August
01.08.2025
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Friday
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Oreshnik Unveiled, Submarines Deployed

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The day began with Russian media highlighting defensive successes against Ukrainian drone attacks and the repelling of British mercenaries near Kherson. Attention soon pivoted to US President Trump's criticism of the Kyiv strike, his tariff adjustments, and his envoy's anticipated visit to Moscow. The high-level meeting between Presidents Putin and Lukashenko in St. Petersburg and then Valaam, where security guarantees for Belarus were affirmed, became a central diplomatic narrative. In the early afternoon, President Putin's significant announcement of the mass production and deployment of the "Oreshnik" hypersonic missile system dominated headlines, alongside his positive assessment of past Ukraine negotiations and readiness for future talks. By evening, editorial focus intensified on Trump's order to deploy nuclear submarines, explicitly linked to Dmitry Medvedev's recent remarks, significantly escalating the diplomatic tension. Domestic reports also noted new laws and Rosstat concealing economic data.
02.08.2025
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Saturday
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Nuclear Brinkmanship, Drone Barrage

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The day's editorial focus in Russian media was dominated by escalating US-Russia tensions and significant developments in the Ukraine conflict. Early reports highlighted President Trump's statements regarding US nuclear submarine deployments and his assessment of Russia's ability to navigate sanctions, with the White House confirming new anti-Russian sanctions. By mid-morning, attention shifted dramatically to extensive Ukrainian drone attacks across various Russian regions, causing casualties and targeting infrastructure. Concurrently, Russian sources reported the liberation of Aleksandro-Kalinovo in the Donetsk People's Republic. In the afternoon, reports continued on Ukrainian shelling of the Zaporizhzhia NPP industrial zone. The evening brought direct responses from President Putin regarding Trump's rhetoric, reaffirming Russia's peace terms, and Hungarian PM Orban's view that Ukraine's peace hinges on forgoing NATO membership, alongside news of an upcoming US envoy visit to Moscow.
03.08.2025
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Sunday
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Oil Taps Widened, Prisoners Exchanged

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Russian media on August 3 initially emphasized persistent Ukrainian drone attacks, which continued from previous days, causing fires at a Sochi oil depot and civilian injuries in Voronezh. Later in the morning, editorial focus shifted significantly to reports of diplomatic contact between Ukrainian and Russian representatives, culminating in an agreement for a large-scale prisoner exchange involving 1200 individuals. By early afternoon, the primary narrative became the OPEC+ agreement, confirming Russia's increased oil production in September, presented as beneficial for the country. As the day progressed, new claims from Ukraine regarding a substantial number of desertions from the Ukrainian Armed Forces, reportedly nearing 400,000, gained prominence, alongside ongoing military reports concerning advancements in the Donetsk and Dnepropetrovsk regions.
04.08.2025
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Monday
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Missile Limits Abandoned

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The day's headlines first concentrated on the impending visit of Special Envoy Witkoff to Moscow, with President Trump confirming his arrival on August 6-7, and his statements on US submarine deployments near Russia, prompting the Kremlin to call for caution on nuclear rhetoric. Concurrently, Russian air defenses reported neutralizing 61 Ukrainian drones overnight across various regions. A new domestic focus emerged with a counter-terrorism operation in Kabardino-Balkaria, where militants were liquidated. The trial for the Crocus City Hall terror attack commenced, with perpetrators reportedly admitting guilt. Later in the afternoon, a significant policy shift emerged as the Foreign Ministry declared Russia no longer adheres to self-imposed restrictions on ground-based intermediate-range missiles, a move later characterized by Medvedev as a "new reality." Diplomatic activity continued with President Putin's phone call to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, and reports of potential Putin-Zelensky talks once expert preparations conclude. International economic friction also featured, with Trump threatening India with tariffs over Russian oil imports, which India subsequently defended.
05.08.2025
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Tuesday
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Missile Moratorium End, Trump Demands

