US Envoys Test New Opening in Ukraine Talks

Summary

Oliver Crook discusses the US envoys' visit to Kyiv following Moscow talks with Putin, the changed war dynamics from Ukraine's deep strikes into Russia, and Europe's cautious optimism about diplomacy. He also covers Europe's €90 billion Ukraine funding package and the potential AfD breakthrough in a German state election that could pressure Chancellor Merz.

• US envoys Witkoff and Kushner visit Kyiv after Moscow talks, signaling renewed US diplomatic effort.
• No announced breakthrough came from the Putin meeting.
• Ukrainian deep strikes have destroyed Russian refineries and warehouses.
• Repeated Russian diesel export bans reflect domestic fuel shortages.
• European governments are cautiously optimistic but lack a seat at US-led talks.
• Europe unblocked €90 billion in Ukraine funding after Orban left.
• A German eastern state election could give the AfD its first regional government.
• Chancellor Merz's weakness may accelerate questions about CDU leadership.