Putin proposed a ceasefire in the current frontline area, stating for the first time that he might abandon the highest demand for military action.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed halting his offensive against Ukraine on the current front as part of efforts to reach a peace deal with Trump, according to people familiar with the matter, according to the Financial Times. Three of the people said Putin told Trump's envoys earlier this month that Moscow could give up its sovereignty claims over four partially occupied regions of Ukraine that remain under Kiev's control. The United States has since proposed possible solutions, which include Washington recognizing Russia's ownership of the Crimean Peninsula and recognizing Russia's de facto control over at least parts of the four regions it currently controls. This is the first time Putin has officially said that Russia may give up its top demands for military action since the conflict broke out three years ago. But European officials warn that Putin may use this apparent concession as bait to induce Trump to accept other Russian demands and impose them on Ukraine as a fait accompli. One of them said: "Kiev is under a lot of pressure now to give up something so that Trump can declare victory."