Overview

• NATO defence chiefs held a video conference to discuss potential security guarantees for Ukraine, with NATO chair Giuseppe Cavo Dragone calling the exchange candid and U.S. Generals Alexus Grynkewich and Dan Caine participating.
• President Trump ruled out deploying U.S. ground forces but signaled possible U.S. air support, as a 30-country coalition explores a European-led presence or a lighter “security umbrella” combining air, sea, and training roles.
• Trump said he has begun arranging a Putin–Zelensky face-to-face followed by a trilateral session, while the Kremlin has not confirmed a meeting as European leaders float Geneva and Switzerland indicates it would seek an ICC exemption to host.
• Russia’s Sergey Lavrov rejected efforts to shape Ukraine’s security without Moscow and reiterated opposition to any NATO troop deployment in Ukraine, as Russian strikes hit multiple regions and caused civilian casualties, according to Ukrainian officials.
• White House press access drew scrutiny as CNN reported new pool controls enabled friendly-questioning during the Trump–Zelensky Oval Office availability, underscoring the administration’s focus on optics during the diplomatic push.