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Sydney Morning Herald
7 days ago
- General
- Sydney Morning Herald
Footy's forgotten men: The player at your club who could be looking elsewhere for 2026
Jordan Boyd (two games) Boyd was dropped after an early season appearance before sustaining a concussion in his first game back eight weeks later, so it will be interesting to see if he regains his spot this week after the bye. The 2021 mid-season draftee played 19 games last year, so he will back himself to become a regular part of the Blues' defence again with his neat skills and toughness. Boyd is contracted for another season, so time is in his favour. Contracted until: End of 2026. Collingwood Oleg Markov (two games) It's been increasingly tough sledding for Markov since his breakout season in the Pies' 2023 premiership season, when he played 23 games, including the grand final. That number dropped to 12 last year and the tally is only two this season, including being dropped for the second time last week. On his third club and at age 29, time is running out for Markov, who will forever be part of Collingwood history regardless of what happens from here. Contracted until: End of 2025 (unrestricted free agent). Essendon Jayden Laverde (three games) Laverde's been back in the Bombers' senior side the last three weeks after playing in the VFL until then, including serving a two-week ban for headbutting. Like ex-Bomber Jake Stringer, Essendon refused to offer Laverde an extension last year, but he remained at Tullamarine for his free agency season. Carlton and St Kilda showed preliminary interest in the 29-year-old, and they are potential landing points for him at season's end. Contracted until: End of 2025 (unrestricted free agent). Fremantle James Aish (two games) The ex-Magpie has never played fewer than 16 matches in any of his five seasons as a Docker, including 20 or more in the past four, but has made only two appearances – in rounds three and six – in 2025. The first of those was as the substitute, so he has fallen a long way down the pecking order. Aish turns 30 in November, and faces a significant, but not impossible, battle ahead to earn another contract and extend his 185-game career. Contracted until: End of 2025. Geelong Jhye Clark (six games) Clark's in only his third AFL season after being a top-10 selection out of the Geelong Falcons, and the Cats have a great development record. The 20-year-old midfielder played 15 games last year, and only six to date in 2025, but Bailey Smith's arrival is one significant factor for that. They are also running a tight on-ball rotation including Smith, Max Holmes, Tom Atkins, Jack Bowes and Oisin Mullin. Clark's winning disposals for fun in the VFL. Contracted until: End of 2026. Gold Coast Malcolm Rosas jnr (three games) Rosas' days as a Sun seem numbered, given his opportunities have dwindled for a second straight season under Damien Hardwick. The goalsneak has attracted opposition interest previously, including from Essendon and Sydney, and can walk to the club of his choice at season's end (if that is his preference). Rosas has kicked 46 goals in 48 games for Gold Coast. Veterans Alex Sexton and Sean Lemmens have played once between them this year. Contracted until: End of 2025 (unrestricted free agent). GWS Leek Aleer (two games) Aleer told The Age in March that the number of AFL matches he plays would be a factor in whether he re-signs, and he has appeared just twice, although both appearances were in the past fortnight. Aleer will try to maintain his senior spot for GWS as his contract situation bubbles away in the background. St Kilda presented him a long-term, lucrative offer last year and Brisbane also remain interested, so the Giants face a challenge to retain him. Contracted until: End of 2025. Hawthorn Sam Frost (two games) St Kilda and Sydney tried in the off-season to lure ex-Giant and Demon Frost, but the Hawks held firm. The Frost camp's hope that the rival interest might result in more contract security did not eventuate, and now he has played all bar two matches in the VFL. It is not a shocking development, given Tom Barrass and Josh Battle's arrival, but there is a decent chance Frost, who turns 32 in August, could be in the market for a fourth club. Contracted until: End of 2025. Melbourne Blake Howes (four games) Howes did not play a game in his first two seasons, but started last year in the Demons' first-choice defence and kept his spot for most of it. This season started the same way until he was dropped after round three, and he lasted just one match after regaining his spot a month later. Howes has not been seen at the top level since, so he faces a critical second half of this year. The writing is on the wall for Jack Billings, who's played once this year. Contracted until: End of 2025. North Melbourne Bailey Scott (seven games) Scott finished third in the Roos' best-and-fairest count two years ago and played 67 games across the past three seasons, but it's been a different story in 2025. Alastair Clarkson's dropped the wingman twice, and he remains in the VFL after a combined 11 touches in his last three AFL outings. Scott