Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday asserted that the US plan for peace in Ukraine could be a starting point for future agreements. However, he warned that Russia would take more territory by force if Ukraine does not withdraw. Putin confirmed that a US delegation led by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is expected in Moscow next week before peace talks.
Russia ready for serious talks: Putin
Speaking to reporters in Kyrgyzstan’s Bishkek, Putin emphasised that Kremlin was ready for a “serious discussion”. “Overall, we agree that it could form the basis for future agreements,” he said about the latest peace draft. However, the Russian President reiterated, the conflict can only end after Ukrainian troops withdraw from the territories they occupy. “If they don’t withdraw, we will achieve this through military means,” Putin said.
CNN reported that Russia controls about 20% of Ukraine, including all of Luhansk and parts of Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions, which are recognised as Ukrainian territory under international law. Russia wants Ukraine to give up these four regions, which it has claimed but not fully captured. In recent weeks, Moscow has made gains along the eastern front, especially near the city of Pokrovsk.
Peace talks to begin soon
While a swift breakthrough seems difficult with Putin’s demands, United States President Donald Trump has repeatedly touted “tremendous progress” in his efforts to end the four-year-old Russia-Ukraine war. Earlier, on Tuesday, Trump mentioned that Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll will meet with the Ukrainians. He also expressed hopes to meet Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, “however not until a deal is more finalised.” Notably, Putin’s recent remark comes after opposition from Ukrainian and European officials to the US-drafted 28-point peace plan, which received strong input from Russia. It is reported that the US has shortened its draft to 20 points after discussions with both the sides.
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