The much-anticipated phone call between Trump and Putin dominated coverage, with Trump unexpectedly calling Zelensky beforehand. Following the two-hour conversation with Putin, Trump announced Russia and Ukraine would "immediately" begin negotiations toward ending the war, describing the call as "very well" and stating "let the process begin."

Putin claimed Russia was ready to work on a "ceasefire memorandum" while maintaining his conviction that Russia could capture four Ukrainian oblasts by year's end. Zelensky later confirmed the possibility of a ceasefire memorandum but emphasized "no one will withdraw our troops from our territories."

Earlier, European Commission President von der Leyen called this week "decisive" for ending Russia's war. The SBU reported destroying Russian radar systems and supply depots on Black Sea gas platforms using coordinated maritime and aerial drones. News also emerged of Russia's failed intercontinental "Yars" missile launch and Finland's decision to supply Ukraine with weapons using frozen Russian assets.