Putin Doubles Down on Territorial Demands Ahead of US Talks in Moscow
As diplomatic tensions escalate, Russian President Vladimir Putin has reaffirmed his demands regarding Ukrainian territory, stating that Russia will only cease hostilities if Ukrainian forces withdraw from regions claimed by Moscow. This declaration comes as the United States prepares to engage in talks with Russian officials in Moscow, aiming to navigate the complex landscape of the ongoing conflict.
In a recent address, Putin emphasized that Russia’s military operations would continue until Ukraine withdraws from the Donbas region, which includes the Luhansk and Donetsk areas. He asserted that the Russian military has the initiative on the battlefield, and if Ukraine does not comply, Russia is prepared to pursue its objectives through force. The situation on the ground, however, reveals a challenging reality for Russia, as its slow territorial gains have come at a high cost in terms of manpower. The Institute for the Study of War estimates that at the current pace, it could take nearly two more years for Russia to fully capture the remainder of the Donetsk region.
Putin’s comments followed a week of intense diplomatic activity, including discussions between U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators over a peace plan initially drafted by American and Russian officials. Although the plan has been revised, it still fails to adequately address the contentious issue of occupied territories, a significant obstacle in achieving a lasting resolution. Putin indicated that the new draft could serve as a foundation for future negotiations, but he stressed the need for specific points to be articulated clearly in diplomatic terms.
The upcoming U.S. delegation, led by special envoy Steve Witkoff, is expected to arrive in Moscow soon, with reports suggesting that President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, may also participate. In a video address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed optimism about the discussions, noting that the Ukrainian and U.S. teams would work to translate points secured in Geneva into actionable steps towards peace and security guarantees.
Despite the ongoing diplomatic efforts, skepticism remains, particularly among European leaders. Many doubt Putin’s commitment to ending the conflict, with European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen criticizing Russia for its outdated worldview and its perception of Europe as a sphere of influence to be divided among powerful nations. Furthermore, Putin has dismissed concerns about potential Russian aggression towards Europe, calling such warnings “laughable.”
The ongoing war in Ukraine, which has seen the country under martial law since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, continues to pose significant challenges not only for Ukraine but for global security dynamics. As both sides prepare for the next round of talks, the world watches closely, hoping for a breakthrough that could lead to a peaceful resolution of this protracted conflict.