Putin Intensifies Pressure Ahead of New Negotiations
Vladimir Putin again demands that Ukrainian forces withdraw from the Donbas. He warns that Russia will seize the region by force if Kyiv refuses. He tells India Today that Moscow already controls about 85% of the area. Volodymyr Zelensky rejects any suggestion of surrendering land.
Trump Delegation Notes Limited but Real Movement
Putin’s warning follows comments from Donald Trump, whose envoys say the Russian leader wants the war to end. Trump’s negotiator Steve Witkoff will meet the Ukrainian team next in Florida. Trump calls his Kremlin talks “reasonably good” but says both sides must take steps. The Kremlin now waits for a US response. Adviser Yuri Ushakov says no Putin–Trump call is planned and no date exists for a new meeting with Witkoff.
Revised US Plan Highlights Deep Gaps
The first US proposal suggested transferring parts of Donbas under Kyiv’s control into Russia’s de facto sphere. 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 they had to examine each article and notes that Russia objects to several points. He gives no details, but two issues remain central: occupied Ukrainian territory and Ukraine’s security guarantees. Ushakov says no compromise emerged. He claims Moscow’s hand has strengthened due to claimed battlefield progress. Ukraine accuses Russia of delaying any ceasefire to seize more ground.
Kyiv Insists on Firm Security Guarantees
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybhia says Putin is wasting global time. Kyiv continues to demand binding security guarantees. Zelensky says the world sees a genuine chance for peace but insists pressure on Moscow is essential. He says Ukraine rewrote major sections of the original US plan, which he argues strongly favoured Russia. After talks in Geneva, US and Ukrainian officials continue discussing a joint approach.
