Overview
- President Volodymyr Zelensky told CNN that Vladimir Putin never intended to end the war and urged Washington to set a date for the next trilateral session, noting the U.S. postponed meetings because of the Iran conflict.
- Zelensky argued only sustained U.S. pressure can move Moscow, citing higher oil revenues tied to the Middle East war and reporting on a temporary U.S. easing for Russian oil already at sea as factors boosting the Kremlin’s confidence.
- President Donald Trump publicly pressed Zelensky to “make a deal,” and Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov echoed that line, claiming Ukraine is the main obstacle while insisting Trump remains engaged in the talks.
- Peskov said Russia is open to continuing negotiations and expects another round could be arranged soon, though no time or venue has been agreed.
- The core sticking point remains Russia’s demand that Ukrainian forces withdraw from fortified positions in Donetsk, a precondition Kyiv rejects; separately, the UK confirmed Zelensky will visit London on Tuesday, with ministers detailing recent deliveries of 3,500 drones, 18,000 artillery rounds and 3 million small-arms rounds.