Following yesterday's discussions of a peace memorandum, Putin made his first visit to Kursk region after its "complete liberation" from Ukrainian forces. During this symbolic trip, he met with volunteers, visited the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, and reportedly joked about Sumy region potentially joining Russia.

Media extensively covered Trump's continued involvement in peace efforts, with reports claiming he told European leaders Russia would win the conflict and saw "progress" after his conversation with Putin. Lavrov emphasized Russia would no longer accept ceasefire proposals without addressing root causes.

By afternoon, Moscow faced an escalating drone attack, with air defenses intercepting 37 drones by evening. The barrage intensified, with mayor Sobyanin reporting 77 drones shot down over multiple regions by day's end.

In parallel development, former Ukrainian President Yanukovych's advisor Portanov was assassinated in Spain, receiving "five shots, the last to the head."