Overview

• Russia’s Sergei Lavrov said no meeting is planned, insisted an agenda is not ready, and blamed Zelensky for rejecting principles such as non-NATO status and territorial discussions.
• Zelensky accused Moscow of trying to evade a meeting, asked for security guarantees within seven to ten days, and floated Switzerland, Austria or Turkey as potential venues.
• Ukraine’s air force reported a record overnight barrage of 574 drones and 40 missiles, with at least two people killed and significant damage including to a U.S.-owned facility in Mukachevo.
• Russia claimed the capture of Katerynivka, Volodymyrivka and Rusyn Yar in Donetsk, underscoring continued battlefield pressure during the diplomatic push.
• NATO secretary-general Mark Rutte, visiting Kyiv, urged strong security guarantees and said U.S. involvement is expected, as President Trump said he will gauge peace prospects within two weeks.