Vladimir Putin has introduced major complications into Donald Trump’s efforts to broker peace in Ukraine by pairing conditional acceptance of the American proposal with demands that Ukrainian forces abandon territories they hold. The Russian president confirmed at a press conference in Kyrgyzstan that Moscow received a version of the peace plan discussed in Geneva, noting that Washington had considered some Russian positions in developing the framework that could potentially serve as a basis for future agreements.
However, Putin’s willingness to engage diplomatically came with a severe ultimatum that challenges the foundation of any negotiated settlement. The Russian leader demanded complete withdrawal of Ukrainian military forces from territories under their control as a prerequisite for ceasing hostilities. He characterized this as a binary choice, warning that Russia would continue pursuing its military objectives through armed conflict if Ukraine refuses to retreat. This stance requires Ukraine to surrender strategic positions and populated areas before negotiations can meaningfully advance.
Putin added layers of complexity by questioning the legal validity of potential agreements and demanding recognition of Russian gains. He argued that signing any deal with Ukraine would be “legally impossible” because Zelensky’s government lacks legitimacy due to the president’s extended tenure without elections, despite international recognition of Ukraine’s administration. Moscow also insists that any peace settlement include formal international acknowledgment of Russia’s territorial conquests in Ukraine, transforming temporary military control into permanent sovereignty.
The American peace initiative has undergone substantial modifications following intense criticism from lawmakers who viewed initial versions as essentially granting Russia its war aims. Original proposals reportedly included requiring Ukraine to surrender Donbas, recognize Russian sovereignty over Crimea, drastically reduce armed forces, prevent deployment of foreign troops or advanced weapons, and permanently forgo NATO membership. After diplomatic pressure from European allies and Ukrainian officials, the framework was streamlined from 28 provisions to 19, with contentious points reserved for direct negotiations.
President Zelensky confronts an increasingly narrow path between unacceptable alternatives as the war’s toll continues mounting. He has described the dilemma as potentially requiring either a “loss of dignity” or risking the “loss of a key partner,” while acknowledging that “even the strongest metal can break.” Ukrainian officials have signaled willingness to engage with the revised proposal, but fundamental questions about territorial integrity remain unresolved. Ongoing violence, including recent Russian drone attacks on civilian areas in Zaporizhzhia, underscores the urgent necessity of finding diplomatic common ground.
Trump Peace Framework Faces Putin’s Withdrawal Ultimatum
