Overview

• At a CIS gathering in Dushanbe, Vladimir Putin briefed regional leaders on the Anchorage talks and said Russia remains guided by those understandings, while lauding President Donald Trump’s efforts, citing Gaza as an example.
• Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said Russia made certain concessions in Anchorage but declined to detail them, stressing they are tied to what the United States secures from European allies and Ukraine.
• Putin said a few months would suffice to arrange continued observance of New START limits for one year after February 5, 2026 if Washington reciprocates, as arms-control experts urged both sides to formalize the step.
• Trump announced a first-phase Israel–Hamas arrangement involving hostage releases, Israeli troop pullbacks inside Gaza and prisoner releases, with Israel’s cabinet set to consider it as indirect talks continue in Egypt with regional mediators; he said he plans to travel to Egypt on Sunday for a signing and voiced no position on a two-state outcome, pledging to accept what the parties agree.
• The U.S. ambassador to NATO said Trump is working persistently to create leverage to end the Ukraine war, and First Lady Melania Trump said she has maintained an open channel with Putin for three months focused on the welfare and return of Ukrainian children.