Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia will keep fighting in Ukraine if no peace deal is reached, stressing he will not give up the Donbas region. Speaking in China, he hinted at a possible settlement “if common sense prevails” but dismissed calls for a ceasefire, according to BBC.

Putin praised US President Donald Trump’s efforts to bring him to the table, including a summit in Alaska, yet refused to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy under current terms. Kyiv has urged Trump to impose tougher sanctions and boost defence aid, highlighting Moscow’s refusal to negotiate.

In Kyiv, UK Defence Secretary John Healey vowed more economic pressure on Moscow and pledged £1bn from seized Russian assets for military aid. France is also gathering Ukraine’s allies to push for US-backed security guarantees. Meanwhile, Russian forces have stepped up attacks, launching hundreds of drones and missiles on Ukrainian cities, BBC reported.