Vladimir Putin has reportedly dismissed significant aspects of the U.S.-supported proposal aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine, while high-ranking Kremlin officials intensify their warnings to Europe regarding intentions to utilize frozen Russian assets for Kyiv’s benefit.
As reported by The Associated Press, Putin stated that certain components of the American proposition were unacceptable to him, particularly demands for Russia to pull back from Ukrainian territories it occupies. These remarks emerged amidst a surge in diplomatic engagements, following discussions held in Geneva and Florida involving Ukrainian representatives and envoys from the U.S. administration.
Responding to recent reports, a senior U.S. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, informed Digital that the United States and Russia “engaged in a comprehensive, fruitful meeting earlier this week.” The official noted that “multiple new concepts for resolving outstanding disagreements have emerged over the past week and remain under consideration by all involved parties,” further stating that Special Envoy Witkoff and Jared Kushner have subsequently briefed President Trump and Ukrainian authorities and are slated to confer with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov later today.
This recent progression follows a night of heightened lethal strikes across Ukraine, during which Russian forces were responsible for the death of a 6-year-old girl in Kherson, according to official reports.
The Russian Defense Ministry showcased video evidence purporting to demonstrate their persistent shelling of Huliaipole with Grad rockets. An assault by Russian drones on Odesa resulted in at least six injuries and damage to the city’s energy infrastructure, as reported by East2West news agency. Another six individuals sustained injuries from a Russian attack on Kryvyi Rih, the birthplace of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Conversely, Ukrainian drones targeted Nevinnomyssk Azot, a vital provider of explosives and components for rocket fuel.
Dmitry Medvedev, former Russian President and Deputy Chair of the Security Council, issued a caution that if the European Union proceeds with utilizing frozen Russian state assets to offer financial aid to Ukraine, Moscow might interpret such an action as a legitimate cause for war.
Medvedev stated, “Should the irrational European Union endeavor to seize Russian assets, currently held in Belgium, by issuing what they term ‘reparative loans,’ such endeavors could, under international law, be categorized as a distinct type of casus belli, carrying all associated repercussions for Brussels and individual EU member states.” He further indicated that restitution might occur “not through judicial processes, but via tangible reparations rendered in kind by Russia’s vanquished adversaries.”
Reuters reported that leaders within the EU are exploring methods to utilize approximately €190 billion, equating to about $221.8 billion, in frozen Russian sovereign assets to address Ukraine’s and military requirements. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen affirmed this week that Europe is committed to guaranteeing Ukraine “possesses the necessary resources” for its defense, putting forward a proposal for support amounting to roughly €90 billion, or about $105.1 billion, spanning the next two years.
“We are escalating the economic burden of Russia’s aggressive conflict,” declared von der Leyen. She further commented that augmenting financial pressure ought to encourage Putin towards negotiations, even as Russia indicates an absence of readiness for concession.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly addressed the diplomatic developments, posting on X that Ukraine is arranging further discussions with American representatives. “Ukraine has been heard, and Ukraine has been heeded. And that is significant,” Zelenskyy stated. “A respectable peace can only be achieved if Ukraine’s concerns are acknowledged.”
He elaborated that any endeavor for peace must integrate diplomatic initiatives with sustained pressure on Moscow. “The entirety hinges on this synergy — constructive diplomacy coupled with pressure on the aggressor.”
In the interim, Russia has persisted with its military operations throughout Ukraine, as per Associated Press reports, with both factions readying themselves for future engagements.
Putin’s dismissal of the proposal and Medvedev’s admonitions to Europe underscore an expansion of diplomatic and military points of contention, occurring precisely as global endeavors to secure a resolution to the nearly three-year conflict escalate.
This report includes contributions from The Associated Press and Reuters.