Putin Reinforces Donbas Ultimatum
Vladimir Putin again demands that Ukrainian forces leave 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 surrender land.
Trump Envoys Report Limited Signals from Moscow
Putin’s remarks follow Donald Trump’s claim that his envoys saw slight willingness from Moscow to end the war. Negotiator Steve Witkoff plans to meet Ukraine’s delegation in Florida next. 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 Peace Plan Fails to Narrow Gaps
The original US proposal suggested placing Kyiv-held parts of Donbas under Russian control. Witkoff’s team brings an updated version to Moscow. Putin says he had not reviewed it before meeting Witkoff and Jared Kushner. He says they examined each point in detail and notes Russia disagreed with several elements. He avoids naming the main disputes. Two issues dominate: the fate of occupied Ukrainian land and Kyiv’s demand for security guarantees. Ushakov says the talks produced “no compromise” and claims Russia feels stronger after reported battlefield gains.
Kyiv Calls Out Moscow’s Delays
Ukraine accuses Russia of stalling 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 deal. Zelensky says the world now sees a real chance for peace but stresses that 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 developed an updated peace framework but provide no further details.
European Leaders Express Concern
A German news outlet reports it obtained a call transcript in which European leaders voice alarm about the US approach. One warns that Washington might pressure Ukraine to surrender land without firm guarantees. Another urges Zelensky to act with caution. A third stresses Europe must remain close to 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 halt the killing and holds productive meetings with both sides to build a lasting peace.
Fighting Continues as Negotiations Lag
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.