inked a two-year extension last August, but 10 months later he is out of the senior side. Zac Fisher's played only three games this year after 18 in 2024. Contracted until: End of 2025. Port Adelaide Jordon Sweet (eight games) Sweet requested a trade from Western Bulldogs at the end of 2023 to receive more opportunity after being stuck behind Tim English. He arrived at Alberton at the same time as Ivan Soldo, with Dante Visentini already on the list, and snatched the No.1 ruck role by late April and kept it. Sweet, 27, began this season the same way, but was dropped for Visentini, 22, a month ago, while Soldo, 29, has appeared just once. Soldo is also contracted for 2026. Contracted until: End of 2026 Richmond Samson Ryan (two games) The arrival of forwards Jonty Faull, Harry Armstrong and Tom Sims means Ryan is purely Toby Nankervis' ruck deputy. Sims is serving as a forward-ruck since making his debut a month ago. Ryan played alongside Nankervis once, but his other match was when the Tigers' skipper was managed – and he was back out the next week. Ryan inked a three-year deal last year, is the clear No.2 ruck, and Nankervis is 31 in August, so he needs to be patient. Contracted until: End of 2027. St Kilda Liam Henry (one game) The Saints traded for Henry at the end of 2023 for effectively a second-round pick, which was viewed as a coup, given the battles they have in bringing in talent. However, a knee injury ended the winger-forward's first campaign after only 12 games – and he has played just once in 2025. The likeliest scenario is that Henry finds a way out of Ross Lyon's doghouse. Dan Butler played his first AFL game this year in Sunday's win over Melbourne. Contracted until: End of 2027. Sydney Hayden McLean (nine games) Sydney dropped McLean two weeks ago, even though Logan McDonald (ankle) remains out, which was a statement from coach Dean Cox. Joel Amartey's suspension meant McLean received an instant recall, and he was the sole Swan to kick multiple goals in the big loss to Adelaide. It is a situation to monitor because Amartey and McDonald will return at some stage, and clubs are constantly looking for forwards who can play in the ruck. Contracted until: End of 2027. West Coast Jack Petruccelle (one game) Petruccelle's sole match under Andrew McQualter was as the substitute in round two. The Victorian speedster has otherwise toiled away in the WAFL, as well as dealing with a shoulder issue. There is always a need for speed in the AFL, and he has 89 games' experience, so opposition clubs will likely keep tabs on Petruccelle. There is the possibility that the 26-year-old forces his way into the Eagles' senior line-up, but this is a situation to monitor. Contracted until: End of 2025 (unrestricted free agent). Western Bulldogs Harvey Gallagher (five games) Gallagher had a breakthrough season in 2024, making his AFL debut and playing 20 games – but it's been more difficult this year, including being dropped twice. He has played down back, through the midfield and on a wing during his time at the Kennel, has won plenty of the Sherrin in the VFL and is only 21, so this looks a temporary challenge for Gallagher. Taylor Duryea has fallen out of favour, too, but is nearing the end of his career. Contracted until: End of 2026.
The Age
7 days ago
- General
- The Age
Footy's forgotten men: The player at your club who could be looking elsewhere for 2026
Jordan Boyd (two games) Boyd was dropped after an early season appearance before sustaining a concussion in his first game back eight weeks later, so it will be interesting to see if he regains his spot this week after the bye. The 2021 mid-season draftee played 19 games last year, so he will back himself to become a regular part of the Blues' defence again with his neat skills and toughness. Boyd is contracted for another season, so time is in his favour. Contracted until: End of 2026. Collingwood Oleg Markov (two games) It's been increasingly tough sledding for Markov since his breakout season in the Pies' 2023 premiership season, when he played 23 games, including the grand final. That number dropped to 12 last year and the tally is only two this season, including being dropped for the second time last week. On his third club and at age 29, time is running out for Markov, who will forever be part of Collingwood history regardless of what happens from here. Contracted until: End of 2025 (unrestricted free agent). Essendon Jayden Laverde (three games) Laverde's been back in the Bombers' senior side the last three weeks after playing in the VFL until then, including serving a two-week ban for headbutting. Like ex-Bomber Jake Stringer, Essendon refused to offer Laverde an extension last year, but he remained at Tullamarine for his free agency season. Carlton and St Kilda showed preliminary interest in the 29-year-old, and they are potential landing points for him at season's end. Contracted until: End of 2025 (unrestricted free agent). Fremantle James Aish (two games) The ex-Magpie has never played fewer than 16 matches in any of his five seasons as a Docker, including 20 or more in the past four, but has made only two appearances – in rounds three and