• Ukrainian President Zelenskyy meets European leaders in Paris to secure support amid ongoing peace talks.
• US envoy Steve Witkoff heads to Moscow for discussions on a controversial peace proposal.
• Recent missile strikes by Russia resulting in casualties highlight the urgency for a resolution.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been actively seeking support from European leaders, having met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. The discussions between the two focused on securing strong security guarantees for Ukraine amidst peace negotiations with Russia, which have been complicated by territorial disputes. Zelenskyy emphasized the necessity of not rewarding Russia for its aggression, stating, "The aggressor must pay for the aggression," according to Al Jazeera and India Times.

Meanwhile, a significant development occurs as US envoy Steve Witkoff prepares to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss a controversial peace plan initially perceived to favor Russia. This meeting follows recent diplomatic engagements in Florida between US and Ukrainian officials, where "significant progress" was reported, though many issues remain unresolved. Witkoff's discussions are anticipated to be pivotal in shaping the future allocations of territory in Ukraine, as the US has faced criticism for proposing plans without comprehensive input from Kyiv or its European allies, noted Le Monde and India Times.

As this diplomatic push intensifies, Russian missile strikes continue to target Ukrainian cities. A recent attack in Dnipro claimed the lives of four people and injured approximately 40 others, highlighting the precarious situation on the ground. Governor Vladyslav Gaivanenko reported significant damage from the strikes, which underscores the urgent need for a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing conflict, according to Al Jazeera and Le Monde.

The urgency of the situation has prompted calls for unity within the European community, as leaders like Macron affirm that any adjustments to Ukraine’s territorial matters can only be determined by Zelenskyy himself. As pressure mounts on the Ukrainian government, EU officials remain wary of proposals that might compel Ukraine to concede to Russian demands, fearing such actions would embolden further aggression, according to Le Monde and India Times.