President Vladimir Putin expressed a willingness to consider aspects of a new U.S. proposal aimed at ending the ongoing war in Ukraine. However, he issued a stern warning that Russian military actions will persist in the Donbas region unless Ukraine agrees to his conditions for a ceasefire.
Ceasefire Conditions and Ukrainian Forces
During a recent press conference in Kyrgyzstan, Putin stated, “Ukrainian forces will need to withdraw from the territories they currently hold for the fighting to stop.” He emphasized that if Ukraine does not comply, Russia will continue its military operations to achieve this goal.
Putin claimed that Russian troops are making advancements on multiple fronts, asserting that Ukrainian losses exceed Kyiv’s ability to replenish its forces. He reiterated his belief that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is no longer a legitimate leader. Putin indicated that Ukraine’s postponement of presidential elections under martial law renders any agreement with Zelensky “legally impossible.”
Renewed Diplomatic Efforts
These statements come amid renewed diplomatic efforts following the leak of a 28-point peace plan associated with the Trump administration. This plan, reportedly involving discussions between U.S. and Kremlin officials, has been condensed to about 20 points, with indications that Ukraine might agree to this revised version.
- The initial draft included several provisions acceptable to the Kremlin, but Putin emphasized the need for further revisions.
- Putin clarified that Russian officials did not play an active role in drafting the original U.S. proposal.
- The document was only reviewed by the Kremlin after it was leaked to the press.
Negotiation Prospects
While Putin refrained from endorsing all the proposal’s provisions, he indicated that some elements could align with Moscow’s terms for future agreements. He criticized specific aspects of the framework, particularly a clause demanding Russia to commit to a non-aggression policy toward Europe and Ukraine.
In addressing this clause, he remarked, “It’s one thing to declare that Russia does not plan to attack Europe. We have never intended to do so.” He expressed a willingness to document such assurances formally.
Upcoming Diplomatic Engagements
Putin also directed criticism toward European leaders who have warned of potential Russian aggression, suggesting their perspectives may be misguided. In a related diplomatic move, Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is set to travel to Moscow next week. His mission will be to meet with Putin and discuss the revised peace proposal developed by U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Geneva, Switzerland, over the weekend.
