Putin repeats demand for Ukraine’s withdrawal
Vladimir Putin insists that Ukrainian forces must leave the Donbas region. He warns that Russia will seize the area by force if Kyiv refuses. He tells India Today that Moscow already controls around 85% of the region. Volodymyr Zelensky rejects any plan that involves giving up territory.
Trump envoys report modest signs of movement
Putin’s warning follows comments from Donald Trump, whose negotiators say Russia’s leader seeks a path to end the war. Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff plans to meet Ukraine’s delegation soon in Florida. Trump calls the Kremlin talks “reasonably good” but stresses that both sides must engage. The Kremlin now waits for a reaction from Washington. Adviser Yuri Ushakov says no call between Trump and Putin is planned and no date exists for another meeting with Witkoff.
Revised US proposal faces Russian objections
The first US peace plan proposed shifting Ukrainian-held parts of the Donbas under Moscow’s de facto influence. Witkoff’s team brings a revised version to Moscow. Putin says he had not seen the new draft before meeting Witkoff and Jared Kushner. He says this forced them to review each point. He adds that Moscow rejects several elements. He offers no specifics, but two issues remain central: the status of occupied Ukrainian territory and security guarantees for Kyiv. Ushakov says the talks deliver “no compromise”. He claims Russia’s stance has strengthened through recent battlefield gains. Ukraine accuses Moscow of delaying any ceasefire to capture more ground.
Kyiv insists on firm protection measures
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybhia says Putin wastes the world’s time with these talks. Ukraine continues to demand solid and enforceable security guarantees. Zelensky says the world sees a realistic chance to end the war but insists that pressure on Russia must remain. He says his team changed important parts of the original US plan, which heavily favoured Moscow. After talks in Geneva, US and Ukrainian negotiators present an “updated and refined peace framework” without giving details. European negotiators travel to Geneva as well and hold separate meetings after expressing earlier concerns.
European capitals fear a deal at Ukraine’s expense
A German news outlet reports that it obtained a confidential transcript of a call between European leaders. Emmanuel Macron allegedly warns that the US might push Ukraine to concede territory without clear and reliable security guarantees. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reportedly urges Zelensky to act with caution. Finnish President Alexander Stubb allegedly says Ukraine must not face the negotiations alone. The outlet does not release the transcript. France denies Macron used those words and provides no further detail. Stubb declines to comment, and Merz remains silent.
The White House says senior US officials work to halt the killing. The statement says they gather feedback from both sides to build a durable and enforceable peace.
Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022 and now controls about 20% of Ukraine. Russian troops advance slowly in the south-east despite heavy reported losses.
