Putin Considers U.S. Peace Plan as Basis for Ukraine Agreement, Demands Troop Withdrawal

Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated that a U.S.-proposed peace plan could serve as a foundation for future agreements to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Speaking in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on Thursday, Putin stated, "In general, we agree that this can be the basis for future agreements."

Despite this openness, Putin emphasized that the cessation of hostilities is contingent upon Ukrainian forces withdrawing from territories currently under their control. He warned, "If Ukrainian troops leave the territories they occupy, then we will stop fighting. If they don't, we will achieve our aims militarily."

The U.S. peace plan, initially a 28-point proposal, has been a subject of contention. Ukrainian and European officials have expressed concerns over provisions that appear to favor Russian interests, such as restrictions on Ukraine's military capabilities and limitations on NATO involvement. In response, U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators have revised the plan, aiming to address these issues.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukrainian and U.S. delegations are scheduled to meet by the end of the week to develop a peace and security framework. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of these discussions, stating that the Ukrainian team will be thoroughly prepared and focused on productive negotiations aimed at reaching a meaningful agreement.

The situation remains complex, with Russia occupying approximately 20% of internationally recognized Ukrainian territory, including parts of the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions. Moscow continues to demand Ukraine's withdrawal from these areas, which it has annexed but not fully conquered.