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Putin demands Ukrainian troop withdrawal for ceasefire
Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated Thursday that Moscow would only halt hostilities in Ukraine if Kyiv withdraws its forces from territories claimed by Russia, including Crimea and the Donbas region. The statement underscores a longstanding Kremlin position that Ukraine has repeatedly rejected, calling it a reward for aggression.
Core demands remain unchanged
Speaking to reporters during a visit to Kyrgyzstan, Putin framed the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the Donetsk and Luhansk regions-collectively known as Donbas-as a non-negotiable condition for peace. "If they don't withdraw, we'll achieve this by force of arms," he declared, while acknowledging Russia's heavy personnel losses in its incremental advances across eastern Ukraine.
Analysts, including the US-based Institute for the Study of War, estimate that at the current pace, Russia would require nearly two more years to fully seize Donetsk, a timeline that highlights the war's protracted nature despite Putin's claims of battlefield momentum.
Diplomatic maneuvers and revised peace proposals
Putin's remarks marked his first public response to a flurry of diplomatic activity over the past week. A US-Russian draft peace plan, initially skewed toward Moscow's demands, was revised during negotiations in Geneva between Ukrainian and American officials, with European representatives also present. The updated proposal, now shared with Russia, could serve as a "basis" for future talks, Putin said, though he stressed the need to clarify "specific points" in diplomatic terms.
The Kremlin leader hinted at ongoing discussions with Washington over the legal status of occupied territories, noting, "This is the point of our discussion with our American counterparts." A US delegation, potentially including special envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, is expected in Moscow early next week.
"We are working to translate the points secured in Geneva into a form that puts us on the path to peace and security guarantees."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, video address (Thursday)
Kyiv dismisses Moscow's ultimatums
Zelensky condemned Putin's conditions as a rejection of genuine peace efforts, stating that Russia "scorned" attempts to end the war. Ukraine's government has consistently ruled out ceding territory, viewing such concessions as legitimizing Russia's invasion, which began in February 2022. The country remains under martial law, preventing elections and extending Zelensky's presidency beyond its original term.
Putin, meanwhile, dismissed Ukraine's leadership as "illegitimate," questioning the value of any agreements signed with Kyiv. He also ridiculed European warnings of potential Russian aggression on the continent, calling them "laughable."
Skepticism persists among Western allies
While the Trump administration has expressed optimism about the diplomatic push, European leaders remain wary. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen accused Russia of adhering to a "post-World War Two mindset," treating Europe as a "sphere of influence" where sovereign nations could be "carved up." The divide underscores lingering doubts over Moscow's commitment to a lasting resolution.
Next steps
US and Ukrainian delegations are set to convene further this week, with US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll expected in Kyiv. Trump suggested that a meeting between him and Zelensky hinges on progress in peace negotiations, noting only "a few remaining points of disagreement" between Russia and Ukraine.
