Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced reaching "understandings" with US President Donald Trump concerning the Ukraine war, following their meeting in Alaska last month. However, Putin has not committed to peace talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, despite Trump's deadline for a response. Speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin, China, Putin reiterated his stance that the conflict was provoked by Western actions, including attempts to integrate Ukraine into NATO.

Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen revealed plans for a multinational troop deployment to Ukraine, supported by US capabilities, as part of post-conflict security guarantees. This initiative, discussed at a meeting between Trump, Zelenskyy, and European leaders, could involve tens of thousands of European-led troops.

On the ground, Russian drone attacks have severely impacted Ukraine's energy infrastructure, leaving nearly 60,000 people without electricity. The strikes targeted facilities in the Odesa and Chernihiv regions, with the port city of Chornomorsk being particularly affected. In response, President Zelenskyy has pledged to continue Ukraine's defense operations and has planned new strikes deep into Russian territory.

The conflict has also highlighted the growing alignment between Russia and China. As Putin met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in China, analysts noted that Russia increasingly relies on China for economic and strategic support amid Western sanctions and pressures.