Ukraine withdrawing some troops from Avdiivka, sends in elite unit; Zelenskyy heads to Berlin and Paris

Ukrainian President is scheduled to visit Germany and France to seek military assistance and bilateral security commitments. Berlin and Paris could be the second and third countries after the UK to sign security pledges with Kyiv. The commitments aim to bolster military support until Ukraine achieves NATO membership. The president’s trip comes as Ukrainian troops withdraw from some areas in Avdiivka after months of intense combat. The White House confirms Russia’s development of an “antisatellite capability” but states there is no immediate threat. No confirmation is made regarding the presence of a nuclear component.