Putin rejects EU seat and security guarantees as Trump envoys leave Moscow empty-handed

Trump's envoys Witkoff and Kushner returned from Moscow without securing a seat for the EU at Ukraine negotiations, as Putin rejected all security guarantee proposals for Kyiv and instead suggested a humanitarian truce in Kostiantynivka. During a televised meeting, Putin used a joke about corruption to dismiss European involvement, insisting talks remain only with Trump. The Kremlin rejected foreign troops in Ukraine and buffer zones, while proposing a truce similar to October's Oleshky operation. Ukraine disputes Russian claims of capturing Kostiantynivka, with maps showing Kyiv's control. Zelensky advisor Dmytro Lytvyn warned Moscow previously used humanitarian operations to reposition military assets, saying details require clarification.