Putin repeats his demand for a Ukrainian retreat
Vladimir Putin insists that Ukrainian forces must leave the Donbas region. He warns that Russia will take the territory by force if Kyiv refuses. He tells India Today that Moscow already controls about 85% of the region. Volodymyr Zelensky rejects any proposal that includes giving up land.
Trump’s team notes limited progress in Kremlin talks
Putin’s remarks follow comments from Donald Trump, whose envoys say Russia’s leader appears open to ending the war. Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff prepares to meet Ukraine’s negotiating team in Florida next. Trump calls the Kremlin talks “reasonably good” but says both sides must engage. The Kremlin waits for a reaction from Washington. Adviser Yuri Ushakov confirms no planned call between Trump and Putin and no date for another meeting with Witkoff.
Washington’s revised peace plan meets resistance
The original US plan proposed placing Ukrainian-held parts of the Donbas under Moscow’s de facto authority. 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 the delay forced them to examine every point. He adds that Moscow opposes several elements. He offers no specifics, but two major disputes remain: the status of occupied Ukrainian territory and security guarantees for Kyiv. Ushakov says the talks produce “no compromise”. He claims Russia’s stance has grown stronger due to recent battlefield gains. Ukraine accuses Moscow of delaying any ceasefire to take more territory.
Kyiv maintains its push for binding guarantees
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybhia says Putin wastes the world’s time with the talks. Ukraine continues to demand firm and enforceable security guarantees. Zelensky says the world now sees a real chance to end the war but insists that pressure on Russia must remain. He says his team changed key parts of the original US plan, which strongly favoured Moscow. After meetings in Geneva, US and Ukrainian negotiators present an “updated and refined peace framework” without releasing details. European negotiators also travel to Geneva and hold separate discussions after voicing earlier concerns.
Europe warns of risks in ongoing negotiations
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 pressure Ukraine to concede land without clear security guarantees. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reportedly urges Zelensky to act carefully. Finnish President Alexander Stubb allegedly says Ukraine must not face the talks alone. The outlet does not release the transcript. France denies Macron used those words and shares no further detail. Stubb declines to comment, and Merz remains silent.
The White House says senior US officials work to stop the killing. The statement says they gather feedback from both sides to create a durable and enforceable peace.
Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022 and now controls around 20% of Ukraine. Russian forces advance slowly in the south-east despite heavy reported losses.
