Moscow: President Vladimir Putin stated on Friday that Russia would agree to a ceasefire and engage in peace negotiations if Ukraine abandoned its NATO aspirations and withdrew its forces from four disputed regions claimed by Moscow.
Ahead of an upcoming peace conference in Switzerland, from which Russia has been excluded, Putin outlined terms sharply contrasting with Ukraine’s demands.
“The conditions are very simple,” Putin asserted, emphasizing the complete withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions in eastern and southern Ukraine.
“As soon as they declare in Kyiv that they are ready for such a decision and commence actual troop withdrawals from these areas, and also publicly announce the abandonment of NATO accession plans—immediately on our part, literally within the same minute, an order will be issued to halt hostilities and initiate negotiations,” Putin declared.
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He reiterated, “We will act promptly. Moreover, we will ensure the safe and unimpeded withdrawal of Ukrainian units and formations.”
Russia currently controls a significant portion of Ukrainian territory after three years of conflict. Ukraine maintains that peace hinges on the complete withdrawal of Russian forces and the restoration of its territorial integrity.
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The summit in Switzerland, set to convene with representatives from over 90 nations and organizations, is expected to sidestep territorial disputes in favor of discussions on issues such as food security and nuclear safety in Ukraine.
The Kremlin has dismissed the summit as “pointless” without Russia’s participation.
