Putin ‘open to peace’ despite intensifying bombardment of Ukraine
Putin ‘ready for peace talks’ with major conditions
- Vladimir Putin is reportedly open to peace talks with Ukraine following a suggestion from Volodymyr Zelensky, though the Kremlin insists on achieving its objectives, including Ukraine's withdrawal from annexed territories and renouncing NATO membership.
- Zelensky's offer for new peace talks comes after Donald Trump set a 50-day deadline for a ceasefire or face sanctions, threatening severe tariffs on Russia's trading partners and increased US military aid to Ukraine.
- Russia launched at least 57 Iranian-made Shahed drones at Ukraine overnight, with Ukrainian forces shooting down 18; drone strikes injured two women in Zaporizhzhia and two civilians in Kharkiv.
- Ukraine conducted a drone strike across Russia, causing 140 flight cancellations and the closure of Moscow's four major airports.
- Russia's defence ministry claimed its forces shot down 93 Ukrainian drones targeting Russian territory, including at least 15 aimed at Moscow.