US-Russia ceasefire negotiations in Saudi Arabia dominated coverage, focusing specifically on a potential Black Sea agreement, even as Russia launched 99 drones overnight and reportedly struck a Ukrainian children's hospital. Trump claimed a deal on Ukraine minerals was approaching, while Zelensky accused some US officials of being "influenced by Russia."
In Turkey, President Erdogan labeled ongoing protests against Istanbul mayor Imamoglu's imprisonment as "evil," with authorities arresting 1,133 demonstrators over five days.
Domestically, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced plans to cut 10,000 civil service jobs, prompting criticism amid concerns about the UK's economic recovery. A teachers' union controversially called for schools to label Nigel Farage's Reform party as "far-right and racist."
Other stories included Meghan Markle launching a luxury merchandise website with items priced up to £1,000, and radio presenter Chris Stark revealing his testicular cancer diagnosis.