Russian "Shahed" drones struck Kharkiv overnight, hitting the Barabashovo market with 20 recorded impacts and injuring four people. This attack followed the naval drone innovations reported in previous days.

In diplomatic developments, Macron and Starmer called for a 30-day ceasefire, contrasting with Putin's rejected three-day "parade truce." Friedrich Merz was elected German Chancellor on his second attempt, after initially failing to secure enough votes.

A significant prisoner exchange saw 205 Ukrainian defenders return from Russian captivity, many from Mariupol's defense. Reuters revealed that Pentagon chief Hagseth had allegedly halted U.S. military aid to Ukraine without Trump's knowledge.

By afternoon, Russian ballistic missiles struck Sumy, killing two children and a man, with 11 wounded. Days of mourning were declared as evening brought more drone attacks on Zaporizhzhia, injuring three. Air raid alerts sounded in Kyiv by night.