Russia launched a targeted missile strike against Ukraine's gas infrastructure in Poltava region, using 19 missiles and causing emergency power outages across multiple regions. Ukrainian forces responded with drone strikes on Russia's Saratov oil refinery and Engels airbase.
Trump's claim about Ukraine agreeing to a $500 billion rare earth minerals deal dominated midday coverage, coinciding with reports of his administration pausing their peace plan development. Parliament approved the purchase of nuclear reactors for Khmelnytskyi power plant through Bulgaria.
By afternoon, Zelenskyy revealed willingness to negotiate territorial exchanges with Russia, specifically mentioning Kursk region, following recent Ukrainian advances there. The Defense Ministry launched new recruitment contracts for ages 18-24, offering financial incentives. Pentagon explicitly ruled out deploying US troops to Ukraine, while "Ramstein" meeting preparations indicated no new US aid packages forthcoming.