Putin Reasserts His Donbas Demand
Vladimir Putin again insists that Ukrainian troops must withdraw from the Donbas. He warns that 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 idea of surrendering land.
Trump Envoys Detect Only Limited Openings
Putin’s remarks follow Donald Trump’s claim that his envoys sensed a narrow opening for peace in Moscow. Negotiator Steve Witkoff plans to meet Ukraine’s delegation soon in Florida. Trump calls the Kremlin talks “reasonably good” but says progress requires effort from both sides. The Kremlin awaits Washington’s reaction. Adviser Yuri Ushakov says no call between Putin and Trump is planned and no date exists for another meeting with Witkoff.
Revised US Proposal Highlights Sharp Divisions
The initial US plan suggested placing Kyiv-held parts of the Donbas under Russian control. Witkoff’s team brings an updated version to Moscow. Putin says he had not reviewed it before meeting Witkoff and Jared Kushner. He says they examined every detail and notes Russia disagreed with several points. He avoids naming the key disputes. Two issues dominate: the fate of occupied Ukrainian territory and the security guarantees Kyiv seeks. Ushakov says the talks produced “no compromise” and argues Russia feels stronger after reported battlefield gains.
Kyiv Accuses Moscow of Buying Time
Ukraine claims Russia slows talks to seize more ground. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybhia says Putin is wasting the world’s time. Kyiv insists on firm security guarantees before any agreement. Zelensky says the world senses a real chance for peace but stresses that pressure on Moscow must guide negotiations. He says Ukraine altered major sections of the original US plan during the Geneva meeting. US and Ukrainian teams say they created an updated peace framework but reveal no details.
Europe Voices Unease About the US Role
A German news outlet reports it obtained a call transcript in which European leaders express worry about Washington’s approach. One warns that the US might make territorial decisions without solid guarantees for Kyiv. Another urges Zelensky to act with great caution. A third says Europe must remain close to Ukraine during this stage. The transcript remains unverified. A French official denies the reported wording but gives no further detail. Several leaders refuse 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.
Front Line Shifts as Talks Drag On
Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022 and now controls about one-fifth of Ukraine. Russian forces push slowly forward in the south-east despite reports of heavy losses.
