Post by : Rameen Ariff

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that the Ukrainian government is illegitimate and that signing any peace agreements with Kyiv would be senseless. Speaking at the end of a three-day visit to Kyrgyzstan, Putin described the plan proposed by US President Donald Trump as “a set of issues put forward for discussion” rather than a formal draft agreement, though he acknowledged it could serve as the basis for future negotiations.

Putin criticized the Ukrainian leadership for refusing to hold elections after President Volodymyr Zelensky’s elected term ended. According to the Russian president, this loss of legitimacy undermines any agreements. Ukrainian officials, however, have explained that elections cannot be held while the country is under martial law and defending itself from Russian aggression.

Putin said that while the United States has considered Russia’s position in the discussions, several other key issues must still be addressed. He emphasized that every detail of the proposals requires careful attention. “We need to sit down and discuss this seriously. Every word matters,” Putin said.

The Russian leader also outlined Moscow’s conditions for ending hostilities. He stated that fighting would only stop if Ukrainian troops withdraw from the territories currently occupied by Russia. If Ukraine refuses, Putin warned that Russia will achieve its objectives “by force.” He has previously demanded that Ukraine fully withdraw from Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhia regions, including areas not currently under Russian control, before considering any peace negotiations.

In addition to territorial demands, Putin seeks guarantees that Ukraine will not join NATO or host Western troops, aiming to gradually reintegrate the country under Moscow’s influence.

Diplomatic movements continue as US special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to visit Moscow next week, while US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll may travel to Kyiv. The conflict, which began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has since become the deadliest armed conflict in Europe since World War II, drawing global attention and international negotiations.

#Global News