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The day's Russian media coverage was dominated by a significant policy shift as the Foreign Ministry ended its voluntary ban on intermediate-range missile deployments, a move framed as Russia acting without restrictions. This development, which followed earlier hints, intertwined with extensive reporting on US President Trump's actions and statements concerning the Ukraine conflict. Throughout the day, outlets detailed Trump's ultimatum, his threats of sanctions on Russia's 'shadow fleet' or duties, and his reported intention to withdraw the US from the conflict. Amidst this, speculation arose about Russia considering an "air truce" proposal, possibly to preempt new US sanctions from the Trump administration. Separately, the controversial sentencing of Gagauzia's head drew widespread condemnation from Russian sources, portraying it as political repression.
06.08.2025
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Wednesday
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The Day of Diplomatic Signals

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Russian media's editorial priorities on August 6 focused overwhelmingly on US-Russia diplomatic engagement. The day began with widespread reporting on the arrival of US Special Envoy Whitkoff in Moscow, connecting to prior discussions on a Ukraine peace deadline and potential US sanctions. Mid-morning, the core event unfolded: Whitkoff's multi-hour meeting with President Putin in the Kremlin, a central diplomatic event extensively covered. Following its conclusion, official comments described the talks as "useful and constructive," with "signals" exchanged on the Ukrainian issue, including implied messages from President Trump. Later, President Trump's decree imposing tariffs on India for Russian oil imports, a development previously hinted at, gained prominence. By evening, media highlighted Trump's positive assessment of the Moscow talks, citing "great progress," and prominently reported his intent to meet with Putin as early as next week, signifying a potential direct dialogue.
07.08.2025
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Thursday
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Summit Path Clarified

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Russian media's editorial focus on August 7 centered on the evolving narrative of the anticipated Putin-Trump summit. Initial reports highlighted President Trump's strong desire for Ukraine peace and a meeting with President Putin. By mid-morning, numerous sources confirmed an agreement for the summit in the "coming days," later specified as next week, with the location agreed upon, and the UAE emerging as a suitable venue. Concurrently, President Putin expressed openness to a meeting with Zelensky, contingent on certain conditions. As the day progressed, reports indicated a US offer deemed acceptable by Russia, yet conflicting information from Western sources emerged, denying a confirmed or imminent summit. By evening, attention shifted to Donald Trump's direct clarifications, specifically his statement that a Putin-Zelensky meeting is not a prerequisite for his summit with President Putin, resolving a day of evolving conditions and conflicting signals.
08.08.2025
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Friday
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Ukraine Territory Accord Emerges

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Russian media editorial priorities for August 8 centered on the evolving framework for a potential US-Russia agreement on Ukraine, directly linked to the anticipated Putin-Trump summit. Early reports continued to emphasize Donald Trump's stated readiness for a meeting without a Putin-Zelensky precondition and speculated about undisclosed summit results. By afternoon, Bloomberg reports gained traction, indicating that the US and Russia were actively working on a project agreement concerning Ukraine, with a key element potentially being a territory exchange and Russia halting its offensive. These reports also suggested the summit could occur by the end of next week. Concurrently, President Putin engaged in extensive diplomatic calls, briefing Chinese and Indian leaders on the recent Whitkoff talks. Belarusian President Lukashenka offered to host new negotiation formats. By evening, headlines further solidified the focus on a potential Ukraine territory swap as a core component of the upcoming US-Russia summit, alongside a reported Armenia-Azerbaijan ceasefire brokered with Trump's presence.
09.08.2025
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Saturday
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Alaska Summit Peace Proposals Circulated

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Russian media on August 9 consistently prioritized the confirmed August 15 Putin-Trump summit in Alaska, building on previous days' summit preparations. Early reports highlighted President Trump's statements regarding Ukraine's territorial considerations and the conflict's potential escalation. As the day progressed, editorial attention shifted to Ukraine's role, with some outlets interpreting Alaska as a signal for Ukraine to surrender or suggesting Kyiv's exclusion from initial talks, even as President Zelensky warned against decisions without Ukraine. By afternoon, a significant development emerged: reports of Ukraine and the EU presenting an alternative or counter-proposal for conflict resolution, explicitly for the upcoming negotiations. This indicated a new layer of diplomatic engagement surrounding the anticipated summit.
10.08.2025
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Sunday
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Summit Shadows Deepen, Drones Spread

