Russian officials have raised concerns over NATO's military activities near the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, warning that Russia is prepared to respond "with its entire arsenal," according to a document shared with NATO representatives. NATO criticized the "irresponsible nuclear rhetoric" in the document, with its spokeswoman stating that the Alliance opposes any threats of force, including nuclear ones. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Russia is "not at all interested in serious negotiations" in Ukraine, despite recent talks between German and Russian foreign ministers at the United Nations. Merz reiterated calls for Russia to return to the negotiating table. According to The Atlantic, Donald Trump may support easing some U.S. sanctions against Russia in exchange for the release of political prisoners, though the White House did not directly confirm the report. An American official said Trump wants to play a constructive role in ending the war and remains optimistic about a peace agreement. The European Union has made its financial support for Ukraine conditional on the continuation of reforms, with European Commissioner Marta Kos stressing that reforms are essential for maintaining aid. Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev met with American officials in Washington to continue discussions on a peaceful resolution of the conflict and potential U.S.-Russian energy sector initiatives after the war. This visit followed recent meetings between envoys and Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as discussions with Ukrainian officials. Meanwhile, a Russian strategic bomber Tu-95 crashed during a training flight in the Far East, resulting in six deaths and one injury. An investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the crash. A major university in Kiev, the National Taras Shevchenko University, announced a temporary switch to distance learning due to increased Russian attacks on the capital. The Ukrainian defense minister canceled a planned visit to Germany due to intensified Russian attacks on Kiev, which have targeted residential areas, infrastructure, and critical services. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned a "dangerous escalation" by Russia after a fire at a drone manufacturer in Estonia, which Tallinn attributed to Moscow. He emphasized Russia's failure to undermine Western unity or support for Ukraine. The European Union expressed "full solidarity" with Estonia, which accused Russia of orchestrating the fire at a drone manufacturing facility. NATO's secretary general, Mark Rutte, stated that hybrid attacks by Russia have not weakened its support for Ukraine, despite attempts to undermine Western resolve. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna confirmed that Russian intelligence services were responsible for the sabotage at Milrem Robotics. NATO's supreme commander in Europe, General Alexus Grynkewich, said that Russian hybrid attacks have not achieved their goal of breaking Western unity on Ukraine. He cited Denmark's recent acceleration of financial aid to Ukraine following an incident involving Russian flares near a helicopter. Vladimir Putin signed a decree increasing the authorized size of the Russian military by 15,500 personnel, bringing the total to 2,441,630 units. The decree did not specify reasons or how the increase would be implemented. Russian authorities placed the assets of the German retail group Metro under "temporary administration," following similar actions against other European companies supporting Ukraine. Strong explosions were reported in Kiev during a missile alert, with anti-aircraft defenses activated as Ukrainian forces warned of incoming ballistic missiles. Ukraine will delay certain spending commitments, including reconstruction work, due to delays in receiving foreign aid, with priorities focused on defense and social protection. Missile attacks in Kiev caused power outages in some neighborhoods, according to journalists from Kyiv Independent. The meeting between German and Russian foreign ministers in New York did not indicate Russia's willingness to engage in serious negotiations, according to Merz. The standoff between the European Union, NATO, and Russia intensified as the EU and NATO expressed support for Estonia after its accusation of Russian sabotage.