Putin Repeats His Donbas Ultimatum
Vladimir Putin again demands that Ukrainian troops 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 territory. Volodymyr Zelensky rejects any handover of Ukrainian land.
Trump Envoys Report Mixed Signals After Kremlin Talks
Putin’s remarks follow Donald Trump’s claim that his envoys sensed limited interest in peace from Moscow. Negotiator Steve Witkoff plans to meet Ukraine’s delegation soon in Florida. Trump describes his Kremlin talks as “reasonably good” yet says both sides must move. The Kremlin waits for Washington’s response. Adviser Yuri Ushakov says no call between Putin and Trump is planned and no date exists for another meeting with Witkoff.
New US Proposal Shows Sharp Disputes
The initial US plan suggested shifting parts of Kyiv-held Donbas under Russian control. Witkoff’s team brings a revised version to Moscow. Putin says he had not seen the update before meeting Witkoff and Jared Kushner. He says they examined every detail and notes Russia disagreed with several points. He avoids naming the biggest disputes. Two issues dominate: the status of occupied Ukrainian territory and the security guarantees Kyiv demands. Ushakov says the talks produced “no compromise” and claims Russia feels stronger due to reported battlefield gains.
Kyiv Warns Against Delays and Hidden Risks
Ukraine accuses Russia of blocking progress to capture more ground. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybhia says Putin is wasting global time. Kyiv insists on firm security guarantees before any agreement. Zelensky says the world now senses a real chance for peace but stresses that strong pressure on Moscow must support talks. He says Ukraine changed key parts of the original US plan during the Geneva meeting. US and Ukrainian negotiators say they developed an updated peace framework but reveal no further details.
European Leaders Voice Deep Concern
A German news outlet reports it obtained a transcript of a call where European leaders express concern about the US approach. One warns that Washington could make decisions on territory without firm guarantees for Kyiv. Another urges Zelensky to act with extreme care. A third says Europe must stay close to Ukraine during this delicate phase. The transcript has not been verified. A French official denies the reported wording but gives no further explanation. Several leaders choose not to comment. The White House says its team works to halt the killing and holds productive meetings with both sides to build a durable peace.
Fighting Continues as Diplomacy Falters
Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022 and now controls about one-fifth of Ukrainian land. Russian forces continue slow advances in the south-east despite reports of heavy losses.
