In a significant development in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that a revised peace proposal from the United States could potentially form the basis for a future agreement. However, he attached a major precondition: Kyiv must pull its troops out of the territories that Moscow claims as its own.
Putin's Ultimatum in Kyrgyzstan
Speaking during a visit to Kyrgyzstan, President Putin issued a stark warning to Ukraine. He declared that if Ukrainian forces voluntarily leave the areas they currently hold, Russia would cease its combat operations. "If they don't, then we will achieve it by military means," he asserted. This statement reinforces Russia's firm stance on the occupied regions, which currently constitute approximately one-fifth of Ukraine's total territory.
The comments arrive as Washington actively tries to restart stalled peace talks with a new plan, hoping to engage both Moscow and Kyiv in discussions. The war is now nearing its fourth year, with Ukrainian forces reportedly outnumbered and under significant strain along the extensive eastern front.
The US Proposal and International Recognition
The diplomatic efforts involve a revised draft from the US. Putin confirmed he has seen the new version and believes it could be a starting point for negotiations. "Overall, we agree that it could form the basis for future agreements," he said, noting that the United States has shortened the document to an estimated 20 key points.
However, the Russian leader insisted that any lasting agreement must include international recognition of the territories Russia occupies, including Donetsk, Crimea, and Lugansk. This follows an earlier US proposal, drafted without European allies, which suggested a Ukrainian withdrawal from Donetsk and would have effectively recognized those regions as Russian. That initial plan was scaled back after facing criticism from both Europe and Ukraine.
Ukraine's Firm Rejection and Next Steps
Ukraine has outright rejected the condition of ceding land. Andriy Yermak, a top aide to President Volodymyr Zelensky, was unequivocal in his response. "As long as Zelensky is president, no one should count on us giving up territory. He will not sign away territory," Yermak told The Atlantic. He stated that the only realistic topic for discussion at the moment is defining the current 1,100-kilometre front line.
The next phase of diplomacy is set to unfold with US negotiator Steve Witkoff expected to travel to Moscow next week to discuss the revised draft. Additionally, US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is scheduled to visit Kyiv later this week, highlighting the continued US involvement in seeking a path to end the prolonged conflict.
