanent War Back On, Netanyahu Declares Hostage Talks Continue "Only Under Fire"

"Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made it very clear Tuesday in his first remarks

since a major Israeli assault was unleashed on the Gaza Strip within 24 hours prior that the country has returned to full-on war against Hamas in Gaza.
He insisted in a televised address from Tel Aviv that Israel "will continue to fight" until all of its war goals are achieved, which includes the return of all remaining captives and the final destruction of Hamas. He further stressed that under his leadership Gaza will never again constitute a threat to Israel.
He declared that any negotiations on restoring the ceasefire will continue "only under fire." ZeroHedge