Putin Signals Hard-Line Demands Ahead of Expected U.S.-Russia Talks on Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin used a post-summit press conference in Bishkek to spell out Moscow’s conditions ahead of expected talks with a U.S. delegation next week, insisting that any future settlement on Ukraine must include international legal recognition of Russia’s control over Crimea, Donbas and other occupied territories.
Speaking after the CSTO summit in Kyrgyzstan, Putin dismissed Western claims that Russia could attack Europe, defended Moscow’s battlefield strategy, and reiterated that Russia would halt hostilities only if Ukrainian forces withdraw from all territories currently held by Russia.
No “peace plan” – only talking points, Putin says
Putin downplayed reports of structured peace proposals, saying that what exists is merely a “set of questions for discussion,” not a formal draft.
“There are no peace plan projects. Some points need to be translated into diplomatic language – the way they read now is almost comical,” Putin said.
He added that after early contacts in Geneva, a list of 28 discussion points was divided into four thematic groups, with negotiations led by the Russian Foreign Ministry and presidential aides Vladimir Medinsky and Yuri Ushakov.
Russia seeks legal guarantees and recognition
Putin made clear that Moscow’s goal in upcoming talks is not a temporary ceasefire but long-term geopolitical recognition of new borders.
“International legal recognition is essential. One thing is a territory legally recognized under Russian sovereignty. Another is a territory someone claims remains Ukrainian,” he said.
“This must be a key subject of negotiations with the American side.”
According to leaks reported by U.S. outlets including Axios and Bloomberg, a U.S. proposal envisions:
freezing front lines in parts of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia,
legal recognition of Russia’s control over Crimea and parts of Donbas,
demilitarized zones in areas vacated by Ukrainian forces,
major reductions in Ukraine’s long-range weaponry,
a ban on foreign troops in Ukraine,
and Russian becoming a state language in Ukraine.
Bloomberg also reported that Western sanctions relief for Russia is under discussion in exchange for a settlement framework.
Putin: Russia will stop fighting only if Ukraine withdraws
Putin reiterated that the Kremlin’s condition for ending hostilities remains unchanged.
“If Ukrainian troops withdraw from the territories they occupy, fighting will stop. If they don’t, we will force this militarily,” he said.
He claimed Ukrainian forces lost 47,500 soldiers in October and warned that Kyiv risks losing its “most capable units,” particularly near Pokrovsk (Krasnoarmiysk).
U.S. delegation expected in Moscow next week
Putin confirmed that a U.S. delegation – whose composition is being finalized by President Donald Trump – is due in Moscow.
He noted he expects Trump’s special envoy, real-estate investor Steve Witkoff, to take part in the talks.
“He defends his president’s position, but the dialogue with him is conducted without shouting or spitting,” Putin said.
Attacking Europe: “nonsense”
Putin called speculation that Russia might attack Europe “lies and nonsense,” adding that Moscow is ready to discuss European security and nuclear stability if the West is prepared to engage.
The Russian president again questioned U.S. sanctions against LUKOIL and Rosneft following the Anchorage summit, saying he “did not understand” the reasoning.
Ukraine “lost legitimacy,” making treaties impossible, Putin claims
Putin said any formal agreements with the government in Kyiv are pointless because, in his view, Ukraine “lost legitimacy” by not holding presidential elections under wartime law.
“Signing documents with the current Ukrainian leadership is meaningless,” he said.
“As soon as a peace agreement is signed, martial law must be lifted – and that requires elections. They are afraid of holding them.”
Russia wants future direct talks with Ukraine – but not now
Putin suggested that eventual negotiations with a future Ukrainian government are possible:
“There are many healthy people in Ukraine who want long-term relations with Russia. I hope we can reach an agreement in the future.”
For now, however, he insists any settlement must be negotiated with major international powers – not Kyiv – to ensure recognition of Russia’s territorial claims.