six – in 2025. The first of those was as the substitute, so he has fallen a long way down the pecking order. Aish turns 30 in November, and faces a significant, but not impossible, battle ahead to earn another contract and extend his 185-game career. Contracted until: End of 2025. Geelong Jhye Clark (six games) Clark's in only his third AFL season after being a top-10 selection out of the Geelong Falcons, and the Cats have a great development record. The 20-year-old midfielder played 15 games last year, and only six to date in 2025, but Bailey Smith's arrival is one significant factor for that. They are also running a tight on-ball rotation including Smith, Max Holmes, Tom Atkins, Jack Bowes and Oisin Mullin. Clark's winning disposals for fun in the VFL. Contracted until: End of 2026. Gold Coast Malcolm Rosas jnr (three games) Rosas' days as a Sun seem numbered, given his opportunities have dwindled for a second straight season under Damien Hardwick. The goalsneak has attracted opposition interest previously, including from Essendon and Sydney, and can walk to the club of his choice at season's end (if that is his preference). Rosas has kicked 46 goals in 48 games for Gold Coast. Veterans Alex Sexton and Sean Lemmens have played once between them this year. Contracted until: End of 2025 (unrestricted free agent). GWS Leek Aleer (two games) Aleer told The Age in March that the number of AFL matches he plays would be a factor in whether he re-signs, and he has appeared just twice, although both appearances were in the past fortnight. Aleer will try to maintain his senior spot for GWS as his contract situation bubbles away in the background. St Kilda presented him a long-term, lucrative offer last year and Brisbane also remain interested, so the Giants face a challenge to retain him. Contracted until: End of 2025. Hawthorn Sam Frost (two games) St Kilda and Sydney tried in the off-season to lure ex-Giant and Demon Frost, but the Hawks held firm. The Frost camp's hope that the rival interest might result in more contract security did not eventuate, and now he has played all bar two matches in the VFL. It is not a shocking development, given Tom Barrass and Josh Battle's arrival, but there is a decent chance Frost, who turns 32 in August, could be in the market for a fourth club. Contracted until: End of 2025. Melbourne Blake Howes (four games) Howes did not play a game in his first two seasons, but started last year in the Demons' first-choice defence and kept his spot for most of it. This season started the same way until he was dropped after round three, and he lasted just one match after regaining his spot a month later. Howes has not been seen at the top level since, so he faces a critical second half of this year. The writing is on the wall for Jack Billings, who's played once this year. Contracted until: End of 2025. North Melbourne Bailey Scott (seven games) Scott finished third in the Roos' best-and-fairest count two years ago and played 67 games across the past three seasons, but it's been a different story in 2025. Alastair Clarkson's dropped the wingman twice, and he remains in the VFL after a combined 11 touches in his last three AFL outings. Scott inked a two-year extension last August, but 10 months later he is out of the senior side. Zac Fisher's played only three games this year after 18 in 2024. Contracted until: End of 2025. Port Adelaide Jordon Sweet (eight games) Sweet requested a trade from Western Bulldogs at the end of 2023 to receive more opportunity after being stuck behind Tim English. He arrived at Alberton at the same time as Ivan Soldo, with Dante Visentini already on the list, and snatched the No.1 ruck role by late April and kept it. Sweet, 27, began this season the same way, but was dropped for Visentini, 22, a month ago, while Soldo, 29, has appeared just once. Soldo is also contracted for 2026. Contracted until: End of 2026 Richmond Samson Ryan (two games) The arrival of forwards Jonty Faull, Harry Armstrong and Tom Sims means Ryan is purely Toby Nankervis' ruck deputy. Sims is serving as a forward-ruck since making his debut a month ago. Ryan played alongside Nankervis once, but his other match was when the Tigers' skipper was managed – and he was back out the next week. Ryan inked a three-year deal last year, is the clear No.2 ruck, and Nankervis is 31 in August, so he needs to be patient. Contracted until: End of 2027. St Kilda Liam Henry (one game) The Saints traded for Henry at the end of 2023 for effectively a second-round pick, which was viewed as a coup, given the battles they have in bringing in talent. However, a knee injury ended the winger-forward's first campaign after only 12 games – and he has played just once in 2025. The likeliest scenario is that Henry finds a way out of Ross Lyon's doghouse. Dan Butler played his first AFL game this year in Sunday's win over Melbourne. Contracted until: End of 2027. Sydney Hayden McLean (nine games) Sydney dropped McLean two weeks ago, even though Logan McDonald (ankle) remains out, which was a statement from coach Dean Cox. Joel Amartey's suspension meant McLean received an instant recall, and he was the sole Swan to kick