Overview

• US President Donald Trump is set to hold his third call with Russian President Vladimir Putin today, aiming to negotiate a 30-day ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict.
• Western leaders, including Germany's Friedrich Merz and France's Emmanuel Macron, have urged Trump to maintain a firm stance and avoid concessions that undermine Ukraine's sovereignty.
• Russia's recent delegation to Istanbul talks offered little progress beyond agreeing to a prisoner exchange, with no movement on a ceasefire or peace terms.
• Putin remains confident in Russia's military strategy, reportedly believing his forces can achieve decisive victories in Ukraine by year-end.
• The US and European allies are discussing additional sanctions targeting Russia's financial and energy sectors, contingent on Moscow's willingness to engage in meaningful peace negotiations.