On Friday, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has stated his requirements to start peace talks with Ukraine. Putin came up with these requirements after two years of Russia launching a full scale attack on Ukraine.
According to Russian state news outlet ‘Taas’ included the terms mentioning complete withdrawal of troops of Ukraine from the regions of Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. These regions were illegally annexed by Russia in 2022, months after the conflict started. The conditions are likely not to be considered by Ukraine.
Putin Sets Conditions for Peace Talks
Russian President Vladimir Putin outlined conditions for peace talks with Ukraine. This comes more than two years after Russia’s invasion. According to Tass, the terms include the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from annexed territories. These territories are Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. Russia illegally annexed these areas in September 2022. Kyiv is unlikely to accept these terms. Ukraine has repeatedly stated it will not concede territory to Russia. Putin’s conditions also include Ukraine abandoning plans to join NATO.
Moscow’s Stipulations for Ceasefire
Putin stated Ukraine must withdraw troops from the annexed regions. He insisted Ukraine must notify of abandoning NATO plans. If these conditions are met, Russia will cease fire. Putin promised the safe withdrawal of Ukrainian forces. He made these statements during a meeting with Russian Foreign Ministry leaders. If Ukraine refuses, Putin warned of different future demands. This proposal sharply contrasts with Ukraine’s peace plan.
Ukraine’s Stance and International Reactions
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has a 10-point peace plan. It demands the restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity under the U.N. Charter. Zelenskyy insists on regaining Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014. Putin’s proposal comes before imminent peace negotiations in Switzerland. The Summit on Peace in Ukraine will host at least 90 countries and organizations. Moscow was not invited to this summit. Russia has criticised third-party negotiations without its participation.
Previous Peace Efforts and Global Support
Past peace efforts in the Ukraine conflict have failed. However, China’s 12-point plan released last year gained no momentum. China is again pushing for a diplomatic solution. Putin’s proposal threatens to overshadow the Swiss peace summit. Ukraine’s allies have increased support recently, both financially and militarily. The Group of Seven nations agreed to issue $50 billion in loans for Kyiv.This money comes from frozen Russian central bank assets. Moreover, European Council President Charles Michel emphasized that “Russia has to pay.” Additionally, NATO will discuss further support for Ukraine in July.
Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg expects a long-term financial pledge. NATO will play a leading role in coordinating security assistance. The U.S. and Germany have lifted some restrictions on weapons for Ukraine. These weapons can now be used against targets just over the Russian border. Certainly, this change aims to defend Kharkiv specifically.
Conclusion
Putin’s new conditions for peace talks with Ukraine are unlikely to be accepted by Kyiv. The demand for Ukraine to withdraw from annexed territories and abandon NATO plans starkly contrasts with Zelenskyy’s peace proposals. Past peace efforts have failed, and Putin’s current proposal challenges upcoming international negotiations. Nonetheless, Ukraine continues to receive increasing financial and military support from its allies, highlighting the complex and ongoing nature of the conflict.
