Putin Proposes Ceasefire in Ukraine Amid Peace Talks with Trump

According to Odaily, Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed halting military operations on the current front lines in Ukraine as part of peace negotiations with U.S. President Donald Trump. Sources indicate that earlier this month, Putin informed a Trump envoy that Moscow might relinquish its claims to four occupied regions in Ukraine that remain under Kyiv's control. In response, the United States has suggested a potential resolution, which includes Washington recognizing Russia's sovereignty over Crimea and acknowledging Russia's de facto control over parts of the four regions it currently holds. This marks the first time since the conflict began three years ago that Putin has officially indicated a willingness to abandon Russia's primary military objectives. However, European officials have cautioned that Putin might use this apparent concession as a strategy to persuade Trump to accept other Russian demands, potentially imposing these as established facts on Ukraine. One official noted that Kyiv is under significant pressure to concede certain points, allowing Trump to declare a diplomatic victory.