At a press conference during a summit in Kyrgyzstan, Russian President Vladimir Putin said a draft peace plan proposed by the United States and Ukraine “could be used as the basis of a final peaceful settlement.”
Putin described the draft – originally a 28-point U.S. proposal, later revised in negotiations in Geneva – as a “set of issues put forward for discussion.” He emphasized that while Russia sees potential in the text, many of its core demands must be met before formal agreement: notably, Russian control over territories seized during the war, and a Ukrainian troop withdrawal from occupied zones.
The Russian leader also reiterated Moscow’s deep scepticism of the current Ukrainian leadership, claiming Ukrainian authorities lack legitimacy – a stance that Moscow says complicates any binding treaty. According to him, any agreement must be recognized at the international level and reflect Russia’s territorial gains since the invasion.
At the same time, Putin warned Ukrainian forces: unless Kyiv accepts the terms and withdraws, Russia remains ready to continue military operations. “If Ukrainian troops do not leave, then we shall achieve this by armed means,” he declared.
Diplomatically, the Russian president confirmed that the draft plan transmitted from the U.S. – after Geneva negotiations – has been passed to Moscow via official channels. He indicated readiness for further discussion but made clear Russia will not compromise on its red lines.
The remarks come as the U.S. sends its special envoy to Moscow to press ahead with dialogue. Observers say Putin’s tone signals a conditional openness, perhaps a testing of Western resolve, while simultaneously reinforcing Russia’s maximalist political and territorial demands.
