DST News: Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that a U.S. plan to end the war in Ukraine could “form the basis for future agreements,” while renewing threats to seize more territory by force if Kyiv does not withdraw.
Speaking to reporters in Bishkek during the Collective Security Treaty Organization summit, Putin confirmed that Moscow expects a U.S. delegation, headed by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, to visit early next week. The Russian president said the Kremlin is ready for “serious discussion,” but cautioned that the war will only end “once Ukrainian troops withdraw from the territories they occupy.”
“If they don’t withdraw, we will achieve this through military means,” Putin added.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his delegation will also meet with U.S. officials by the end of this week to discuss points outlined in Geneva. In his nightly video address, Zelensky said next week will involve “important negotiations not only for our delegation, but also for me personally,” without giving further details.
Russia currently occupies roughly 20 percent of Ukrainian territory recognized under international law, including nearly all of Luhansk and parts of Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions. Moscow is demanding that Ukraine surrender all four regions, which Russia has annexed but not fully controlled.
Recent gains along the eastern front have been limited, most notably near the city of Pokrovsk. Analysts at the U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War said data on Russian advances indicate that “a Russian military victory in Ukraine is not inevitable, and a rapid Russian seizure of the rest of Donetsk Oblast is not imminent.”
The territories Russia is demanding include a heavily defended “fortress belt” of towns and cities considered vital to Ukrainian security. Kyiv and European allies have made clear that territorial concessions are a red line.
Putin’s remarks came after U.S. officials, including former President Trump, highlighted “tremendous progress” in efforts to end the war. Earlier, a 28-point peace plan drafted by the U.S., reportedly with substantial Russian input, faced strong opposition from Ukraine and European officials. The original draft reportedly included demands for Ukraine to reduce its military and bar NATO membership.
Putin said the updated plan could “form the basis for future agreements,” but added, “It would be impolite of me to speak of final agreements now,” leaving the details of the draft unclear.
Source: CNN
