Putin takes hard line in US talks as Ukraine says Starlink disrupted again

Key Points:

• Russian President Vladimir Putin warned US envoys that Russia would target any foreign troops deployed to Ukraine and insisted on full control over four Ukrainian regions, rejecting foreign peacekeepers as a “continuation of war.”
• The US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff met with Putin in Moscow, securing agreement that European representatives will join future negotiations, though hopes for a peace deal remain low amid Russia's hardline stance.
• Europe remains cautious about Russia's attempt to frame the conflict as a broader European security issue, with EU officials emphasizing existing security agreements and calling for Russia to honor its obligations and cease attacks.
• EU leaders have yet to appoint a single representative to lead negotiations on their behalf, with differing views among European leaders on the necessity and timing of such an appointment.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite service of imposing restrictions that hinder Ukraine’s defense against Russian drones, prompting Kyiv to seek clarification from Washington amid suspicions the limitations are deliberate.