"Ukraine Considers Peace Summit with Russia, Zelenskyy Expresses Optimism"

Ukraine's President Zelenskyy is optimistic about a peace summit that could include Russia, hoping to present a peace plan to end the war. He emphasized the need for support from the West and disclosed that 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed during the invasion. Ukrainian Defense Minister Umerov criticized delayed Western military aid, stating that it undermines defense planning and costs lives. Russian attacks continue, and U.S. aid for Ukraine is still stalled in the House of Representatives. European leaders have pledged continuing support to Ukraine, with Italy signing a defense pact and Canada pledging financial and military support.