Overview

• Trump said after a 40‑minute call with Putin that preparations have begun for a Zelensky–Putin meeting that European leaders say could occur within roughly two weeks.
• Kyiv rejected Moscow as a venue as Switzerland and Austria offered to host despite ICC complications, while the US explores Hungary with Turkey and the Vatican also discussed.
• Ukraine and Western allies said security guarantees will be put on paper within about ten days, with the United States participating in a coordinated framework.
• European leaders pushed for a ceasefire before talks, but Trump said a ceasefire is not necessary, exposing a significant rift over sequencing.
• Active combat continued during the diplomacy, including a Russian drone strike in Kharkiv that local authorities said killed seven, casting doubt on near‑term de‑escalation.