Overview

• Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed freezing the invasion along current frontlines, reportedly offering to forgo claims on parts of occupied territories, but insists on retaining Crimea.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reiterated that Ukraine will not legally recognize Russia's annexation of Crimea, citing constitutional prohibitions.
• Both leaders have expressed conditional willingness to engage in direct bilateral talks, though no concrete plans have been set, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskow.
• Multilateral negotiations involving the US, UK, France, and Ukraine are scheduled to continue in London this week to explore pathways to a potential ceasefire or peace framework.
• The US has reportedly suggested recognizing Russia's control over Crimea as part of a broader peace deal, a proposal Ukraine has firmly rejected.