Vladimir Putin has stated that Moscow is ready to engage in peace negotiations with Ukraine only based on the agreements reached in Istanbul in 2022.
The Russian dictator, during a meeting with media leaders from BRICS countries, recalled the lengthy negotiations in Turkey, which resulted in a draft agreement signed by the Ukrainian delegation.
If Ukraine signed it there, it means everything was satisfactory. In any case, there were some fundamental issues. We could discuss some details and refine them—yes, but to throw this document in the trash.
We are prepared to engage in dialogue about a peaceful resolution to the conflict, but only based on the document that was prepared during extensive negotiations over several months and signed by the Ukrainian side.
Putin claimed to support the peace plan from China and Brazil, which entails freezing hostilities along the front lines.
We only became familiar with the proposals from Brazil and China after they were made public; this is a good basis for seeking peace.
Speaking about peace agreements, Putin emphasized the need for conditions for long-term and sustainable peace, rather than a temporary ceasefire. He smiled while refusing to discuss the timelines for ending the war.
If we talk about any timelines—it's a very complex matter, and it's counterproductive… NATO is fighting us, but through the hands of Ukrainian soldiers… And when the NATO members get tired of fighting us—that's something you should ask them. We are ready to continue this struggle.
At the same time, Putin ruled out negotiations and compromises regarding the return of occupied Ukrainian territories.
I do not understand when you talk about territorial exchanges because the territories for which our guys are fighting on the battlefield are our territories. This includes the Luhansk People's Republic, the Donetsk People's Republic, Zaporizhzhia region, and Kherson.
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On June 14, Vladimir Putin, speaking before the leadership of the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated that Russia is ready to end the war against Ukraine on the following conditions:
- Ukraine must withdraw its troops from the territories of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions. This applies to all territories within the administrative borders of these regions at the beginning of hostilities.
- The status of Crimea and Sevastopol, Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson as regions of the Russian Federation must be enshrined in international agreements.
- Ukraine must confirm its non-aligned status and declare that it has no plans to join NATO.
- As soon as Ukraine begins these processes, an order for a ceasefire will be issued. Russia guarantees the safe and unhindered exit of Ukrainian military units.
- Agreements on peaceful resolution must be enshrined in international treaties.
- The cancellation of all sanctions against Russia.
- If Kyiv and the West reject this "peace proposal" from Putin, the next conditions will be different.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described these conditions as an ultimatum. Kyiv considers respect for the country's territorial integrity as a precondition for negotiations.
On October 16, Zelensky presented the "Victory Plan" for the Russian-Ukrainian war. It consists of five points and three secret appendices. The first point of the plan is an invitation for Ukraine to join NATO.