Putin signals openness to US security framework proposal in Ukraine talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin has shown tentative agreement with a US proposal to resolve the Ukraine conflict through discussions on a new European security framework, following talks with a US special envoy in Moscow. The meeting with US envoy Steve Witkoff lasted about two and a half hours. Putin indicated willingness to negotiate on conditions including halting NATO expansion and not deploying troops in countries that joined the alliance after 1997, according to Russian aide Yuri Ushakov. Putin also proposed humanitarian aid operations in active combat zones, which the US side supported. Witkoff is expected to travel to Ireland to consult with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders on the discussions.