Putin dismisses crucial aspects of US peace proposal as Kremlin official cautions Europe about potential new war threat: report

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly turned down significant components of the peace initiative backed by the United States aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine. Senior Kremlin officials have simultaneously escalated warnings to Europe regarding plans to use frozen Russian assets to aid Kyiv.

According to reports, Putin stated there were aspects of the American proposal that he "cannot accept," specifically the conditions requiring Russia to withdraw from territories it occupies in Ukraine. These remarks came amid heightened diplomatic activity following meetings in Geneva and Florida between Ukrainian representatives and U.S. officials.

A senior U.S. official, speaking anonymously, told media outlets that the United States and Russia "engaged in a detailed, productive meeting earlier this week." The official added that "several new approaches to resolve outstanding issues have been explored and continue to be discussed," noting that Special Envoy Witkoff and Jared Kushner briefed both President Trump and Ukrainian officials and are scheduled to meet with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.

Meanwhile, the conflict in Ukraine continues unabated. Recent Russian strikes resulted in the death of a six-year-old girl in Kherson, while shelling in Huliaipole was captured on video by the Russian Defense Ministry, showing intensive Grad rocket attacks. Additional attacks injured six people in Odesa and six more in Kryvyi Rih, the hometown of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Ukrainian drones reportedly targeted Nevinnomyssk Azot, an important explosives and rocket fuel supplier.

Former Russian President and Deputy Chair of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev warned that if the European Union attempts to use frozen Russian state assets to fund Ukraine, Moscow may view such actions as grounds for war. Medvedev emphasized that any repayment might occur "not through courts, but through actual reparations in natural form by the defeated enemies of Russia."

EU officials are reportedly considering using approximately 190 billion in frozen Russian assets to support Ukraines budget and military. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated Europe intends to provide Ukraine with "the means to defend itself," proposing support totaling roughly 90 billion over the next two years. She added that increasing pressure on Moscow may help bring Russia to the negotiating table, though Russia has indicated it is not ready to make concessions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged the diplomatic efforts, stating that Ukraine is preparing further meetings with U.S. envoys. He emphasized that a lasting peace requires Ukraines interests to be respected and that successful negotiations depend on a mix of constructive diplomacy and continued pressure on Moscow.

As the conflict persists, both Ukraine and Russia are preparing for additional discussions in the United States. Putins refusal of the U.S. plan and Medvedevs warnings underscore growing tensions in diplomatic and military spheres as international actors seek a resolution to the nearly three-year war.

Author: Riley Thompson