Ukraine war briefing: Kyiv retaking territory, Zelenskyy says, as Nordic leaders urge Putin to end the conflict

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukrainian forces are regaining territory through various operations, marking a strong battlefield position. Finnish and Norwegian leaders urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war, following tensions after the U.S. agreed to buy Russian diesel. Despite a localized ceasefire, Russian strikes damaged infrastructure in Ukraine, prompting Kyiv to allocate funds for new water crossings. Romania's President condemned a Russian sabotage plot, while France sent a patrol aircraft to enhance Black Sea security. Poland will establish a maintenance center for the U.S. Patriot air-defense system, and Vatican officials are delivering aid to Ukraine.