Putin Demands Ukrainian Withdrawal from Donbas
Vladimir Putin again insists that Ukrainian troops leave the Donbas. He warns Russia will seize the region by force if Kyiv refuses. He tells India Today that Moscow now controls roughly 85% of the territory. Volodymyr Zelensky rejects any proposal to cede land.
Trump Envoys Report Only Limited Progress
Putin’s remarks come after Donald Trump’s claim that his envoys sensed some 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 says both sides must act. The Kremlin waits for 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 Close Gaps
The original US proposal suggested moving 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 point and notes Russia disagreed with several elements. He avoids naming the main disputes. Two key issues remain: the fate of occupied Ukrainian land and security guarantees Kyiv demands. Ushakov says the talks produced “no compromise” and claims Russia feels stronger after reported battlefield gains.
Kyiv Warns Against Delays
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 meetings. US and Ukrainian negotiators say they created an updated peace framework but provide no additional details.
Europe Voices Concern Over US Strategy
A German news outlet reports it obtained a call transcript where European leaders express worry about Washington’s approach. One warns the US might push Ukraine to give up territory without guarantees. Another urges Zelensky to act cautiously. A third stresses that Europe must remain close to Ukraine during this phase. The transcript has not been verified. France denies the reported wording and provides 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 about one-fifth of Ukraine. Russian forces advance slowly in the south-east despite reports of heavy casualties.