multiple goals in the big loss to Adelaide. It is a situation to monitor because Amartey and McDonald will return at some stage, and clubs are constantly looking for forwards who can play in the ruck. Contracted until: End of 2027. West Coast Jack Petruccelle (one game) Petruccelle's sole match under Andrew McQualter was as the substitute in round two. The Victorian speedster has otherwise toiled away in the WAFL, as well as dealing with a shoulder issue. There is always a need for speed in the AFL, and he has 89 games' experience, so opposition clubs will likely keep tabs on Petruccelle. There is the possibility that the 26-year-old forces his way into the Eagles' senior line-up, but this is a situation to monitor. Contracted until: End of 2025 (unrestricted free agent). Western Bulldogs Harvey Gallagher (five games) Gallagher had a breakthrough season in 2024, making his AFL debut and playing 20 games – but it's been more difficult this year, including being dropped twice. He has played down back, through the midfield and on a wing during his time at the Kennel, has won plenty of the Sherrin in the VFL and is only 21, so this looks a temporary challenge for Gallagher. Taylor Duryea has fallen out of favour, too, but is nearing the end of his career. Contracted until: End of 2026.
Business Wire
12-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Median Technologies to Present Scientific Posters on eyonis® LCS in Two Major Health Conferences in North America in May 2025
SOPHIA ANTIPOLIS, France--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Regulatory News: Median Technologies (FR0011049824, ALMDT, PEA-PME scheme eligible, 'Median' or the 'Company'), manufacturer of eyonis®, a suite of artificial intelligence (AI) powered Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) for early cancer diagnosis, and a globally leading provider of AI-based image analyses and central imaging services for oncology drug developers, announced today that the Company will attend two major health conferences and present posters on its Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) eyonis® LCS, for Lung Cancer Screening. The eyonis® LCS SaMD is an AI-powered Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) to detect and diagnose (CADe/CADx) lung cancer in Low Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) images. eyonis® LCS has met the primary endpoints in the two pivotal clinical trials required for FDA and CE marking regulatory submissions. The FDA 510K application for eyonis® LCS U.S. marketing authorization is scheduled for submission shortly and clearance and commercialization are expected late this year. Median will present its findings on the projected U.S. economic benefit that eyonis® LCS can offer payers at ISPOR 2025, the leading conference for health economics and outcomes research, taking place in Montreal, QC, Canada, May 13-16, 2025. Based on a Markov health economic model simulating lung cancer progression over five years, the analysis, grounded in the respective performance of radiologists and AI, demonstrates that eyonis® LCS enhances early detection and characterization, reduces unnecessary procedures, and generates significant cost savings for U.S. payers. These findings support integrating eyonis® LCS into routine lung cancer screening programs. Separately, at the American Thoracic Society (ATS) International Conference, in San Francisco, CA, USA, from May 17-21, 2025, Median will present positive data from the pivotal trial REALITY showing that eyonis® LCS optimized detection, localization, characterization and management of small screening-detected nodules, leading to earlier diagnoses, more effective treatment and positively impacting survival of lung cancer patients. In addition, the Median eyonis® team will welcome interested parties during ATS 2025 at Booth #1662. The Company will share the latest developments for eyonis® LCS SaMD. Presentation at the ISPOR 2025 Conference - Montreal, QC, Canada, May 13-16, 2025 Poster #OP9: Budget Impact Model of Enhanced Lung Cancer Screening with AI/ML Tech-Based Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) on a US Cohort and Private Payer Perspective Poster Session 5 Topic: Organizational Practices Friday May 16, 2025, 9:00 am - 11:30 am EDT Poster discussion slot from 9:00 to 10:00 am EDT Main Poster Area First author & presenter: Antoine Disset, PhD, VP Market Access and Gov. Affairs eyonis®, Median Technologies Presentation at the American Thoracic Society (ATS) 2025 International Conference – San Francisco, CA, USA – May 17-21, 2025. Poster #13190: AI-Assisted Lung Cancer Screening: Results from REALITY, a Pivotal Validation Study of an AI/ML-Based Software Poster Session: B110 - The road to Early Detection: Advancing Lung Cancer Screening through AI, Risk Models, and Real-World Data Topic: Lung Cancer, Thoracic Oncology Poster discussion: Monday May 19, 2025, 2:15 pm - 4:15 pm PDT Main Poster Area – Poster Board #616 About eyonis® LCS: eyonis® Lung Cancer Screening (LCS) is an artificial intelligence AI/ML-based computer aided detection and diagnosis (CADe/CADx) system, or Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) that