Overview
- Trump said talks on a U.S.-led settlement for the Russia–Ukraine war show “significant progress,” called the process very complex, and suggested a Donbas free economic zone idea “would work.”
- Zelensky confirmed the U.S. proposed a demilitarized special economic zone in Donbas, said control of such a zone remains unclear, and insisted any territorial decision be validated by elections or a referendum.
- Kyiv’s discussions with Washington also touched on potential Russian withdrawals in parts of Kharkiv, Sumy and Dnipropetrovsk regions and on the disputed status of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.
- Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said “the whole Donbas is Russian,” noted Moscow has not yet seen adjusted U.S. proposals, and warned that many elements may be unacceptable.
- On Southeast Asia, Trump said Thai and Cambodian leaders agreed to halt fighting, but Thailand’s prime minister said operations will continue until the threat recedes, as reports cited airstrikes, at least two dozen deaths across both sides, and mass evacuations.