Volodymyr Zelensky has consented to refrain from attacks on Russian energy infrastructure for 30 days, in line with a deal negotiated in a phone call between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin on Tuesday. Putin had rejected a comprehensive ceasefire proposed by Washington and Kyiv. The US and Russia want to "work quickly on a complete ceasefire", Trump said after the call. US-Ukrainian talks are set to begin in Saudi Arabia on Friday.
Hungary's government aims to eliminate LGBT Pride events in the country: its parliament has passed a bill put forward by the ruling Fidesz party that could potentially make LGBT gatherings illegal, identify participants using facial recognition and subject them to fines of up to 500 euros. Commentators see red.
The Bundestag passed a controversial reform of the debt brake enshrined in the German Basic Law with the required two-thirds majority on Tuesday. This clears the way for a massive boost in defence and security spending and the creation of a special fund for infrastructure and climate protection measures – provided the Bundesrat also approves the plan on Friday. The press is at odds over the move.
Israel began carrying out air strikes in the Gaza Strip again on Tuesday night. More than 400 people have been killed so far, according to Palestinian sources. The ceasefire that has been in place since January was supposed to have entered a second, extended phase, but Israel would only agree to this if Hamas released all remaining hostages, disarmed and relinquished control of the Gaza Strip, which it has refused to do.
The second phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin since Trump took office is scheduled for today, Tuesday. The main topic will be the US-Ukrainian proposal for a ceasefire, initially planned to last 30 days. Commentators assess the various elements of a potential agreement and the challenges facing Europe and Ukraine.