Putin proposes new humanitarian ceasefire, rejects Western troops in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Moscow, proposing a new humanitarian operation similar to the limited ceasefire in Olesjky and rejecting Western soldiers in Ukraine. The envoys then traveled to Dublin for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj and European leaders. Putin reportedly said foreign forces in a potential peacekeeping mission would be seen as "legitimate targets," a stance conflicting with Ukraine's demand for such a force. He also refused to compromise on Russian territorial claims and suggested evacuating 400-500 civilians from Kostjantynivka near the Donetsk front line under a limited ceasefire. The US envoys urged Putin to allow European participation in peace negotiations, according to AFP. Few other details from the meeting have been released. The visit aimed to brief Putin on this week's Russia-Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi, following Kushner's Wednesday claim of "openings and opportunities" with Putin.