Putin Sets Conditions for Ukraine Peace Talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed willingness to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky only at the 'final phase' of peace negotiations, while questioning Zelensky's legitimacy due to his expired term under martial law—a claim rejected by Kyiv. Putin maintains that any peace settlement must include Ukraine renouncing NATO membership and accepting territorial concessions, which Ukraine and its allies consider unacceptable. Russian missile strikes continue, with a recent attack on Kyiv killing 28 people and intensifying calls from Zelensky for international pressure on Moscow. Diplomatic efforts remain stalled, as the recent G7 summit ended without new Western support for Ukraine and no meeting between Trump and Zelensky. The European Council has invited Zelensky to its June summit, but his participation is uncertain amid doubts about the effectiveness of in-person diplomacy. Both sides remain entrenched, making near-term progress in peace talks unlikely.