Putin Reiterates Donbas Ultimatum
Vladimir Putin again demands that Ukrainian troops withdraw from the Donbas. He warns Russia will seize the region by force if Kyiv refuses. He tells India Today that Moscow controls around 85% of the territory. Volodymyr Zelensky rejects any proposal to give up land.
Trump Envoys Report Only Limited Progress
Putin’s statements follow Donald Trump’s claim that his envoys detected a slight willingness from Moscow to end the conflict. Negotiator Steve Witkoff plans to meet Ukraine’s team in Florida next. Trump calls the Kremlin talks “reasonably good” but stresses that both sides must act. The Kremlin awaits Washington’s reply. Adviser Yuri Ushakov says no call between Putin and Trump is planned, and no date exists for another meeting with Witkoff.
Updated US Plan Fails to Bridge Gaps
The initial US proposal suggested transferring Kyiv-held parts of the Donbas under Russian control. Witkoff’s team presents a revised version in Moscow. Putin says he had not seen it before meeting Witkoff and Jared Kushner. He says they reviewed every section and notes Russia disagreed with several points. He avoids naming the main disputes. Two issues dominate: the status of occupied Ukrainian territory and the security guarantees Kyiv seeks. Ushakov says the talks produced “no compromise” and claims Russia feels stronger after recent battlefield gains.
Kyiv Warns of Delays and Risks
Ukraine accuses Russia of stalling to capture more territory. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybhia says Putin is wasting the world’s time. Kyiv continues to demand firm security guarantees before any deal. Zelensky says the world sees a real chance for peace but stresses strong pressure on Moscow is essential. He says Ukraine changed key parts of the original US plan during Geneva talks. US and Ukrainian negotiators say they created an updated peace framework but give no further details.
European Leaders Raise Concerns
A German news outlet reports it obtained a call transcript in which European leaders express concern over the US approach. One warns that Washington may push Ukraine to give up territory without clear guarantees. Another urges Zelensky to proceed carefully. A third stresses that Europe must stand with Ukraine. The transcript remains unverified. A French official 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 as Diplomacy Lags
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 casualties.
