Overview

• Russia said any meeting between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky must be well prepared and offered no date, signaling the summit is not on Moscow’s agenda for now.
• The Kremlin called proposals for European troops to help guarantee Ukraine’s security unfavourable, as NATO’s Mark Rutte urged strong assurances for Kyiv after any deal.
• Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia is sending negative signals about talks while continuing strikes; officials reported three deaths in Kherson region and damage to energy sites in Poltava and Sumy.
• President Donald Trump said he is prepared to impose very serious economic sanctions if Russia rejects a ceasefire, pointing to tariff measures as his preferred tool.
• Reports highlighted Valery Zaloujny’s high public trust and outside courting by U.S. figures, which his team says he declined, while martial law in Ukraine blocks elections and he denies preparing a campaign.