Putin Repeats Withdrawal Demand Ahead of New Talks
Vladimir Putin again calls on Ukrainian forces to 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 dismisses any idea of giving up land.
Trump Team Sees Small but Concrete Steps
Putin’s warning comes after remarks from Donald Trump, whose envoys say the Russian leader wants a path to end the conflict. Negotiator Steve Witkoff will meet the Ukrainian side next in Florida. Trump describes his Kremlin talks as “reasonably good” but says both sides must adjust. The Kremlin waits for a US response. Adviser Yuri Ushakov says no Putin–Trump call is planned and no date exists for another meeting with Witkoff.
New US Draft Exposes Deep Differences
The first US plan suggested shifting parts of Kyiv-held Donbas under Russia’s de facto control. Witkoff’s team brings a revised version to Moscow. Putin says he had not reviewed it before meeting Witkoff and Jared Kushner. He says they examined each clause and notes Russia opposes several points. He gives no details. Two issues dominate: the fate of occupied Ukrainian territory and security guarantees for Kyiv. Ushakov says the talks produced “no compromise”. He argues Russia’s stance has strengthened due to claimed battlefield gains. Ukraine accuses Moscow of delaying any ceasefire to take more ground.
Kyiv Stresses the Need for Strong Guarantees
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybhia says Putin is wasting global time. Kyiv keeps demanding solid security guarantees. Zelensky says the world sees a real opening for peace but insists on strong pressure on Russia. He says Ukraine rewrote key parts of the original US plan, which he claims strongly favoured Moscow. US and Ukrainian officials continue discussing a joint strategy after Geneva meetings.
