Putin Demands New Ukrainian Territorial Concessions for NATO Security Guarantees

Russian dictator Vladimir Putin demands Ukraine cede unoccupied parts of Donbas for a ceasefire and expects further territorial concessions in exchange for NATO security guarantees, the Financial Times reported Friday. Putin seeks to seize initiative through massive winter strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, viewing a shift from territorial issues to security guarantees as a way to prolong talks while weakening Ukraine's military position. European officials are concerned about US President Donald Trump's plans to negotiate a new European security architecture with Russia. Trump met Putin's envoy Kirill Dmitriev at the White House on November 5, saying a deal would cover more than Ukraine, possibly all of Europe. European capitals oppose using Ukraine peace talks to reshape continental security, insisting the EU must decide its own security matters.