uses machine learning to help analyze imaging data generated with low dose computed tomography (LDCT) to aid radiologists in diagnosis of lung cancer at the earliest stages, when it can still be cured in many patients. eyonis® LCS is the subject of two pivotal studies required for marketing approvals in the U.S. and Europe: REALITY ( ID: NCT06576232) and RELIVE ( ID: NCT06751576), both of which have been successfully completed. Regulatory filings including this pivotal data are scheduled to be submitted for FDA 510(k) clearance and CE marking in May and June 2025 respectively. About Median Technologies: Pioneering innovative software as a medical device and imaging services, Median Technologies harnesses cutting-edge AI to enhance the accuracy of early cancer diagnoses and treatments. Median's offerings include iCRO, which provides medical image analysis and management in oncology trials, and eyonis®, an AI/ML tech-based suite of software as a medical device (SaMD). Median empowers biopharmaceutical entities and clinicians to advance patient care and expedite the development of novel therapies. The French-based company, with a presence in the U.S. and China, trades on the Euronext Growth market (ISIN: FR0011049824, ticker: ALMDT). Median is also eligible for the French SME equity savings plan scheme (PEA-PME). For more information, visit Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are not historical facts. They include projections and estimates, as well as the assumptions on which these are based, statements concerning projects, objectives, intentions, and expectations with respect to future financial results, events, operations, services, product development and potential, or future performance. These forward-looking statements can often be identified by the words "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates" or "plans" and any other similar expressions. Although Median's management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of Median Technologies, that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to Median Technologies as of the date of the press release. Median Technologies does not undertake to update any forward-looking information or statements, subject to applicable regulations, in particular Articles 223-1 et seq. of the General Regulation of the French Autorité des Marchés Financiers.
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Former OpenAI Employee Rages Against Sam Altman: "Person of Low Integrity"
A former OpenAI employee is joining Elon Musk's campaign against CEO Sam Altman — and he's got a lot to say about his former boss. After jumping ship to Anthropic, which was cofounded by former OpenAI-ers over AI safety and ethics concerns, researcher Todor Markov is now claiming in a new legal filing that his ex-boss is, essentially, a really bad dude. The root of Markov's complaint, as he explained in his portion of a lengthy amicus brief that also includes statements from 11 other former OpenAI employees, are Altman's alleged lies about non-disparagement agreements that staffers are forced to sign early in their time at the company. Last year, the researcher discovered the existence of the clause that essentially made him and other departing employees give up their right to ever speak critically about OpenAI if they wanted to keep their vested equity in their multi-billion-dollar former employer. During an all-hands meeting about the controversial clause, Altman claimed he had no knowledge of its existence — only to be caught with egg on his face immediately after when Vox published leaked documents showing that the CEO had signed off on it. As Markov explained in his declaration, that debacle proved to him that Altman "was a person of low integrity who had directly lied to employees" about the restrictive non-disparagement agreements. This suggested to him that the CEO was "very likely lying to employees about a number of other important topics," including its commitment to building safe artificial general intelligence, or AGI. In the company's charter, OpenAI promises to "use any influence we obtain over AGI's deployment to ensure it is used for the benefit of all, and to avoid enabling uses of AI or AGI that harm humanity or unduly concentrate power." According to Markov, that promise was "positioned as the foundational document guiding all of our strategic decisions" — but ultimately, it proved empty. "I realized the Charter had been used as a smokescreen," he wrote, "something to attract and retain idealistic talent while providing no real check on OpenAI's growth and its pursuit of AGI." Like Musk, Markov believes that Altman's attempts to restructure OpenAI into a for-profit entity shows that its charter and mission "were used all along as a facade to manipulate its workforce and the public." Unlike that multi-hyphenate billionaire cofounder, however, the researcher isn't looking to buy anything — and seems mostly to want his voice heard. More on Altman: This Appears to Be Why Sam Altman Actually Got Fired by OpenAI
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
How could Putin respond to US-Ukraine ceasefire plan?