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The day's headlines prioritized the upcoming Putin-Trump summit in Alaska, with the narrative evolving from discussions of a potential trilateral format to European leaders seeking preliminary talks with Trump. White House statements, indicating a possible, albeit undefined, role for Ukrainian President Zelensky, added a new dimension to summit preparations, while Trump himself expressed skepticism about the talks' success.

Concurrently, Russian media extensively reported on a significant surge in Ukrainian drone attacks. These attacks, initially causing casualties and damage in Saratov, expanded throughout the day, with over 120 UAVs reportedly downed across multiple regions and the Sea of Azov, including incidents near Moscow and Tula. Further military-strategic developments included Russia's decision to lift its missile moratorium and its firm stance against returning captured Ukrainian territories.
11.08.2025
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Monday
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Trump's Summit Terms Articulated

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Russian media priorities on August 11 centered overwhelmingly on the impending Putin-Trump summit. Initial reports covered negotiations preparations and discussions around President Zelensky's potential involvement. Throughout the day, President Trump's statements became the dominant narrative, first with an erroneous claim of traveling to Russia, then clarifying Alaska as the venue, and most notably, explicitly detailing his agenda: a "preliminary" meeting to "sound out" Putin on Ukraine's territorial issues, aiming for land exchanges, and ultimately, a meeting between Putin and Zelensky. Concurrently, internal security remained a major focus. Reports detailed continued Ukrainian drone attacks across various regions, causing casualties, and the confirmation of the Moscow residential complex explosion as a suicide terror act, with alleged Ukrainian involvement and recruitment of elderly women. A new and significant development was the focus on internal digital control, with reports of exercises to selectively block messenger calls like Telegram and WhatsApp, indicating evolving domestic measures.
12.08.2025
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Tuesday
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Anchorage Confirmed, Sabotage Allegations Surfaced

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The day's editorial focus in Russian media remained primarily on the impending Putin-Trump summit. Early reports highlighted Kyiv's alleged readiness for territorial concessions and hopes for normalized US relations, setting expectations for a "historic" meeting. By mid-day, the confirmed location of the summit in Anchorage, Alaska, became a central point of coverage across multiple outlets. A significant shift in the late afternoon saw the Russian Ministry of Defense widely claim that Kyiv was preparing provocations to disrupt the crucial Russian-American negotiations. Concurrently, President Zelensky was reported to have threatened a "third war" and rejected troop withdrawal from Donbas. Separately, widespread Ukrainian drone attacks continued, shifting focus from Rostov and Stavropol to Tatarstan. President Putin's positive economic pronouncements regarding inflation and unemployment also received significant state media attention.
13.08.2025
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Wednesday
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Summit Calls Defined, Digital Paths Limited

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Russian media on August 13 continued its strong focus on the impending Putin-Trump summit in Anchorage, with initial reports confirming the Alaska military base as the venue. Early narratives also amplified claims of Ukrainian provocations aimed at disrupting these high-stakes negotiations, while concurrently highlighting large-scale Ukrainian drone attacks across Russian regions. A significant new domestic development emerged with Roskomnadzor's announcement and implementation of partial restrictions on calls via Telegram and WhatsApp, marking a tightening of digital controls. As the day progressed, focus intensified on Donald Trump's stated intentions for the summit, including his desire for a Putin-Zelensky meeting post-Alaska, a ceasefire, and the US seeking a tripartite meeting with Russia and Ukraine, framing these as central to future diplomatic efforts.
14.08.2025
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Thursday
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Sapsan's Thwarting, Alaska's Path

