Russia said Wednesday attempts to resolve security issues relating to Ukraine without Moscow's participation were a "road to nowhere," and that much diplomatic work needs to be done before Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy are ever in the same room.

BRUSSELS (AP) — NATO defense chiefs were due to hold a virtual meeting Wednesday, a senior alliance official said, as Western countries pushing for an end to Russia’s war on Ukraine devise possible future security guarantees for Kyiv that could help forge a peace agreement.

U.S. and European military planners have begun exploring post-conflict security guarantees for Ukraine, U.S. officials and sources told Reuters on Tuesday, following President Donald Trump's pledge to help protect the country under any deal to end Russia's war.

Ukraine and its allies are discussing proposals, including a collective agreement similar to NATO's Article 5.

The second Oval Office meeting in six months between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy went off smoothly, in sharp contrast to their disastrous encounter in February.

Matt Gaetz suggested Monday that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization offer membership to Russia—the country it describes as “the most significant and direct threat to allies’ security.” Gaetz, hours after President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other European allies to work toward a peace deal,

"This latest strike against our energy security is outrageous and unacceptable!" Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó posted to X on Monday morning.

NATO war jets have been forced to scramble after Vladimir Putin unleashed a terrifying drone strike on Odesa. It comes as hopes of ending the gruelling conflict continue to falter after