Russian President Vladimir Putin held a press conference where he announced his terms for peace negotiations. He emphasized that the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada, not the president, must approve any agreement. Putin also claimed that Russian forces are about to "capture Komsomolsk", though such a city no longer exists in Ukraine—it is now called Horishni Plavni. Experts consider these statements part of Russia's disinformation campaign.
Putin further suggested that the status of Crimea, Donbas, and other territories should be subject to negotiations between the US and Russia. Former Russian Prime Minister Sergei Stepashin declared that Odesa and Mykolaiv should "voluntarily reunite" with Russia, sparking negative reactions in Ukrainian society.
During the conference, Putin discussed the organization of future elections both in Russia and Ukraine, asserting that Ukraine should conduct elections despite martial law. Ukrainian analysts note that Russia's democratic processes are mostly formal, with opposition severely restricted.
Putin also stated that if Ukrainian troops withdraw from the occupied territories, fighting could stop, but if not, Russia would continue its military actions.
The European Parliament passed a resolution stating that any peace agreement must provide Ukraine with security guarantees, ensure punishment for aggression and war crimes, and require Russia to compensate for damages. The resolution emphasizes that concessions to the aggressor are unacceptable and that occupied territories will not be recognized as Russian. Meanwhile, Czech activists have launched a fundraising campaign for drones for Ukraine.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced an upcoming meeting between Ukrainian and US negotiators. Diplomatic talks on the future peace process are underway.
