Vladimir Putin is demanding that Ukraine give up all of the eastern Donbas region, renounce ambitions to join NATO, remain neutral and keep Western troops out of the country, three sources familiar with top-level Kremlin thinking told Reuters.

Retired Gen. Wesley Clark, former NATO supreme allied commander, discusses possible future security guarantees for Ukraine that could help forge a peace agreement.

On Tuesday, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed the possibility of NATO-backed security guarantees as a “breakthrough,” noting that the U.S. was now working “at pace” with 30 or so other countries, which he called a “coalition of the willing,” to help Ukraine.

BRUSSELS (AP) — NATO defense chiefs were due to hold a virtual meeting Wednesday, a senior alliance official said, as Western countries pushing for an end to Russia’s war on Ukraine devise possible future security guarantees for Kyiv that could help forge a peace agreement.

Ukraine has begun developing the military component of future security guarantees as the U.S. signals Europe must take the lead role in providing them.

Russia rains down 614 missiles and drones in massive overnight assault on Ukraine, hitting a US-owned company near NATO borders and raising questions about Putin's negotiation intentions.

If Putin rejects a bilateral summit with Ukraine’s leader, the U.S. should take strong measures, Zelensky said. Russia said much needs to be worked out before a meeting is possible.