Overview
- US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj held a brief but productive meeting in Rome, discussing steps toward a ceasefire and lasting peace.
- Ukraine has drafted a counterproposal that omits demands for full territorial restoration and NATO membership, seeking compromise while maintaining sovereignty over key issues.
- Russia continues to demand Ukrainian concessions on Crimea and four eastern regions, while Zelenskyj upholds Ukraine's constitutional prohibition on ceding territory.
- Amid ongoing negotiations, Russia has escalated drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, drawing condemnation from Trump and raising doubts about Putin's commitment to peace.
- Trump has suggested potential secondary sanctions on Russia, signaling frustration over continued hostilities and questioning Moscow's sincerity in the peace process.