Vladimir Putin has responded to Donald Trump’s Ukraine peace initiative with a mixture of diplomatic openness and rigid demands that underscore the challenges ahead, as the Russian president suggested the American-backed proposal could serve as a negotiating foundation while insisting on conditions Ukraine is unlikely to accept. Speaking in Kyrgyzstan, Putin confirmed that Moscow reviewed the plan discussed between Washington and Kyiv in Geneva.
Putin’s response created significant obstacles by demanding complete withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from territories they hold as a prerequisite for peace. The Russian leader characterized this as a non-negotiable condition, warning that Russia would continue military operations indefinitely if Ukraine refuses to retreat. This stance requires Ukraine to surrender strategic positions without guarantees about what would follow or how remaining territorial disputes would be resolved.
The Russian president also challenged the legitimacy of potential negotiating partners and demanded recognition of territorial changes. Putin argued that Zelensky’s government lacks legal authority to conclude agreements because the Ukrainian president has remained in office past his constitutional term without elections, though this results from wartime restrictions. Moscow also insists that the international community must formally recognize Russia’s territorial acquisitions as permanent sovereignty.
The Trump administration’s peace plan has undergone substantial modifications after facing bipartisan criticism in Washington for appearing to grant Russia most of its war aims. Initial versions reportedly required Ukraine to cede Donbas entirely, recognize Russian sovereignty over Crimea, dramatically reduce military capabilities, prohibit foreign forces and long-range weapons, and accept permanent NATO exclusion. Following objections from European allies and Ukrainian diplomats, the proposal was refined from 28 provisions to 19 points.
President Zelensky faces mounting pressure from the devastating toll of continued warfare against the prospect of accepting terms many Ukrainians would view as capitulation. He has acknowledged that “even the strongest metal can break,” suggesting recognition that compromises may be necessary, while characterizing the dilemma as choosing between national dignity and maintaining American support. Ukrainian officials have signaled conditional willingness to discuss the revised proposal with Trump, though fundamental disagreements persist. Recent Russian drone attacks on civilian targets in Zaporizhzhia serve as grim reminders that diplomatic efforts have not reduced the violence.
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