Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated that he may consider a US-backed peace proposal linked to former US President Donald Trump’s plan to end the nearly four-year war in Ukraine—but only under strict conditions. Speaking at a press conference after the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Putin said the proposal could serve as a basis for future negotiations, but insisted that Ukrainian forces must withdraw from territories they currently hold for fighting to stop.
Putin warned that if Ukraine refuses, Russia will pursue its objectives “by armed means.”
Russia also confirmed that Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is expected to visit Moscow next week.
Putin: Plan Can Be “Basis for Agreements,” But Conditions Apply
Putin said a version of the US-Ukraine proposal discussed in Geneva was shared with Russia. He acknowledged that some aspects reflected Moscow’s position.
“In general, we agree that this can be the basis for future agreements,” Putin said, adding that discussions were still required on several points. He said he was prepared to talk with the United States “anytime.”
However, he paired that statement with a firm demand: Ukrainian withdrawal from contested territories as a precondition for a ceasefire.
Putin also claimed that Ukraine’s current leadership is illegitimate due to Kyiv’s failure to hold elections after President Volodymyr Zelensky’s term expired, arguing that this makes it “legally impossible” to sign an agreement with Ukraine. He further insisted that the international community must acknowledge Russia’s territorial gains.
Criticism of the US Peace Proposal
Trump has recently claimed “tremendous progress” on the peace plan, but the proposal has drawn criticism in Washington for being overly aligned with Russian demands.
Early drafts reportedly required Ukraine to:
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Cede the entire Donbas region
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Recognize Russia’s control over Crimea
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Freeze the conflict along current frontlines in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia
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Reduce the size of its military
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Prohibit deployment of foreign troops or long-range weapons
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Accept a permanent ban on joining NATO
Many US lawmakers from both parties called the initial draft a “Russian wish list.”
Reports now indicate the proposal has been reduced from 28 to 19 points after revisions pushed by Ukraine’s European allies.
Zelensky Under Pressure but Open to Revised Draft
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky previously described the original plan as an “impossible choice”—risking either a loss of national dignity or the loss of support from a critical ally, the United States. He acknowledged the toll of the conflict, remarking, “Even the strongest metal can break.”
Following diplomatic efforts by European countries, Ukrainian officials now say Kyiv is ready to move forward with the revised version and discuss remaining “sensitive points” directly with Trump.
Conflict Continues Despite Diplomatic Efforts
Despite renewed discussions, fighting remains intense on the ground. Reports indicate a large Russian drone attack this week damaged residential buildings in Zaporizhzhia, underscoring the continued humanitarian toll of the war.
