Overview
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy said a revised U.S.-brokered proposal could be presented to the Kremlin within days after Berlin talks, with unnamed U.S. officials reporting roughly 90% of issues settled.
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said a European-led, U.S.-backed multinational force under post‑ceasefire guarantees could secure a demilitarised zone and retaliate against Russian violations.
- The European Commission prepared a new sanctions package as EU leaders debate using about €210–€250 billion in frozen Russian sovereign assets to back financing for Ukraine, with legal reservations from some members.
- Vladimir Putin warned Russia would seek to extend its gains by military means if negotiations fail, and his defence minister outlined plans to press advances in Donetsk and other regions.
- Russian strikes and frontline fighting persisted, with 26 people wounded in Zaporizhzhia glide‑bomb attacks and heavy pressure reported near Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad, while 34 countries signed an International Claims Commission to pursue compensation from Russia.