Overview

• The first direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in three years ended with a prisoner swap agreement but no progress toward a ceasefire.
• President Trump and President Putin are scheduled to hold a phone call on Monday, the third since January, to discuss potential steps toward ending the war.
• US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Russia of looming sanctions if negotiations fail to yield significant results.
• Turkey's President Erdoğan solidified his role as a key mediator, hosting the talks and maintaining ties with both sides, despite Putin's absence.
• The US and European allies continue to coordinate efforts, with the EU preparing new sanctions targeting Russia's financial and energy sectors.