Overview

• The prisoner exchange, involving 1,000 detainees in total, began with 390 individuals released by each side, marking the largest swap since the war began in 2022.
• Russia claims to have shot down 112 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 24 near Moscow, as cross-border strikes from both sides escalate.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin announced plans for a buffer zone along the border, a proposal Ukraine swiftly rejected as incompatible with peace efforts.
• Diplomatic efforts intensify with G7 finance ministers threatening tougher sanctions on Russia if it does not agree to a ceasefire.
• US President Donald Trump has proposed a Vatican summit with Putin to accelerate peace talks, though skepticism remains over Moscow's willingness to negotiate.