Putin Demands Ukraine Withdraw from Donbas
Vladimir Putin again insists Ukrainian forces must leave the Donbas. He warns Russia will seize the region by force if Kyiv refuses. He tells India Today that Moscow controls about 85% of the territory. Volodymyr Zelensky rejects any proposal to surrender land.
Trump Envoys Report Limited Progress
Putin’s statements follow Donald Trump’s claim that his envoys detected slight willingness from Moscow to end the war. Negotiator Steve Witkoff plans to meet Ukraine’s team next in Florida. Trump calls the Kremlin talks “reasonably good” but says both sides must act. The Kremlin awaits Washington’s response. Adviser Yuri Ushakov says no call between Putin and Trump is planned, and no date exists for another meeting with Witkoff.
Updated US Peace Proposal Highlights Divisions
The original US plan suggested shifting Kyiv-held parts of Donbas under Russian control. Witkoff’s team presents a revised version in Moscow. Putin says he had not reviewed it before meeting Witkoff and Jared Kushner. He says they examined every section and notes Russia disagreed with several points. He avoids naming the main disputes. Two key issues remain: the fate of occupied Ukrainian territory and security guarantees Kyiv demands. Ushakov says the talks produced “no compromise” and claims Russia feels stronger after reported battlefield gains.
Kyiv Warns Against Stalling
Ukraine accuses Russia of delaying talks to seize more ground. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybhia says Putin is wasting the world’s time. Kyiv continues to demand strong security guarantees before any agreement. Zelensky says the world sees a real chance for peace but stresses that pressure on Moscow is essential. He says Ukraine revised key parts of the original US plan during Geneva meetings. US and Ukrainian negotiators say they created an updated peace framework but provide no further details.
European Leaders Voice Concern
A German news outlet reports it obtained a call transcript in which European leaders raise alarm over the US approach. One warns Washington might pressure Ukraine to give up territory without guarantees. Another urges Zelensky to act carefully. A third stresses Europe must stay close to Ukraine during these talks. The transcript is unverified. France denies the reported wording and offers no further detail. Several leaders decline to comment. The White House says its team works to stop the killing and holds productive meetings with both sides to build a lasting peace.
Fighting Continues Amid Stalled Diplomacy
Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022 and now controls about one-fifth of Ukraine. Russian forces advance slowly in the south-east despite reports of heavy casualties.
