The day began with reports on US military aid, noting President Trump's approval for ERAM missile sales, alongside continued discussion about the Pentagon's alleged long-term block on Ukraine's deep strikes into Russia, building on prior reports. Amidst Ukraine's Independence Day celebrations, diplomatic activity included Special Envoy Kellogg's arrival in Kyiv. Concurrently, Ukrainian forces launched and confirmed strikes on Russia's Ust-Luga gas complex and a Samara oil refinery, framed as an Independence Day "greeting" and directly responding to the earlier reports of strike restrictions. Mid-day saw a significant prisoner exchange with Russia, facilitating the return of several individuals. In the afternoon, Ukrainian forces announced the liberation of Novomykhailivka in the Donetsk region. Later reports included discussions from US officials on Russian "concessions" in peace talks and Moscow's admitted inability to establish a puppet regime in Kyiv.