Russia agrees to include European representatives in Ukraine peace talks
What's the story
Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to allow European representatives in the next round of peace talks on Ukraine. United States envoy Steve Witkoff announced this development after meeting Putin at the Kremlin. "The Europeans will join at the next meeting, which we consider to be a very important moment because they are our partners and it's important to us that they take part," Witkoff told Russian state television.
Tensions rise
Zelensky warns US discussions on European security order with Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed concern over the United States's discussions of a new European security order with Russia.
He said that new restrictions on US-made satellite communications are affecting their battlefield operations.
"If someone in America is making decisions that basically treat Ukrainian territory as if it is not Ukrainian, then it tells us where things are going," Zelenskyy said.
Shift noted
Putin warns against sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine
US envoy Jared Kushner also met Putin and said Washington had detected "a big change" in the European side.
He expressed confidence that including Europeans in peace talks would not hinder progress.
However, Putin warned that sending peacekeeping troops into Ukraine after a peace deal could reignite conflict, as Russia would perceive it as a security threat.
Humanitarian proposal
Putin proposes humanitarian mission to war-torn Kostiantynivka
Putin proposed a joint Russian-Ukrainian humanitarian mission to Kostiantynivka, which he claimed was under Moscow's control, although Ukraine has taken issue with the assertion in the past.
He said the mission would help clear mines and allow aid to reach residents.
However, Kyiv has previously raised concerns that such missions could be used by Moscow for military regrouping.