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Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly proposed halting military operations along the current front lines, opening the door to a potential peace deal with the United States.
According to people familiar with the matter, Putin’s proposal was relayed during a private meeting held in St. Petersburg with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, a close associate of President Donald Trump. The Russian leader suggested that Moscow is ready to freeze the conflict where it stands, provided certain conditions are met—including international recognition of Russia’s hold over Crimea and other territories it currently occupies in eastern Ukraine.
This development comes as diplomatic efforts gain traction behind the scenes, with Washington said to be weighing a set of counter-proposals that could include a European peacekeeping force and the creation of a demilitarized buffer zone under international supervision.
Although neither Moscow nor Washington has officially confirmed the details, early reactions from European capitals have been mixed. Some European officials fear the move may be more tactical than genuine, aimed at influencing U.S. support for Ukraine and potentially persuading Trump to push Kyiv toward making concessions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, while acknowledging that dialogue is ongoing, firmly rejected any deal that would involve ceding territory. “Crimea is Ukraine,” he reaffirmed in a statement, while reiterating his administration’s openness to an unconditional ceasefire—so long as it doesn’t come at the expense of national sovereignty.
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Efforts to build momentum for peace have been further complicated by shifting diplomatic schedules. High-level talks planned for London were postponed after several U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, withdrew. Nonetheless, Ukraine dispatched a delegation led by senior figures from the government and military, underscoring their commitment to exploring peaceful solutions.
Meanwhile, the human toll of the conflict continues to grow. In the latest attack, a Russian drone strike on a transport bus carrying workers in eastern Ukraine killed nine people and wounded more than 40 others. The incident served as a grim reminder of the war’s ongoing violence, even as leaders abroad exchange proposals for peace.
Whether Putin’s overture represents a true turning point—or merely a strategic pause—remains to be seen. For now, the world watches with cautious optimism, hoping diplomacy can succeed where force has failed.
