Overview
- Trump said negotiators are close to a plan and pressed Ukraine to “move quickly,” with U.S.–Russia envoy talks reported for Miami as Washington withheld details on delegations.
- Zelensky said Russia is preparing to extend the fight into 2026, interpreting Putin’s latest remarks as signals of continued military aims rather than a genuine push for peace.
- Putin reiterated that Russia will meet its objectives by diplomacy or, if rejected, by force, claiming his forces retain the strategic initiative on the front.
- Zelensky met in Berlin with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on a ceasefire proposal that Kyiv says initially sought unacceptable concessions, as U.S. officials tout strong security guarantees.
- Ukraine urged the EU to release roughly $250 billion in frozen Russian assets for defense and drone production and reported 82 Russian drones launched overnight, with 63 downed and 19 striking 12 sites as territorial control remains unresolved.