UK media maintained focus on President Trump's efforts to broker Ukraine peace. Following his prior call to Putin, early reports detailed Zelensky's readiness for talks, juxtaposed with Moscow's reserved stance on a direct meeting. Mid-day headlines highlighted a contradiction: Moscow praised Trump while simultaneously launching significant attacks on Ukraine. Discussions also emerged among European leaders regarding potential "boots on the ground" for reassurance. As the day progressed, Trump clarified US security guarantees would not involve ground troops, though air support remained an option. He also began to vocalize doubt about Putin's actual commitment to a peace deal, a sentiment echoed by the Kremlin later. Concurrently, a significant domestic story gained prominence: the Epping migrant hotel was ordered to close, marking a notable legal and policy development in asylum housing.
