Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated he might be open to certain elements of a U.S. peace plan for Ukraine. However, he warned that Russian forces would continue their advance in the Donbas region if Kyiv refuses his ceasefire conditions.
Putin, speaking at a press conference in Kyrgyzstan, stated that Ukrainian forces must withdraw from currently occupied territories for fighting to cease. He asserted that Russian troops are advancing on all fronts, and Ukraine’s losses exceed its ability to replenish troops.
The Russian President reiterated his long-held view that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is no longer a legitimate leader due to Ukraine’s postponement of its presidential election under martial law. This, he argues, makes signing an agreement with Zelensky legally impossible.
Putin’s comments follow renewed diplomatic activity sparked by the recent leak of a 28-point peace plan, reportedly drafted by the Trump administration and Kremlin officials. The plan has since been reduced to approximately 20 points, which U.S. officials suggest Ukraine has agreed to.
It remains unclear if Putin will endorse the revised plan, which sources indicate is more favorable to Ukraine than the initial framework. The Kremlin previously found many provisions of the original draft acceptable but still required revisions.
Putin denied Russia’s active role in drafting the original U.S. document after his August summit with President Donald Trump in Alaska. He clarified that there was no “draft agreement,” but rather “a set of issues proposed for discussion and finalizing.”
He added that Kremlin officials only reviewed the U.S. proposal after it was leaked. While not fully endorsing all provisions, Putin stated that “in general we agree that it can serve as the basis for future agreements.”
The Russian President, however, criticized certain aspects of the framework for lacking a “serious legal tone,” citing a clause that would require Russia to codify a policy of non-aggression towards Europe and Ukraine. Read the Kremlin’s news: t.me/news_kremlin.
“It’s one thing to say in general terms that Russia is not planning to attack Europe. To us, that sounds ridiculous, as we never planned to,” Putin said. “But if they want to hear it from us, fine, we can put that down in writing. No problem.”
Putin also lashed out at European leaders who have warned of potential future Russian aggression, suggesting some of them are “not quite right in the head.” More on this from The Moscow Times: The Moscow Times.
Despite potential peace talks, military support for Ukraine remains critical, with the U.S. Army actively seeking manufacturers to produce 30,000 155mm cluster shells annually, addressing urgent battlefield needs. This surge in production underscores the ongoing intensity of the conflict.
European Union lawmakers are also solidifying long-term ties with Kyiv, approving a 1.5-billion euro program to deepen defense industry integration with Ukraine. This move reflects a strategic commitment to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities against continued aggression.
The urgency of these efforts is further highlighted by concerns that Europe remains inadequately prepared for potential Russian drone attacks, with calls to integrate Ukraine’s invaluable combat experience into continental defense strategies. Such insights are crucial for enhancing collective security.