Putin demands a Ukrainian withdrawal without concessions
Vladimir Putin insists that Ukrainian troops must leave the Donbas region. He warns that Russia will seize the territory by force if Kyiv refuses. He tells India Today that Moscow already controls roughly 85% of the region. Volodymyr Zelensky rejects any proposal that involves giving up land.
Trump envoys see small steps but no breakthrough
Putin’s comments follow remarks from Donald Trump, whose negotiators say Russia’s leader appears open to ending the war. Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff plans to meet Ukraine’s delegation in Florida next. Trump calls the Kremlin talks “reasonably good” but stresses that both sides must respond. 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.
Adjusted US peace plan meets pushback in Moscow
The original US proposal suggested placing Ukrainian-held parts of the Donbas under Moscow’s de facto control. Witkoff’s team brings a revised version to Moscow. Putin says he had not seen the new draft before his talks with Witkoff and Jared Kushner. He says this forced them to examine each point closely. He adds that Moscow rejects several elements. He names no details, but two disputes remain central: the future of occupied Ukrainian territory and security guarantees for Kyiv. Ushakov says the talks produce “no compromise”. He claims Russia’s negotiating position has strengthened due to recent battlefield gains. Ukraine accuses Moscow of delaying any ceasefire to seize more ground.
Kyiv sticks to its demand for strong safeguards
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybhia says Putin wastes the world’s time with these discussions. Ukraine insists on firm and enforceable security guarantees. Zelensky says the world sees a real chance to end the war but insists that pressure on Russia must stay. He says his team changed key parts of the original US plan, which heavily favoured Moscow. After meetings in Geneva, US and Ukrainian negotiators announce an “updated and refined peace framework” without releasing specifics. European negotiators also travel to Geneva and hold separate talks after voicing earlier concerns.
European leaders fear pressure on Ukraine’s sovereignty
A German news outlet reports that it obtained a confidential transcript of a call among European leaders. Emmanuel Macron allegedly warns that the US may pressure Ukraine to concede land without strong security guarantees. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reportedly urges Zelensky to act with caution. Finnish President Alexander Stubb allegedly says Ukraine must not face the situation alone. The outlet does not release the transcript. France denies Macron used those words and offers no additional detail. Stubb declines to comment, and Merz stays silent.
The White House says senior US officials work to stop 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 around 20% of Ukraine. Russian troops advance slowly in the south-east despite heavy reported losses.
