In Ukraine, a three-day ceasefire is planned to start, a spokesperson for the Kremlin announced. Russia added that is would respond militarily in case of Ukrainian strikes taking place, however. Further, US Vice President Vance says his administration are now focused on securing long-term peace in Ukraine, over a shorter-term ceasefire, adding that Russia is “asking for too much” in negotiations. Finally, Ukraine’s international reserves have risen for the second month in a row, to USD 46.7 bln, owing to external funding disbursements and lower central bank intervention.