Putin Stands Firm on Donbas
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 now holds about 85% of the territory. Volodymyr Zelensky rejects any proposal that surrenders Ukrainian land.
Trump Envoys Sense Limited Space for Progress
Putin’s remarks follow Donald Trump’s claim that his envoys detected some interest from Moscow in ending the conflict. Negotiator Steve Witkoff plans to meet Ukraine’s team soon in Florida. Trump calls his Kremlin talks “reasonably good” but says both sides must show readiness. The Kremlin waits for Washington’s reply. Adviser Yuri Ushakov says no Putin–Trump call is planned and no date exists for a new meeting with Witkoff.
Revised US Plan Sparks New Tension
The first US proposal suggested shifting Kyiv-held areas of the Donbas under Russian control. Witkoff’s delegation brings a revised version to Moscow. Putin says he had not reviewed the update before meeting Witkoff and Jared Kushner. He says they studied every section and notes that Russia disagreed with several elements. He avoids naming the main disputes. Two issues dominate: the status of occupied Ukrainian land and the security guarantees Kyiv demands. Ushakov says the talks produced “no compromise” and claims Russia feels stronger because of recent battlefield gains.
Kyiv Says Moscow Drags Out Talks
Ukraine accuses Russia of delaying progress to seize more territory. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybhia says Putin is wasting the world’s time. Kyiv insists on strong security guarantees before any deal. Zelensky says the world senses a real chance for peace but warns that talks must include pressure on Moscow. He says Ukraine made major changes to the initial US plan during the Geneva meeting. US and Ukrainian teams say they created an updated peace framework but give no extra detail.
Europe Worries About US Moves
A German news outlet reports it obtained a call transcript where European leaders express concern about Washington’s strategy. One warns that the US could make decisions on territory without firm guarantees for Kyiv. Another urges Zelensky to act with extreme care. A third says Europe must remain close to Ukraine during this phase. The transcript remains unverified. A French official denies the reported wording but offers no details. Several leaders decline to comment. A White House statement says its team works to stop the killing and holds productive meetings with both sides to build a lasting peace.
Front Line Shifts Slowly as Diplomacy Stalls
Russia launched its full invasion in February 2022 and now controls about one-fifth of Ukraine. Russian forces advance slowly in the south-east despite reports of heavy losses.
