• Putin insists any talks with Zelenskyy must take place in Moscow, challenging Ukraine's response.
• Trump remains committed to negotiating peace, planning talks with Zelenskyy and European leaders.
• Rising casualties in Ukraine emphasize the urgency of diplomatic resolutions.
• Putin claims a peace deal seems "practically impossible," citing legal and political barriers.
• Various international leaders express skepticism about Russia's sincerity in negotiations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated that he is open to discussing a peace deal with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, provided that the meeting takes place in Moscow. He expressed doubts about the legitimacy of Zelenskyy and indicated that any agreements proposed by Ukraine would be difficult to reach, given the current political situation within Ukraine, including martial law and its constitutional requirements for referenda on territorial changes. "I don't see much sense in it," Putin said, emphasizing the complexities involved, according to Newsweek.

U.S. President Donald Trump, actively advocating for a resolution to the conflict, remarked that he intends to hold discussions with both Zelenskyy and European leaders. Trump noted, “Something is going to happen, but they are not ready yet. But something is going to happen," which reflects his optimism amidst ongoing violence that has seen significant civilian casualties. "We've had some very good days, fortunately," Trump stated, speaking with Anadolu Agency about the situation.

Putin's comments come as his forces continue to intensify assaults on Ukraine, raising the death toll significantly. Roughly 7,014 people were reported killed in a single week, underscoring the urgent need for effective dialogue. Trump, while acknowledging the increase in violence, indicated that he had previously underestimated the complexity of the situation, highlighting the difficulties in achieving a ceasefire. “I thought that would be much easier,” he remarked, as per Reuters.

As diplomatic efforts grow, Trump has warned of potential sanctions against Russia should peace not be achieved promptly. This aligns with his broader strategy of applying international pressure, including urging European nations to halt their purchasing of Russian oil and increasing tariffs on other nations that maintain ties with Moscow, as noted by Channel News Asia.

Despite Trump's diplomatic overtures, skepticism remains regarding Russia's intentions. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha labeled Putin's proposal to meet in Moscow as a "cynical ploy," asserting that the struggle for territorial integrity and sovereignty remains the crux of the conflict. The ongoing conditions reflect a significant impasse, as confirmed by India Times.