Putin Reaffirms Territorial Demands in Moscow Meeting with US Envoys

Russian President Putin met with US envoys Witkoff and Kushner in Moscow, reaffirming territorial demands that include four regions annexed during the first year of the invasion. He insisted these must be codified in any peace agreement. Putin rejected demilitarized zones between positions and warned that Western troop deployment in Ukraine post-conflict would be seen as a security threat, making them legitimate targets. He proposed a humanitarian mission for Kostjantyniwka, citing a similar operation in Oleshky. Ukraine responded skeptically, claiming Moscow used the Oleshky humanitarian action to transport equipment and rotate troops. Meanwhile, leaders of the European Political Community gathered in Dublin to discuss the war, with Chancellor Merz expressing optimism about increased European involvement in negotiations.