Rubio Denies Zelensky’s Assertion on US Demands
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio refutes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s claim that the Trump administration requires Kyiv to surrender its eastern Donbas region to Russia for American security guarantees in a potential ceasefire. Rubio addressed reporters on Friday, stating: “That’s a lie. And I saw him say that. And it’s unfortunate he would say that because he knows that’s not true and that’s not what he was told.”
Putin Vows to Seize Remaining Donbas Areas
Russian President Vladimir Putin declares Russia will continue fighting until it controls the unoccupied parts of the Donbas region. Sources indicate Putin urges oligarchs to contribute to the national budget to bolster finances amid ongoing conflict.
Trump Eyes Weapon Shift from Ukraine to Middle East
President Trump proposes redirecting US ammunition stockpiles from Ukraine to the Middle East, even as Zelensky warns Europe against letting Putin exploit the rising Iranian tensions. Trump remarked: “You know, we have tremendous amounts of ammunition. We have them in other countries… sometimes we take from one and we use for another.”
Russia Faces Flood Emergency in Dagestan
Authorities in Makhachkala, capital of Russia’s Dagestan region, declare a state of emergency after severe rains cause flooding and power outages affecting over 327,000 residents. The city administration announces on Telegram that emergency services remain on high alert, with ongoing efforts to manage damage and aid those impacted.
Ukraine Forges Defense Pacts with UAE and Qatar
Ukraine secures defense cooperation agreements with the United Arab Emirates and Qatar as Zelensky visits the Gulf amid regional escalations. Qatar’s defense ministry confirms a signed pact for exchanging expertise on countering missiles and drones. Zelensky briefs reporters online: “We are talking about a 10-year partnership. We have already signed the agreement with Saudi Arabia, and we have just signed a similar 10-year agreement with Qatar. We will also sign a 10-year agreement with the UAE. It will happen within the next several days.”
Zelensky meets UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to advance security and defense collaboration.
Zelensky Shares Drone Defense Expertise with Gulf Allies
Zelensky highlights Ukraine’s cost-effective drone countermeasures as a key regional challenge involving ballistic missiles and UAVs. In a post on X, he explains: “Ballistic missile and drone attacks are currently the biggest challenge here in the region. And while only air defense systems can effectively counter ballistic threats, in Ukraine, we have developed other, significantly more cost-effective solutions to combat drones. These solutions have already proven their effectiveness against various types of drones, which is why Qatar is so interested in our experience. Ukraine has always said that we are ready to share our expertise and help those who can also help us strengthen our own protection in Ukraine.”
Following discussions, Zelensky updates on X: “Our experts have already conducted an overall assessment of the security situation, Qatar’s capabilities to counter aerial threats, and have developed concrete solutions to strengthen the protection of its airspace.” He praises high-level appreciation from Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and stresses mutual aid for global security.
Recent Military Developments
Zelensky condemns a Russian drone strike on a Ukrainian hospital as “pure terror.” Ukraine’s military reports striking a key oil refinery in Russia’s Yaroslavl region northeast of Moscow, igniting a fire that disrupts Russian logistics. The Ukrainian General Staff confirms the overnight operation’s success.
Zelensky accuses Russia of satellite imaging US military sites in the Gulf for Iranian benefit, including Diego Garcia, Kuwait International Airport, Prince Sultan Air Base, Shaybah oil field, Incirlik Air Base, and Al Udeid Air Base over recent days.
