Diplomatic Efforts Intensify as Russia Declares Annexed Ukrainian Territories Non-Negotiable

Amid ongoing U.S.-Russia talks in Istanbul, European leaders seek security guarantees for Ukraine while tensions persist on multiple fronts.

The Kremlin reaffirmed that the annexation of occupied Ukrainian territories is enshrined in Russia's constitution and is 'non-negotiable.'
U.S. and Russian diplomats are holding closed-door talks in Istanbul, marking a rare engagement since the start of the Ukraine conflict in 2022.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is in Washington seeking U.S. security assurances for Ukraine, proposing increased UK defense spending as a gesture of commitment.
France and the UK are exploring European-led security measures, including potential peacekeeping deployments, as the U.S. scales back its direct military commitments.
Ukraine has intensified drone strikes on Russian territory, with one fatality reported in Belgorod, while Russia continues its bombardments of Ukrainian infrastructure.