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Russian media on August 14 continued its primary focus on the impending Putin-Trump summit in Alaska, detailing its program, timing, and delegate participation. Reports indicated President Putin held meetings with top officials in preparation for the talks, which are not expected to yield final documents. Concurrently, a major narrative emphasized Russia's claimed success in disrupting Ukraine's "Sapsan" missile program, with FSB sources detailing significant damage to production capabilities and plans to strike Russian cities. As the day progressed, focus intensified on reported Ukrainian drone attacks, notably on Rostov-on-Don, leading to multiple casualties and damaged residential buildings. A new development included a confirmed prisoner exchange with Ukraine, involving 84 individuals on each side. These events underscored a complex interplay of high-level diplomacy and ongoing conflict.
15.08.2025
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Friday
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Alaskan Summit Converged

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The primary editorial focus in Russian media on August 15 remained the highly anticipated Putin-Trump summit in Alaska. Morning coverage detailed President Putin's advance to Magadan and the arrival of Russian officials in Anchorage. As the day progressed, reports intensified around President Trump's departure for Alaska, with both leaders arriving and meeting in the evening. Headlines noted their handshake, a red carpet welcome, and the official commencement of negotiations. The Kremlin predicted extensive talks, though one independent outlet reported the cancellation of a one-on-one session. State-aligned media emphasized perceived Western media 'irritation' regarding the talks. Concurrently, major domestic news revolved around a severe explosion and fire at a Ryazan facility, resulting in over 100 casualties and five fatalities. Ukrainian drone activities continued, affecting Kursk, Belgorod, and Port Olya.
16.08.2025
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Saturday
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Alaska Aftermath, Trilateral Vision

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The day's Russian headlines documented the immediate aftermath of the Putin-Trump summit in Alaska. Initial reports varied, with some outlets noting the absence of a definitive deal on Ukraine, while others emphasized a constructive tone for future relations and Putin's suggestion for a next meeting in Moscow. The editorial focus quickly shifted to President Trump's subsequent proposals, notably his desire for a trilateral meeting involving himself, Putin, and Zelensky. As the day progressed, reports detailed Zelensky's stated intention to travel to Washington for talks with Trump, further solidifying the prospect of direct US-Ukraine engagement following the summit. Late in the day, media outlets highlighted intense speculation about an August 22 date for a potential high-level trilateral discussion on Ukraine, signaling accelerated diplomatic efforts. Concurrently, reports indicated Kyiv's opposition to ceding Donbas, contrasting with Putin's sustained demands for the region.
17.08.2025
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Sunday
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Concession Diplomacy Echoed

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Russian media coverage throughout the day consistently prioritized the diplomatic fallout from the Alaska summit. Morning reports detailed President Trump's continued push for a trilateral meeting with Putin and Zelensky, alongside initial discussions on Russia's conditions for a Ukraine settlement. Midday saw significant focus on new claims suggesting Russia was ready for concessions on five Ukrainian regions, which contrasted with reports of Zelensky's alleged refusal of specific Russian demands. The impending Trump-Zelensky meeting gained prominence, with increasing emphasis on European leaders' intended participation, and Trump's reported preference for a one-on-one format. Concurrently, outlets extensively covered military actions, most notably the FSB's thwarting of a Ukrainian drone attack on the Smolensk Nuclear Power Plant, alongside continued reports of Russian strikes on Ukrainian "Sapsan" missile facilities. Discussions also emerged about US-Russia agreements on security guarantees for Ukraine.
18.08.2025
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Monday
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Washington's Call to Moscow

