Overview

• Zelensky met his top generals to review the front, prepare reserves and outline security guarantees, and he asked the U.S., Turkey, Gulf states and European partners to help secure a venue for leader‑level talks he says are essential to unlock negotiations.
• He argued that a refusal by Putin should bring added pressure through sanctions and tariffs, saying all tools should be on the table.
• President Trump reiterated he is prepared to impose “very, very serious” economic measures, including a strong tariff system, if Russia rejects a ceasefire, as he works to facilitate a Zelensky–Putin meeting.
• Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov said negotiating teams remain in contact but no schedule has been agreed, and he noted Moscow values U.S. mediation efforts.
• On the battlefield, Ukraine reports liberating four localities near Pokrovsk and threatening a Russian pocket, while Russia still holds the initiative with gradual gains near Kupiansk and in the Serebrianski forest; shelling in Donetsk cut power to mines, left one dead and three injured, and rescuers brought 148 miners to the surface.