Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected Russia's ceasefire proposal, labeling it an ultimatum. He called for direct talks with President Putin to address the ongoing war, which has lasted nearly 3½ years. Zelenskyy urged Western allies to expedite deliveries of air defense systems, particularly U.S.-made Patriot systems, to counter Russian missile strikes. He emphasized the need for a ceasefire before a potential summit with Putin, mediated by the U.S. Meanwhile, both sides continue military actions along the front lines, with Ukraine claiming significant drone strikes against Russian airfields, while Russia reports territorial gains in northern Ukraine.