Putin holds firm on Donbas demands, proposes evacuation for Kostjantyniwka

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated hardline territorial demands on Ukraine during talks with US envoys, insisting on Ukrainian troop withdrawal from the Donbas and warning that any Western forces in Ukraine would be a "legitimate target." Putin told US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Moscow that Russia recognizes only its official border as the boundary with Ukraine, which includes annexed territories. He proposed a humanitarian evacuation operation for the contested city of Kostjantyniwka, though Ukrainian positions reportedly remain there. The Kremlin chief also stated that Western troop deployment in Ukraine post-war would immediately reignite conflict. Kushner raised European participation in negotiations, with Putin saying the US should clarify whether Europe wants war or peace, while demanding Europeans appoint a negotiator.