Media reported Lebanese sources said Israeli forces again shelled multiple areas in southern Lebanon, conducting a "scorched-earth" campaign around Ali Tahir hill and using banned white phosphorus and cluster munitions.

European Council president Costa said on the 19th he is setting up a diplomatic channel through his office to convey EU messages directly to Russia, saying the EU should not rely on third parties to interpret its communications. He made the remark at a post-summit press conference. While the US has led diplomatic contact on a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire and talks, Europe seeks a larger role; some EU leaders remain reluctant about direct engagement with Russia.

Ryanair CEO O'Leary said passenger volumes are healthy, but fares appear to be flat year-on-year.