Putin rejects temporary ceasefire, demands comprehensive Ukraine deal

Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine, demanding a comprehensive and permanent agreement instead, and confirmed readiness to resume negotiations in November with US mediation. Putin stated that talks must focus on security guarantees for both Russia and Ukraine, as well as broader European security architecture, following a meeting with US envoy Steve Witkoff. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed readiness to discuss ceasefire and humanitarian initiatives, but territorial disputes remain a key sticking point. Moscow demands Ukraine withdraw from the entire Donbas region, citing historical claims and the 2022 annexation referendums, which the UN General Assembly has declared illegal and which are not internationally recognized as a basis for changing Ukraine's borders.