Ukraine-Russia war latest: Zelensky warns Putin is planning fresh ground invasion despite ceasefire pleas

Our Chief International Correspondent Bel Trew reports:

As US negotiators arrive in Moscow for ceasefire talks, World affairs editor Sam Kiley looks at how Vladimir Putin’s forces fought back in Kursk

Read the full report here.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has said Kyiv’s allies understand there is a “shared responsibility” regarding the strength and maintenance of Ukraine’s army.

Writing on X, he said: “Everyone is interested in a strong, undiminished army — those partners with whom we are in discussions. Regarding the maintenance and strengthening of such an army, everyone understands that this is a shared responsibility. Ukraine cannot do this alone.”

In another post he added: “Everyone understands that at the current pace, Ukraine and Europe can be strengthened within five years. We believe this is too long and too dangerous.

“We have shown that in wartime, it can be done faster, but everyone must act swiftly. This means strengthening and massively increasing production in all allied countries to make real the security guarantees for all of Europe.”

Giving a frontline update from the Ukrainian army’s commander-in-chief, president Volodymyr Zelensky said: “Defense of our positions in the Donetsk region and other frontline areas. I am grateful to all Ukrainian units for their resilience and effectiveness in destroying the occupier. The situation in the Pokrovsk direction has been stabilized.

“A separate note on the Kursk region. The operation of our forces in the designated areas of the Kursk region continues. The units are carrying out their tasks exactly as required. Thanks to the Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region, a significant number of Russian forces were withdrawn from other directions. Our troops continue to hold back Russian and North Korean groupings in the Kursk region. There is no encirclement of our troops.

“We are also observing directions along our eastern border of Ukraine, where the Russian army is building up forces. This indicates an intention to attack our Sumy region. We are aware of this, and will counter it. I would like all partners to understand exactly what Putin is planning, what he is preparing for, and what he will be ignoring.

“The buildup of Russian forces indicates that Moscow intends to keep ignoring diplomacy. It is clear that Russia is prolonging the war. We are ready to provide our partners with all the real information on the situation at the front, in the Kursk region, and along our border.

“Today there were also reports on our missile program. We have tangible results. The long Neptune missile was tested and successfully used in combat. A new Ukrainian missile, precise strike. The range of one thousand kilometers. I thank our Ukrainian developers, manufacturers and military personnel. We continue our work to ensure the security of Ukraine.

“Also today, the Minister of Defense of Ukraine delivered a report on new support packages from our partners. We are securing artillery supplies. I am grateful to all the partners who are helping.”

Outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has thanked Sir Keir Starmer for hosting today’s virtual meeting to discuss peace in Ukraine.

Writing on X, Mr Scholz said: “Ukraine needs a just and lasting peace.

“Together with European and international partners we will continue to support. Thanks to Keir Starmer for today's meeting.

“It is up to Russia to end the attacks and finally make peace possible.”

Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of “lying to everyone about the situation on the ground” in Ukraine.

He took to social media to reiterate his claims that Ukrainian forces were still operating in the Kursk region, despite reports that they had retreated in recent days.

He wrote on X: "Putin is also lying about how a ceasefire is supposedly too complicated.

"In reality, everything can be controlled, and we have discussed this with the Americans. The truth is, Putin has already dragged out the war for nearly a week after the talks in Jeddah. And he will keep dragging it out."

Volodymyr Zelensky has said that the question of territory is “complicated” and should be discussed in detail at a later date.

Speaking during a press conference in Kyiv, the Ukrainian president said Ukraine would never recognise occupied territory as Russian.

• Military chiefs meeting in UK: Plans for a Ukraine peacekeeping force are moving into an "operational phase," with military leaders convening on Thursday to discuss security support.
• International commitment to Ukraine: Sir Keir held talks with Nato, EU leaders, and allies, reaffirming long-term support for Ukraine’s defence and deterrence against future Russian aggression.
• Ceasefire negotiations and pressure on Russia: Leaders welcomed the Jeddah peace agreement and Ukraine’s acceptance of a US-proposed 30-day ceasefire, urging Russia to agree and stop attacks. If Russia refuses, efforts will intensify to strengthen Ukraine and weaken Russia’s war capabilities.
• Sanctions and Russian assets: Discussions included tightening sanctions on Russia and exploring ways to use frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine’s recovery, though legal complexities remain.
• Coalition of the willing and military planning: A growing alliance is making new defence commitments, with discussions on how different countries will contribute military capabilities, potentially including UK troops and aircraft.
• Next steps: The UK will play a leading role in backing a peace deal, with military planning this week to ensure Ukraine’s security, prepare for potential deployment, and monitor any ceasefire violations.