Putin Stresses His Demand on Donbas
Vladimir Putin again insists that Ukrainian forces must leave the Donbas. He warns that Russia will seize the region by force if Kyiv refuses. He tells India Today that Moscow now controls about 85% of the area. Volodymyr Zelensky rejects any handover of territory.
Trump Envoys See Limited Movement After Moscow Talks
Putin’s remarks follow Donald Trump’s claim that his envoys sensed some interest from Moscow in ending the conflict. Negotiator Steve Witkoff plans to meet Ukraine’s team next in Florida. Trump describes the Kremlin talks as “reasonably good”, though he cautions that both sides must show readiness. The Kremlin waits for a US reaction. Adviser Yuri Ushakov says no new call between Putin and Trump is planned and no date exists for another meeting with Witkoff.
Updated US Draft Fails to Bridge the Gap
The first US peace plan suggested that parts of Kyiv-held Donbas shift to Russian control. Witkoff’s delegation brings a revised version to Moscow. Putin says he had not seen the update before meeting Witkoff and Jared Kushner. He says they reviewed every section and notes that Russia disagreed with several elements. He avoids naming the main disputes. Two issues dominate: the future of occupied Ukrainian territory and the security guarantees Kyiv seeks. Ushakov says the talks produced “no compromise” and claims Russia feels stronger because of reported battlefield gains.
Kyiv Insists on Strong Pressure and Clear Guarantees
Ukraine accuses Russia of dragging out talks to capture more ground. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybhia says Putin is wasting global time. Kyiv continues to demand firm security guarantees in any agreement. Zelensky says the world now sees a real chance for peace but stresses that negotiations need strong pressure on Moscow. He says Ukraine made major changes to the original US plan during meetings in Geneva. US and Ukrainian officials say they created an updated peace framework but share no details.
European Leaders Voice Fears Over US Strategy
A German news outlet reports it obtained a transcript of a call in which European leaders express alarm about the US approach. One leader warns that Washington could make decisions on territory without clear security commitments for Kyiv. Another cautions Zelensky to act with extreme care in the coming days. A third says Europe must stand with Ukraine during these sensitive talks. The outlet’s report has not been verified. A French official denies the wording but offers no further detail. Several leaders decline to comment. The White House says its team works nonstop to stop the killing and holds productive meetings with both sides to build a durable peace.
Battlefield Dynamics Shape the Road Ahead
Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022 and now controls about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory. Russian forces continue slow advances in the south-east, despite reports of heavy losses.
