07:48⇢Trump Admits Putin Wants War to Continue
The newspapers report on Trump's evolving position regarding Putin and the war. For the first time, Trump has acknowledged to European officials that Putin doesn't want to end the war because he believes he's winning (Liga.net, Pravda, WSJ). US lawmakers are pressuring Secretary of State Rubio to take a stronger stance against Russian aggression, criticizing his reluctance to label Putin a war criminal (Kyiv Post). Military updates indicate 144 combat clashes occurred on the frontlines in the past day (Ukrinform). Other topics include Kyiv Day analysis of which districts previously supported pro-Russian forces (Glavcom) and new technology for tracking migrants through smartphones (Radio Svoboda).03:57⇢Russia Amasses Forces Near Kharkiv
The newspapers report on an apparent Russian military build-up near Kharkiv region, with forces possibly preparing new assaults and using fiber-optic drones (Kyiv Post). This coincides with reports of a strike on Kharkiv and details about Portnov's assassination in Spain (Glavcom). Russia claims a massive UAV attack occurred on their territory (Pravda). Diplomatically, Ukraine is proposing the EU implement even stricter sanctions against Russia, attempting to move forward without Trump's involvement (Ukrinform UA, UNIAN). Russian authorities continue suppressing indigenous rights defenders, labeling them as "undesirable" (Radio Svoboda).17:43⇢Portnov Assassination Dominates Headlines
The newspapers report on the assassination of Andriy Portnov, former deputy head of Yanukovych's administration, who was shot dead by unidentified gunmen outside a school in Madrid (Kyiv Post, Liga.net, Glavcom). Media outlets are publishing profiles of Portnov's controversial career from "criminal Luhansk" to his political activities (Liga.net). Meanwhile, the General Staff has denied Russian claims about the end of combat operations in Kursk region (Pravda), and technical ceasefire negotiations may take place in the Vatican next week (Ukrinform UA).