America
Trump Calls Putin, Urges Preparations For Meeting With Zelensky
U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that he phoned his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Viktor Putin, urging him to prepare for a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky.
Trump expressed optimism that the two leaders would meet soon, following their recent summit. According to White House sources, the 40-minute call focused on the Russia-Ukraine war and the urgent need for a resolution.
His confirmation came as Zelensky also restated his readiness to meet Putin.
The Ukrainian leader, who emphasized the urgency of ending the war, attended a Monday meeting with Trump alongside EU officials, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and leaders of Finland, France, and Germany.
At the meeting, Trump pledged American security guarantees for Ukraine but stopped short of demanding a ceasefire with Russia before further talks. He also did not push for the tougher sanctions against Moscow he had previously threatened.
The talks came just days after Trump’s summit with Putin in Alaska.
Ukraine
Zelensky Ready To Meet Putin
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says he is prepared to meet Russian President Vladimir Viktor Putin for direct talks to end the war.
He made the declaration shortly after meeting with Trump on Monday. His statement followed Trump’s phone call to Putin urging him to prepare for a bilateral meeting.
Zelensky was joined at the talks by EU officials, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and the leaders of Germany, Finland, and France.
While Putin has yet to respond directly, the Russian Foreign Ministry swiftly reiterated that Moscow would not accept a NATO-led security arrangement for Ukraine.
Russia has long demanded that Ukraine abandon its NATO ambitions and cede strategic territories as conditions for ending hostilities.
Russia
Russia Rejects NATO’s Role In Ukrainian Security
Russia has firmly rejected any NATO involvement in Ukraine’s security guarantees.
The stance was reiterated in a Foreign Ministry statement, issued shortly after Trump confirmed U.S. support for Ukraine’s security. The exact details of Washington’s role remain unclear.
Analysts warn that NATO’s indirect involvement could complicate negotiations, given that several EU states backing Ukraine — including Germany, France, and Britain — are both NATO members and leaders of the “Coalition of the Willing.”
Meanwhile, Russia has continued its strikes on Ukraine. Locals reported explosions across several regions overnight.
Ukraine
More Russian Onslaught On Ukraine Overnight
Despite diplomatic moves earlier in the week, Russia continued heavy strikes on Ukraine overnight.
Officials reported that central regions were hit by a massive assault involving more than 260 drones and cruise missiles, cutting power in several areas. No casualties were immediately confirmed.
The attacks marked the most intense bombardment in four days, even as Trump and Putin held discussions on ways to end the conflict.
Russia currently controls parts of four Ukrainian regions and is demanding their cession as part of any peace deal.
Palestine
Hamas Reportedly Agrees To Egypt’s Peace Proposal
Hamas has reportedly accepted a peace plan proposed by Egypt, which calls for a 60-day truce.
Under the plan, Hamas would release some of the hostages it still holds in exchange for an unspecified number of Palestinians in Israeli prisons.
Around 50 Israeli hostages remain in captivity, though only about 20 are believed to be alive. Israel currently holds about 11,000 Palestinians in detention.
The Israeli government has not yet reacted to the reported development. Earlier in the year, however, it rejected a similar proposal, insisting all hostages be released at once.
