Russia and Ukraine remain deadlocked in talks and on the battlefield

Russia and Ukraine remain deadlocked in both peace negotiations and on the battlefield, with the two sides' positions fundamentally irreconcilable. Moscow's core demand is Ukrainian surrender of the Donbas region, while Kyiv refuses to abandon what it considers its last defensible line before the capital. US National Security Adviser Marco Rubio acknowledged that Russia controls all but 11% of the Donetsk region, which Ukraine's military views as critical defensive terrain. He noted Russia has shifted to inflicting pain through drone and missile strikes on civilian infrastructure, while Ukraine strikes Russian refineries. Rubio expressed lowered expectations for a quick resolution. The Trump administration has offered Moscow numerous concessions, including a diesel deal, an energy ceasefire, and restrictions on Starlink and intelligence sharing, while pressing Zelensky to leave office. Zelensky said intelligence sharing now works again and hopes for positive word on Patriot systems. Witkoff heads to Russia tomorrow, though the nature of his proposal to Putin remains unclear.