Putin Says Ukraine Talks Must Cover Security for Russia, Ukraine, and Europe

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that future talks on settling the war in Ukraine should focus on security guarantees for both countries and a broader European security framework, confirming readiness to resume US-mediated talks next month. Putin, speaking after meeting US envoy Steve Witkoff, stated the goal is a final peace agreement, not a short-term ceasefire, and agreed that discussions must extend to Europe's overall security architecture. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy also expressed readiness for talks by early next month. Putin reiterated that eastern Ukraine's Donbas region is "historically Russian land," citing referendums held after the invasion, while Kyiv rejects any territorial concessions. US-led efforts had stalled in February due to the US-Israeli conflict with Iran.