Overview
- Russia set preconditions for any deal, demanding recognition of Crimea and four occupied regions as Russian, Ukrainian troop withdrawals, and the abandonment of NATO aspirations.
- Defence Minister Andrei Belousov outlined plans to intensify operations in eastern and southern Ukraine and to broaden ‘security zones’ along the border.
- The Kremlin said any NATO forces deployed in Ukraine would be treated as legitimate targets.
- Putin highlighted strategic deterrence, pointing to the nuclear‑capable Oreshnik intermediate‑range missile he says is nearing service after a 2024 test.
- Ukrainian officials reported at least 26 people wounded in Zaporizhzhia as both sides issued conflicting claims over large‑scale drone activity, with Ukraine citing launches and Russia asserting extensive shoot‑downs.