Overview

• Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed openness to resuming direct peace talks with Ukrainian leadership for the first time since 2022.
• U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Putin in Moscow, advocating for Ukraine's right to maintain its defense capabilities as part of any agreement.
• Ukrainian President Volodímir Zelenski reaffirmed his refusal to legally recognize Russian control over Crimea, despite U.S. pressure for concessions.
• Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko suggested temporary territorial concessions could be a pathway to peace, diverging from Zelenski's firm stance.
• The U.S. peace proposal reportedly includes recognizing Crimea as Russian territory and freezing current front lines, favoring Moscow's position.