Scholz to hold talks with Putin amid Ukraine updates.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged that counteroffensive and defensive actions are underway in Ukraine, but it is unclear whether the main thrust of the counteroffensive has already started or is still in the preliminary stages. Observers have noted a significant uptick in military action in recent weeks, following months of hinting at a major counteroffensive by Ukrainian forces against well-entrenched Russian positions. Meanwhile, Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a surprise visit to Kyiv and announced CA$500 million in new military assistance for Ukraine, while Iceland announced it would close its embassy in Moscow, becoming the first country to do so.