Putin says US peace plan could serve as “basis” for Ukraine deal but warns of military action if Kyiv doesn’t withdraw

According to Rokna, citing CNN, speaking to reporters on Thursday in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Putin confirmed that the Kremlin expects a US delegation led by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to visit Moscow early next week and emphasized that Russia is ready for “serious discussions.”

However, prospects for a swift resolution appear limited, as Putin repeated his maximalist demands, stating that the conflict will only end “once Ukrainian troops withdraw from the areas they currently occupy.”

“If they do not withdraw, we will accomplish this through military means,” Putin warned.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his delegation will also meet with US officials by the end of this week to discuss issues outlined in Geneva. In his nightly video address, Zelensky added that next week would involve “important negotiations not just for our delegation, but for me personally,” without offering further details.

Russia currently occupies roughly 20% of internationally recognized Ukrainian territory, including nearly all of Luhansk and portions of Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. Moscow is demanding that Ukraine surrender full control of these four regions, which it has annexed but not entirely secured.

Despite some territorial gains along the eastern front in recent weeks, particularly near Pokrovsk, the US-based Institute for the Study of War said Thursday that data on Russian advances indicates that “a military victory for Russia in Ukraine is not inevitable, and a rapid takeover of the remainder of Donetsk Oblast is unlikely.”

Significantly, the regions Russia is targeting include heavily fortified towns and cities considered vital for Ukraine’s security. Kyiv and its European allies have stated that territorial concessions are non-negotiable.

Putin’s comments on Thursday were the clearest sign yet that Russia is unwilling to compromise, despite claims from US officials, including former President Donald Trump, of “tremendous progress” in peace efforts.

This follows Ukrainian and European opposition to, and subsequent revision of, the 28-point US peace plan, which reportedly reflected substantial Russian input. The original proposal also included demands that Ukraine downsize its military and remain outside NATO.

Putin said he anticipates Witkoff’s arrival in Moscow next week, likely to discuss the updated draft of the plan, the details of which remain undisclosed. He added that the plan could “serve as the basis for future agreements,” but cautioned, “It would be inappropriate for me to comment on final agreements at this stage.”