Lavrov said in an interview published on the Russian Foreign Ministry’s website: “For peace to last, the new reality on the ground must be recognized and formalized according to international law.”

His Ukrainian counterpart, Andriy Yermak, immediately responded: “A new series of old warnings.. Russia has not changed its goals and shows no readiness to enter serious negotiations.. This proves that the Russians’ appetite grows when not subjected to pressure and force.. It’s time to hit the Russian war machine with new harsh sanctions.”

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, responding to a question about Mertens’ proposal for Geneva to be the venue for peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, said: “Mertens has made many inappropriate statements, so it is difficult to consider his opinion at this time.”

Putin expressed his readiness to hold talks with his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, if he comes to Moscow, but added that it is unclear whether this meeting would be productive.

In response to a question about whether he felt betrayed by Putin’s handling, Trump told Scott Jennings’ radio show: “We had a great relationship, I am very disappointed in President Putin, thousands of people are dying, it is a senseless war.”

Trump warned of consequences if Putin and Zelensky fail to agree on a meeting to end the war, adding: “I have learned things that will be very interesting, and I think you will know what they are in the coming days.”

After a meeting with Estonian President Alar Karis in Brussels, Rutte said he expects clarity on what can be collectively offered within hours, adding: “That means we can cooperate more effectively, also with the American side.”

Zelensky wrote on the “X” platform: “Another major attack, these are show attacks, dozens of residential buildings were damaged.. Putin boasts about his immunity,” calling for stricter sanctions on Russia.

Zelensky said on the “Telegram” platform that he expects Ukraine to receive tangible reinforcement from the Northern European Baltic Eight summit held in Denmark.

Also, the Russian Defense Ministry said yesterday that its forces controlled about half of the city of Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine, and the ministry published drone footage showing a soldier holding the Russian flag standing on a road.