St. Petersburg Diplomacy: Chinese Premier Li Qiang and President Vladimir Putin met in St. Petersburg, pledging closer cooperation on trade, energy and Arctic shipping. Ukraine Talks: After meeting US envoy Steve Witkoff, Putin said Russia was ready to resume trilateral talks with Ukraine and the US in November, possibly in Abu Dhabi. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he would consider freezing the front line as a first step toward peace; Moscow offered no sign of dropping its demands. Prisoner Release: Russia freed 74-year-old American teacher Stephen Hubbard after more than four years in custody. President Donald Trump said he had asked Putin for the release and that no exchange was required. War: Russian attacks on Ukraine continue, including strikes on energy facilities and residential areas; Ukrainian authorities reported civilian deaths and injuries. European Security: Germany raised its military’s Russian sabotage threat rating to “significant,” citing suspected explosive-laden drones near military sites. Moscow denies involvement in sabotage. Economy: Russia says its first diesel shipment to the US is due to depart this week, while official figures show gold reserves fell for a tenth consecutive month.