Putin Demands Ukrainian Forces Leave Donbas
Vladimir Putin again insists that Ukrainian troops 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 proposal to cede land.
Trump Envoys Report Limited Signals of Progress
Putin’s remarks follow Donald Trump’s claim that 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 says both sides must act. The Kremlin now awaits Washington’s response. Adviser Yuri Ushakov says no call between Putin and Trump is planned and no date exists for another meeting with Witkoff.
Revised US Plan Exposes Major Divisions
The initial US proposal suggested moving Kyiv-held parts of Donbas under Russian control. Witkoff’s team brings a revised version to Moscow. Putin says he had not seen it before meeting Witkoff and Jared Kushner. He says they reviewed every point and notes Russia disagreed with several elements. He avoids naming the main disputes. Two issues dominate: the fate of occupied Ukrainian territory and the security guarantees Kyiv demands. Ushakov says the talks produced “no compromise” and claims Russia feels stronger after recent battlefield gains.
Kyiv Warns of Stalling and Risks
Ukraine accuses Russia of delaying talks to seize more territory. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybhia says Putin is wasting the world’s time. Kyiv continues to demand firm security guarantees before any agreement. Zelensky says the world sees a real chance for peace but stresses strong pressure on Moscow is essential. He says Ukraine revised key parts of the original US plan during Geneva talks. US and Ukrainian negotiators say they created an updated peace framework but provide no further details.
European Leaders Voice Concern
A German news outlet reports it obtained a call transcript in which European leaders express concern about the US approach. One warns Washington could pressure Ukraine to surrender 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 Despite 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.
