Overview

• US-Russia summit preparations are underway for as early as next week, likely in the United Arab Emirates, with venue details yet to be announced.
• President Trump said Putin need not meet Zelensky before their talks, contradicting initial White House guidance that such talks would be a prerequisite.
• Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed that both governments are working on specific issues for the meeting, though key logistical details remain under wraps.
• Putin said he is open to a meeting with Zelensky in principle but warned that 'certain conditions must be created' first before any direct talks.
• Trump has imposed a Friday ultimatum for visible progress toward a ceasefire, warning of secondary tariffs on countries buying Russian oil if Moscow fails to comply.