Putin dominated news cycles as he responded to Trump's Ukraine ceasefire proposal with calculated ambiguity. Initially appearing in military fatigues near the front, by afternoon Putin acknowledged being "in favor" of a ceasefire but attached conditions demanding an "enduring peace" addressing the conflict's "roots" - terms Zelensky immediately labeled "manipulative."
Domestically, Starmer executed a dramatic restructuring by abolishing NHS England, which he called the "world's largest quango." The PM's war on the "flabby, unfocused" state reportedly threatens up to 10,000 jobs while promising £45bn in AI-driven savings.
By evening, US envoys had arrived in Moscow for negotiations while Trump characterized Putin's stance as "promising." Meanwhile, police launched a manslaughter investigation into staff at Lucy Letby's hospital, potentially expanding accountability beyond the convicted nurse.