Putin Opens Door to Trump Peace Deal While Threatening Military Action

Russian President Vladimir Putin has delivered a mixed message regarding Donald Trump’s proposal to end the war in Ukraine, suggesting the plan could form the basis for negotiations while simultaneously issuing stark military threats. Speaking at a press conference in Kyrgyzstan, Putin indicated Russia received a version of the peace plan discussed between the United States and Ukraine in Geneva, acknowledging that Washington had considered some Russian positions in drafting the proposal.
However, Putin’s conditional acceptance came with a severe ultimatum. He demanded that Ukrainian forces completely withdraw from territories they currently hold before any cessation of hostilities could occur. The Russian leader warned that if Ukraine refuses this condition, Moscow will continue pursuing its objectives through military force. This demand effectively asks Ukraine to surrender land before negotiations even begin, raising questions about the viability of any diplomatic solution.
Putin escalated his rhetoric by questioning the legitimacy of Ukraine’s government, pointing to the fact that President Volodymyr Zelensky has remained in power beyond his elected term without holding new elections due to wartime restrictions. The Russian president claimed it would be “legally impossible” to sign any agreement with Ukraine’s current leadership, adding another layer of complexity to potential peace talks. He also insisted that the international community must formally recognize Russia’s territorial gains in Ukraine as part of any settlement.
The Trump administration’s peace proposal has faced significant criticism from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers in the United States, with many characterizing it as heavily favoring Russian demands. Initial versions of the plan reportedly required Ukraine to cede the entire Donbas region and recognize Russian control over Crimea, while also agreeing to reduce its military forces and permanently forgo NATO membership. After pushback from European allies and Ukrainian officials, the proposal was reportedly revised from 28 points down to 19, though sensitive issues remain unresolved.
President Zelensky finds himself in an increasingly difficult position, caught between the devastating human cost of continued warfare and pressure to accept unfavorable terms. He has described the situation as an “impossible choice” between sacrificing national dignity or risking the loss of crucial American support. Despite the diplomatic maneuvering, violence continues unabated, with recent Russian drone attacks damaging residential areas in Zaporizhzhia, underscoring the urgent need for a sustainable peace solution.