Putin urges European security focus in Ukraine peace talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that future Ukraine peace talks should focus on security guarantees for both countries and a broader European security framework, confirming readiness to resume US-mediated negotiations next month. Putin, interviewed after meeting US envoy Steve Witkoff, reiterated that Russia never wanted war but faced hostile Ukrainian reactions, and stressed the goal is a final settlement rather than a short-term ceasefire. Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv supports any ceasefire proposals. Putin also insisted eastern Ukraine's Donbas region is "historically Russian land," citing referendums held after the invasion, while Kyiv rejects any territorial concessions. Talks stalled in February due to the US-Iran conflict.