Putin Demands Withdrawal from Donbas
Vladimir Putin again insists 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 proposal to cede land.
Trump Envoys Report Limited Progress
Putin’s statements come after Donald Trump said his envoys sensed only slight willingness from Moscow to end the war. Negotiator Steve Witkoff plans to meet Ukraine’s delegation next in Florida. Trump calls the Kremlin talks “reasonably good” but stresses both sides must act. The Kremlin awaits a response from Washington. Adviser Yuri Ushakov says no call between Putin and Trump is planned and no date exists for another meeting with Witkoff.
Revised US Plan Reveals Deep Divisions
The original US proposal suggested moving Kyiv-held areas 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 point in detail and notes Russia disagreed with several elements. He does not name the main disputes. Two issues dominate: the fate of occupied Ukrainian territory and security guarantees Kyiv demands. Ushakov says the talks produced “no compromise” and claims Russia’s position strengthened after reported battlefield gains.
Kyiv Accuses Moscow of Delaying Talks
Ukraine accuses Russia of stalling to capture more territory. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybhia says Putin is wasting the world’s time. Kyiv insists on 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 sections 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 Express Alarm
A German news outlet reports it obtained a call transcript in which European leaders voice concern over the US approach. One warns Washington may pressure Ukraine to give up land without guarantees. Another urges Zelensky to act cautiously. A third stresses Europe must remain close to Ukraine during negotiations. The transcript remains unverified. France denies the reported wording and gives 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 roughly one-fifth of Ukraine. Russian forces advance slowly in the south-east despite reports of heavy losses.
