Russia's Demands: War Echoes 💔🌍🔥

World News

President Vladimir Putin has reiterated his core demands for ending the war in Ukraine, insisting that Russia will only lay down its arms if Ukrainian forces withdraw from territories claimed by Moscow. Putin has consistently sought legal recognition of these territories, including the Crimean peninsula, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014, and the Donbas region – comprised of Luhansk and Donetsk – which Moscow currently occupies. Kyiv, however, has ruled out ceding control of the remaining portions of the Donbas, viewing any reward for Russia’s aggression as unacceptable. Speaking to reporters during a trip to Kyrgyzstan, Putin maintained that Russia holds the initiative on the battlefield, asserting that hostilities would conclude only upon the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the contested regions. He stated, “If they don’t withdraw, we’ll achieve this by force of arms.” These remarks marked the first time Putin addressed the intense diplomatic activity of the past week, including intensive discussions between the United States and Ukraine concerning a peace plan reportedly drafted in October by American and Russian officials. This initial plan, heavily influenced by Moscow’s demands, underwent revisions, but remains focused on addressing the issue of the occupied territories – alongside providing security guarantees for Ukraine – which constitutes the principal obstacle to negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv. Putin confirmed that a revised draft plan has been presented to Russia.

Speaking on the “basis” for a potential agreement to end the war, Vladimir Putin emphasized the “absolutely necessary” need to discuss “certain specific points requiring diplomatic language.” Regarding the possibility of Crimea and the Donbas being recognized as Russian de facto—though not legally—Putin stated this was the core of his discussions with American counterparts. A U.S. delegation, including special envoy Steve Witkoff, was slated to arrive in Moscow during the first half of next week. U.S. President Donald Trump had previously indicated that Witkoff might be joined in Moscow by Jared Kushner. Separately, Ukraine’s top presidential aide Andriy Yermak confirmed that U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll was scheduled to visit Kyiv later in the week. Earlier this week, President Trump suggested there were “only a few remaining points of disagreement” between Russia and Ukraine, but stated he would not meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy until those issues were resolved. Throughout his remarks, Putin reiterated his contempt for the Ukrainian leadership, characterizing it as illegitimate and therefore “no use” in signing any agreements.