Putin holds firm on territorial demands in Ukraine talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed Moscow's uncompromising territorial demands on Ukraine during a meeting with US negotiators in Moscow, insisting only Russia's official border is acceptable. Putin's position includes annexed Ukrainian regions. Putin met with US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, reiterating claims to Crimea and four Ukrainian regions declared Russian territory in 2022. He proposed a humanitarian evacuation operation for the contested Donbas city Kostjantyniwka, where Ukrainian forces reportedly remain. The US delegation raised European participation in peace talks, with Putin saying Washington should clarify whether Europe wants war or peace. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz backs the E3 format for European representation, while Ukraine reported renewed disruptions to US military satellite internet Starshield.