It was after 21:00 on Tuesday night in Moscow when the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined the Ukrainian and American proposal for a 30-day ceasefire with Russia. By Wednesday afternoon, the Kremlin appeared to be still weighing its response to the proposals. Russia's foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova declined to be drawn into specifics, saying that "the formation of the position of the Russian Federation [would] take place inside the Russian Federation". And Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov skirted the issue. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves," he said, adding Moscow was "acquainting itself" with the joint statement issued in Jeddah. There are reports that US envoy Steve Witkoff could travel to Moscow on Thursday, and Peskov said the press would be kept informed. Other than this, it was no comment from the Kremlin. President Vladimir Putin is no doubt thinking carefully about whether to accept the ceasefire proposal, reject it, or demand amendments to it. The idea of turning down - or amending - the ceasefire proposal seems to be gaining most traction among commentators. "If [Putin] accepts the US suggestion, it will lead to a dangerous situation," pro-Kremlin pundit and former Putin aide Sergei Markov told the BBC, arguing that the Russian army currently has the upper hand on the front line and may lose it. There are also concerns that Ukraine could use the month-long ceasefire to rearm, so Russia may put forward some conditions, such as demanding an end to the Western supply of weapons to Kyiv. "The condition should be that during this period, an embargo must be introduced on arms supplies to Ukraine... Europe should support a ceasefire in Europe, not with words, but with actions," Mr Markov told Russian media. If he were to accept the proposal, Mr Markov suggests public opinion could be a factor. Russian society is "tired of the war", he told the BBC. While it is true that some recent surveys show a growing percentage of the Russian population is in favour of carrying out peace talks with Ukraine, it's far from clear that public opinion would have any sway on Putin's decision. Why did Putin's Russia invade Ukraine? US-Ukraine agreement shows a deal is never dead with Trump Another potential avenue for Russia would be to accept the ceasefire and then blame any violations on Ukrainian "provocations", in the hope of discrediting Kyiv in Trump's eyes. After Russia seized Crimea in 2014, numerous attempts were made to implement a ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv. All of them failed. If this attempt works, it would be unprecedented. Away from the Kremlin's silence, the announcement of the ceasefire proposal – the most detailed of its kind since the start of Moscow's war on Ukraine – was openly discussed in Russian media. In some cases, there was jubilation over what they saw as Ukraine folding to US demands, with Komsomolskaya Pravda arguing the White House had "completely trounced" Kyiv. "They heard from Ukraine exactly the words they wanted to hear," said the daily. Still, the overwhelming feeling among many Russian commentators and lawmakers is one of scepticism, particularly in light of the US decision to resume sending Kyiv intelligence and weapons. MP Viktor Sobolev said a temporary ceasefire would only play into the hands of the Ukrainians as it would allow them to "regroup in 30 days, replenish their ranks and be replenished with drones". There has also been a push to highlight the victories of the Russian army in the Kursk region, parts of which Kyiv has occupied since last summer - and to show Russia has the upper hand on the battlefield. On Wednesday morning, images of Russian soldiers recapturing Sudzha - the largest town Ukraine managed to seize in Kursk region - were ubiquitous on Russian TV and popular Telegram channels, accompanied by gushing praise for the "daring" work of Moscow's troops. "The real conditions for negotiations are now being created by our heroic guys - all along the front line," said daily Moskovsky Komsomolets. Regardless of the chatter, the final decision – as is always the case in today's Russia – will rest with Vladimir Putin. He, like Trump, is central to this deal. "We... do not rule out the need for a telephone conversation at the highest level," said Peskov on Wednesday morning – meaning direct contact between the two presidents is on the cards. Some Russians may believe this is Trump's preferred avenue, too. "By his own admission, he makes a deal only with the 'boss'," said state broadcaster Ria Novosti. "This means that there will be no deals with 'teams', 'representatives' and 'envoys'. A possible deal can only be between Putin and Trump." It's Russia that may now be feeling the pressure UK helped Ukraine and US reach ceasefire deal - government sources US-Ukraine agreement shows a deal is never dead with Trump
