Putin refuses to budge on demand for Ukrainian territory ahead of talks with US in Moscow |
Vladimir Putin said a new draft peace plan from the US and Ukraine could guide later talks. He made clear that any deal depends on Ukraine giving up some areas now under Kyiv’s control. He did not name the areas.
He said Moscow had reviewed the version discussed in Geneva. He added that the US noted some Russian positions but that both sides still need to sit down and talk.
His comments showed little shift in Russia’s stance. He again called Volodymyr Zelenskyy “illegitimate”. He said this blocked any binding deal with Kyiv unless other countries accepted Ukraine’s leadership.
Putin spoke during a visit to Kyrgyzstan. He said Russia would stop its attacks only if Ukrainian troops left the areas Russia claims. He said Russia would meet its goals through force if Kyiv refused.
He said the US envoy Steve Witkoff would travel to Russia next week. He rejected claims that Witkoff had taken Moscow’s side during talks. Witkoff drew criticism after a leaked call showed him giving advice to a Kremlin aide about dealing with Donald Trump.
Russia’s current tactics match those used since Trump returned to office. The Kremlin signals interest in talks but keeps its demands. Most demands remain unacceptable to Kyiv.
Tatiana Stanovaya, a Russian analyst, said Putin looks confident about the battlefield. She said he believes Ukraine will accept that it cannot win and will then agree to Russia’s terms.
Parts of those terms appeared in a 28-point plan prepared by US and Russian officials. The plan surfaced last week. It asked Ukraine to give up land that Russia had not taken in battle. It also asked for reduced or halted US military support. It said western troops should not deploy in Ukraine, including troops from a Franco-British group.
Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to Zelenskyy, said Ukraine will not give up land for peace. He said Zelenskyy will not sign any deal that surrenders territory.
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