Russian drone attacks on Kharkiv dominated early coverage, with casualties rising to nine, including three children. By midday, expectations of a major Russian offensive gained prominence, with ISW reporting a tenfold Russian troop advantage in one sector. Trump's frustration with Putin over stalled peace talks emerged, with the White House considering tougher sanctions on Russian oil tankers.
The afternoon brought devastating news as a Russian ballistic missile struck an enterprise in Kryvyi Rih, killing four people and wounding 14, including two children. Zelensky called the attack "deliberate terror." Meanwhile, a Russian Tu-22M3 bomber used to launch X-22 missiles against Ukraine crashed in Irkutsk region.
Evening reports featured Trump advisor Keith Kellogg claiming a ceasefire might be close, even as Russia conducted a third drone attack on Kharkiv. The news that Trump announced new tariffs affecting Ukraine but not Russia raised concerns.