In a bold move, Putin is doubling down on his demands for Ukrainian territory ahead of crucial talks with the US. Key points include:

• Putin insists on territorial claims, stating he may resort to force if Kyiv does not comply.
• The Kremlin is open to discussing US-Ukraine peace ideas, but tension remains high.
• Ukraine's envoy emphasizes that any peace plan must ensure the absence of Russian aggression.
• With Putin's rhetoric intensifying, the stakes for Ukraine and the US are higher than ever.

Here's the full scoop.