Russian news agencies quoted presidential advisor Yuri Ushakov saying: “Based on a proposal from the American side, a principle agreement was reached to hold a bilateral summit in the coming days.. We have now started working on the details with our American colleagues.. The meeting place was agreed upon in principle but has not been disclosed, next week has been set as the date.” Ushakov downplayed the likelihood of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky joining the anticipated meeting, adding: “We suggest first and foremost focusing on preparing for a bilateral meeting with Trump, and we believe the most important thing is for this meeting to be successful and fruitful.” The Russian presidential advisor revealed that the American envoy, Steve Witkoff, proposed a trilateral meeting including Zelensky, but Russia did not respond to this proposal, noting that this option was not discussed in detail and the Russian side never commented on it.

“There is a high probability that they will agree on it.. We have not yet determined the location, but we have had very good talks with Putin.. The road has been long and still is, but there is a high possibility that a meeting will be held very soon,” before quickly lowering his expectations from his Russian counterpart by saying: “He has disappointed me in the past.” Rubio told Fox Business Network: “Today was good, but we still have a lot of work to do, many obstacles remain to be overcome, and we hope to be able to do so in the coming days and hours, and perhaps in the coming weeks,” noting that Trump wants to end the war.

“We have repeatedly said in Ukraine that finding real solutions may be effective at the leadership level, it is necessary to set a timing for such a formula and the set of issues to be discussed.” Zelensky stressed the necessity of Europe’s involvement in the peace process between his country and Russia, adding: “Ukraine is not afraid of meetings and expects the same brave approach from the Russian side.” The statement said Russian forces launched attacks on Ukraine overnight using 112 drones launched from multiple areas, including the Russian regions of Kursk and Primorsko-Akhtarsk, as well as Chuda and Khvardesky in the Crimean Peninsula. Meanwhile, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced in a statement that air defenses shot down 82 Ukrainian drones over several Russian provinces the night before last.

The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that air defense systems shot down 9 drones launched by Ukraine over the region during the night. The Ukrainian army confirmed that its drone units targeted the refinery but did not provide further details.