Vladimir Putin said on Thursday Moscow wants the United States to recognise Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine, stating that the Kremlin has no intention of slowing down its assault on the country.

Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared last week to be cautiously optimistic on the U.S. 28-point peace plan to end his invasion of Ukraine.

European leaders are meeting in South Africa to discuss alternatives to a U.S. plan to end Russia's war in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that a US plan to end the war in Ukraine could “form the basis for future agreements” but renewed threats to seize more territory by force unless Kyiv withdraws.

Other differences include European leaders proposing Russia giving the occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which would split power 50-50 between Moscow and Kyiv. Ukraine’s army would also be capped during peacetime at 800,000 soldiers, 200,000 more than in the American version.

Trump's envoy, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, reportedly tried to pressure Ukraine and its European partners with threats of a "deterioration of the peace deal." He also demanded that Ukraine make territorial concessions,

Fortunately, there is a new 19-point plan. But Europe must stop outsourcing its diplomacy to Washington, writes Olga Tokariuk.

Ukraine would be reduced to Russia ’s “tethered goat” if Trump’s peace plan is implemented, according to a former head of MI6. Sir Alex Younger said the US president’s proposal was "lopsided" in favour of Russia and would "almost guarantee" another invasion of Ukraine by Putin.