EU top diplomat warns of Putin trap in proposed Ukraine land concessions.

The European Union's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, cautioned against pressuring Ukraine to cede territories to Russia in potential peace negotiations. Kallas emphasized that allowing Russia to retain Ukrainian territories would play into Putin's strategy.

The Donbas region in eastern Ukraine has been a point of contention, leading to 1.5 million Ukrainians fleeing due to Russian military aggression over the past decade. Despite pressure, Ukraine has consistently refused to concede Donbas to Russia in exchange for peace, while Trump mentioned the possibility of territory swaps.

Kallas, who is on the Kremlin's wanted list, stressed the need for credible security guarantees for Ukraine. She highlighted the importance of tangible security measures, stating that a strong Ukrainian army is the most effective security guarantee.

During talks at the White House, leaders from key EU countries, including France, Germany, Italy, and Finland, met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Kallas expressed concerns about Putin's recent gains and the impact on peace negotiations.

Trump set a two-week timeline for assessing peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, hinting at potential changes in strategy if progress is not made. Zelensky criticized Russia for avoiding a meeting and urged Western allies to clarify their commitments to Ukraine's security.

Following a significant air attack by Russia in Ukraine, Zelensky condemned the violence and called for global efforts to stop the war. European leaders echoed concerns about Putin's reluctance to engage in peace talks, with doubts about his willingness to work towards a resolution.