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The day's Russian media focused intensely on Volodymyr Zelensky's Washington visit. Morning reports emphasized expectations of Donald Trump pressuring Zelensky towards a peace deal, involving renouncing Crimea and NATO membership. Concurrently, successful FSB operations thwarting Ukrainian drone attacks and a planned car bombing on the Crimean Bridge gained prominence. By midday, a significant new development emerged: Hungarian officials accused Ukraine of striking the Druzhba oil pipeline, halting supplies to Europe. As the anticipated Trump-Zelensky meeting commenced, Russian outlets highlighted Trump's statements, including his view that Ukraine would not join NATO and that a ceasefire was no longer required. The evening's dominant narrative shifted dramatically to reports of Trump interrupting his meetings with Zelensky and European leaders to conduct calls with President Putin, underscoring a direct channel between the US and Russian leaders.
19.08.2025
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Tuesday
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Diplomacy's Pace, Troop's Shadow

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Russian media extensively covered the rapidly evolving diplomatic landscape surrounding Ukraine, dominated by US President Trump's initiatives. Morning reports focused on Trump's discussions with President Putin to prepare a meeting with Zelensky, with early indications of Zelensky's openness to territorial discussions. A key development in mid-morning was Trump's direct phone call to Putin, made during his meeting with Zelensky and European leaders. By early afternoon, reports solidified Trump's position that Ukraine's NATO membership and Crimea's return were impossible, while Switzerland reportedly offered immunity for Putin for a Geneva meeting. Putin also proposed a meeting with Zelensky in Moscow. The day concluded with prominent coverage of "several countries" considering sending troops to Ukraine, amidst White House assurances that US troops would not deploy. Humanitarian news included Russia transferring 1,000 bodies of fallen servicemen to Ukraine.
20.08.2025
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Wednesday
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Saboteurs' Myth Broken

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Russian media's editorial focus on August 20 shifted markedly to national security, with extensive coverage of the FSB's operations against Ukrainian saboteur groups. Numerous reports detailed the liquidation or detention of alleged plotters in the Bryansk region, along with claims of "debunking the myth" of their invulnerability by publishing names. This expanded to thwarted sabotage attempts in the Black Sea and near Crimea. Simultaneously, diplomatic discussions concerning Ukraine persisted. Early reports noted European nations considering troop deployment and President Trump's efforts to arrange a Putin-Zelensky meeting. Later, Foreign Minister Lavrov reiterated Russia's position on Ukraine's security guarantees, stressing the futility of talks without Moscow's involvement, amidst European doubts about Trump's peace plan.
21.08.2025
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Thursday
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Pipeline Suspect, Crossroads of Diplomacy

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The day's Russian media coverage initially detailed US involvement in Ukraine conflict negotiations and reported on repelled drone attacks. A mid-morning editorial shift emphasized the mandatory pre-installation of Max messenger. Subsequently, focus returned to Russian military advances in Ukraine, particularly the liberation of Aleksandro-Shultino. By early afternoon, the detention in Italy of a suspect linked to the Nord Stream pipeline explosions, identified as Ukrainian, became a prominent, new editorial priority. Later in the day, the diplomatic narrative evolved, with initial reports of US President Trump abandoning efforts for a Putin-Zelensky meeting, followed by Russia hardening its stance with explicit demands for Kyiv regarding Donbas, NATO, and Western troops, alongside its exit from international arbitration processes. Evening reports highlighted increased casualties from a Ukrainian attack in the DPR and Trump's revised timeline for clarity on a Ukraine settlement.
22.08.2025
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Friday
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Trump's Ukraine Resolution Timeline

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Russian media prominently covered the evolving diplomatic dynamics of the Ukraine conflict, beginning with reports of the US ceasing intelligence sharing with allies regarding negotiations.
A significant development was repeated Ukrainian attacks on the Druzhba oil pipeline, halting supplies to Hungary and Slovakia. This prompted Hungary and Slovakia to appeal to the European Commission, while US President Trump reportedly expressed anger over these strikes.
Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov stated Russia's flexibility on Trump's proposals and Putin's openness to meeting Zelensky, but also reported Zelensky rejected Trump's peace offers.
The day culminated with Trump announcing an "important decision" on Ukraine within two weeks, signaling a clearer path for negotiations, and reportedly believing Ukraine should accept Putin's terms. Putin, separately, discussed Russia's nuclear shield and hope for renewed US relations.
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