Overview

• Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said a Putin–Zelenskyy meeting requires pre‑agreed territorial concessions and a Ukrainian renunciation of NATO membership.
• Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected those demands and accused Moscow of avoiding real peace efforts as heavy attacks on Ukrainian cities continue, including one of the largest drone‑rocket barrages this week.
• President Donald Trump signaled reduced optimism about arranging a leaders’ meeting, comparing the task to mixing oil and vinegar while maintaining his push to mediate.
• Zelenskyy said Ukrainian, U.S. and European teams could complete the architecture for security guarantees in the coming days, positioning them as a foundation for any broader deal.
• The Wall Street Journal reported the Pentagon has for months blocked Ukrainian use of U.S. ATACMS against targets in Russia, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth holding approval authority, while separate reports say China may join potential peacekeepers only under a UN mandate.