Overview
- In a Politico interview, Trump said Russia holds the stronger negotiating position, criticized European leaders as "weak," and told Zelensky to accept "realities."
- EU officials countered publicly, with the European Commission praising its leadership and Council president Antonio Costa cautioning allies not to interfere, while the pope said a Ukraine deal without Europe is unrealistic.
- Zelensky met Pope Leone XIV and Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, said a revised 20‑point peace proposal shaped with European input will be sent to the United States today, and asked for help to secure voting conditions.
- The Financial Times reported that U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner gave Kyiv only days to respond to U.S. terms that include territorial concessions.
- Putin reiterated that the Donbass is historically Russian, as debate over a U.S. strategy pivot—expecting Europeans to shoulder more NATO defense by 2027—frames the negotiations.