Morning coverage centered on Putin's unexpected calls for "direct talks" with Ukraine, initially met with European demands for a ceasefire. By mid-morning, Zelensky called this a "positive sign" but insisted on a ceasefire before negotiations.
The diplomatic situation escalated dramatically by late afternoon when Trump demanded Ukraine agree to peace talks with Russia. Within hours, Zelensky agreed to meet Putin "personally" in Istanbul, though still maintaining his ceasefire prerequisite.
This sudden diplomatic movement follows the previous day's successful US-brokered ceasefire between nuclear powers India and Pakistan after missile exchanges.
Domestic news focused on migration policy, with reports of care homes facing bans on overseas recruitment and Starmer stating migrants must "earn the right" to remain in the UK.
Other stories included a retired police officer arrested for a tweet about antisemitism, and claims some institutions are defying a Supreme Court transgender ruling.