Ukraine’s drone manufacturers worry that the energy ceasefire won’t last at a covert test-flight facility
In a secluded area out of sight, Ukrainian engineers are testing a long-range drone called Raybird. The small, airplane-shaped vehicle is launched on a launchpad, stretched like an arrow on a crossbow, and shot into the air. Raybird has more than 20 hours of flight time and a range of over 1,000 km (620 miles) on a single flight without refueling.
Russia claims that before a maritime ceasefire in Ukraine can begin, sanctions must be removed
Russia has stated that before initiating a maritime ceasefire with Ukraine, certain Western sanctions must be removed. The Kremlin noted that the ceasefire would only occur after sanctions on several Russian banks were lifted, just hours after the United States announced that the two sides had reached separate agreements to halt strikes in the Black Sea.
Putin is in Kursk, and a US team travels to Moscow to discuss Ukraine.
President Donald Trump has announced that US officials will travel to Russia to discuss a possible ceasefire in Ukraine. Following a much-anticipated meeting with US officials in Saudi Arabia, Ukrainian leaders agreed to a 30-day truce. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had earlier stated that the “ball is truly in their [Russia’s] court” and that the United States thinks peace talks are the best option to end the conflict.