⌨After three days of "shuttle diplomacy" in Riyadh, the US, Ukraine, and Russia reached an agreement on Black Sea security, requiring Russian warships to remain in the eastern Black Sea and banning attacks on energy infrastructure. Russia promptly demanded sanctions relief in exchange for implementing the deal, with Trump indicating the US would "consider" these demands.
Following yesterday's 12-hour US-Russia meeting, Ukraine and the US held a second round of talks this morning, which concluded without public breakthrough. Zelensky accused Russia of beginning to manipulate "on the very day of talks." By afternoon, The Telegraph described the negotiations as a "procedural quagmire" rather than diplomatic progress.
Military actions continued with Ukrainian forces reportedly advancing into Demydivka in Russia's Belgorod region and striking Russian troops in Kursk region, eliminating approximately 30 occupiers. Meanwhile, Russian missile strikes on Sumy increased the injury toll to 88, including children, and Russia launched a massive drone attack on Kryvyi Rih by evening.