Overview

• U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff held his fourth meeting with Vladimir Putin in Moscow, discussing a potential ceasefire and territorial recognition framework.
• President Trump stated that Crimea will remain with Russia and urged Ukraine to accept a deal, while facing criticism for pressuring Kyiv to concede occupied regions.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated that recognizing Russian-occupied territories is a red line, rejecting the proposed terms of the U.S. plan.
• Russia continued missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian cities, killing civilians, even as negotiations reportedly progress toward a ceasefire agreement.
• European Union and United Kingdom leaders oppose the U.S.-backed proposal, emphasizing Ukraine's territorial integrity and rejecting recognition of Russian annexations.