Russian President Vladimir Putin held extended overnight talks with envoys of United States President Donald Trump to discuss prospects for a settlement in Ukraine. The Kremlin emphasized that resolving territorial disputes is essential for any lasting peace agreement, referencing Moscow's demand for Kyiv to withdraw from areas in eastern Ukraine that Russia has annexed but not fully controlled. The meeting followed sharp criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who expressed frustration with Europe's slow and divided response to Russia's invasion and highlighted Ukraine's ongoing challenges, including shortages of funds and military personnel.

During the talks, Putin reaffirmed his offer to contribute $1 billion from Russian assets frozen in the United States to a peace initiative, while Trump's envoys updated Putin on recent discussions with Zelenskyy and other officials. Both Russian and Ukrainian delegations, along with United States representatives, are set to meet in the United Arab Emirates to continue negotiations on security and economic issues related to a potential peace deal. Zelenskyy stressed the need for compromise from all sides and called on Europe to take stronger, more decisive action in supporting Ukraine.