Following the start of US-Ukraine talks in Saudi Arabia, overnight Russian drone strikes hit Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia regions. Ukrainian forces scored a military success by destroying four Russian helicopters in Belgorod using HIMARS.
By midday, Russian forces launched a devastating missile strike on Sumy city center, with casualty numbers rising steadily from 28 to 88 injured, including 17 children. The strike damaged a school and residential buildings.
US-Russia talks began in Saudi Arabia after the "productive" five-hour US-Ukraine meeting. Trump announced discussions about Ukrainian power plants and minerals, claiming a deal is "on the table." Media reported Russia demanded full control of four Ukrainian regions during the 12-hour negotiations.
When asked about Russian territorial claims, the State Department indicated such issues would be discussed after a ceasefire. Zelensky confirmed Ukraine's delegation will meet again with US officials after their talks with Russia concluded.