Trump's hinted peace plan could mean that Ukraine cedes parts of its state territory to Russia - a condition that Moscow calls a prerequisite for negotiations. Kiev has so far strictly refused such a demand. Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov, however, was optimistic: "Trump is talking about peace, not confrontation, and he is not seeking to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia - this distinguishes him from the current US government."
Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign representative, emphasized the necessity of compensation by Russia and the prosecution of war crimes during a visit to the northern Ukrainian region of Chernihiv. "Peace must be just and sustainable, not just a quick ceasefire," Borrell stated, sending a clear message to Trump and others who are seeking a quick end to the war. The situation for Ukraine remains critical, especially in the Kursk region, where Ukrainian troops are losing ground. Konstantin Satulin, a deputy from Putin's party, stated that Russia could agree to a ceasefire along the current frontlines should Ukraine lose more territory. "Everything will be based on facts. What we hold remains ours; what Ukraine holds remains theirs," Satulin said in an interview on Monday.