Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, Nov 27, asserted that the US plan for peace in Ukraine could be a starting point for future agreements. However, he warned that Russia would take more territory by force if Ukraine does not withdraw. Putin confirmed that a US delegation led by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is expected in Moscow next week before peace talks.
Speaking to reporters in Kyrgyzstan’s Bishkek, Putin emphasised that Kremlin was ready for a “serious discussion”. “Overall, we agree that it could form the basis for future agreements,” he said about the latest peace draft. However, the Russian President reiterated, the conflict can only end after Ukrainian troops withdraw from the territories they occupy. “If they don’t withdraw, we will achieve this through military means,” Putin said.
CNN reported that Russia controls about 20% of Ukraine, including all of Luhansk and parts of Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions, which are recognised as Ukrainian territory under international law. Russia wants Ukraine to give up these four regions, which it has claimed but not fully captured. In recent weeks, Moscow has made gains along the eastern front, especially near the city of Pokrovsk.
While a swift breakthrough seems difficult with Putin’s demands, United States President Donald Trump has repeatedly touted “tremendous progress” in his efforts to end the four-year-old Russia-Ukraine war.
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