Vladimir Putin has stated that Ukraine must surrender territory for any peace agreement to be viable, though he indicated that a draft proposal from the United States could serve as a “basis” for negotiations. His comments suggest Moscow remains firmly committed to its long-standing demands, insisting that Ukrainian forces must withdraw from areas claimed by Russia before hostilities can cease. Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that Ukrainian and US delegations will hold further discussions this week regarding potential security guarantees for Kyiv, a central issue in ongoing diplomatic efforts.
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Ukraine’s chief negotiator, Andriy Yermak, reiterated Kyiv’s refusal to concede land under any settlement, stressing that no responsible leader would willingly sign away territory. Speaking in Kyrgyzstan, President Putin declared that Russia would continue its military campaign “until the last Ukrainian dies” if necessary to secure its objectives. He added that a 28-point plan drafted in Washington showed some recognition of Russia’s perspective, though several elements required further negotiation, including the status of Crimea and the Donbas.
Putin also claimed that Russian forces had encircled the contested city of Pokrovsk, although this could not be independently verified. Control of the city would provide a strategic route towards major Ukrainian-held centres in the Donetsk region, but Kyiv maintains that fierce fighting continues. Disagreements over territorial control remain central to discussions, with Ukraine repeatedly ruling out handing over areas it still holds. Putin added that any future agreement must be recognised by the international community and acknowledge Russia’s territorial gains.
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As diplomatic manoeuvring intensifies, leaked recordings reported by Bloomberg appeared to show US envoy Steve Witkoff advising a Russian official on negotiation tactics, prompting criticism and political debate in the United States. Russia dismissed the leaks as an attempt to undermine peace efforts. With Russia occupying roughly a fifth of Ukraine, international partners – including France, Britain and Turkey – have begun outlining a potential reassurance force to support Ukrainian security should a ceasefire be reached.
