Russian President Vladimir Putin told Indian media that Moscow would seize the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine “in any case,” including by military means, according to Russian state media, digging in on one of his key demands as Ukrainian officials prepare for another round of peace talks which have yet to yield a deal.

Putin has repeatedly falsely claimed to capture Ukrainian cities prematurely.

Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump representatives tasked with negotiating an end to the war in Ukraine will face Russian President Putin.

The push to bring peace to Ukraine and end Russia's ongoing war against its neighbor continues. Newsweek's live blog is closed.

Thursday's meeting will follow U.S. talks with Putin in Moscow.