Putin disagrees with some aspects of US plan to end Ukraine war

President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia does not agree with certain elements of a U.S. initiative aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, following discussions with American representatives at the Kremlin. Speaking to India Today, Putin said, "At times we said that yes, we can discuss this, but to that we can't agree." He did not specify which aspects were contested.

Key areas of dispute appear to include the status of Ukrainian territories currently held by Russian forces and the nature of security assurances for Ukraine.

Steve Witkoff, representing former President Donald Trump and leading the U.S. delegation, is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian negotiators in Florida. Trump described the initial talks as "reasonably good," while noting that progress depends on cooperation from both sides.

Before his upcoming state visit to Delhi, Putin explained that Moscow had not received any updated version of the U.S. peace plan prior to the nearly five-hour session with Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law. "That's why we had to go over every point, that's why it took so long," he said.

Putin reiterated that Ukrainian forces must pull back from the eastern Donbas region, including areas still under their control. Russian forces now hold approximately 85% of Donbas. "Either we take back these territories by force, or eventually Ukrainian troops withdraw," he stated.

Yuri Ushakov, senior foreign policy adviser to Putin, described the Kremlin discussions as yielding "no compromise" and suggested that Russias negotiating leverage had increased due to recent military advances.

Trump commented that U.S. negotiators felt Putin is interested in ending the conflict. In contrast, Ukrainian officials criticized Russia for delaying progress, with Foreign Minister Andrii Sybhia accusing Putin of "wasting the world's time," while Ukraine's ambassador to the U.S. emphasized they do not rely on Russian promises. President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected any territorial concessions and demands robust security guarantees.

Zelensky noted that recent negotiations with a U.S. delegation in Geneva led to adjustments in the original plan, perceived as favoring Russia. The joint U.S.-Ukraine statement described the result as an "updated and refined peace framework," without providing further specifics.

European leaders attending separate Geneva talks reportedly expressed concerns over the U.S. approach. According to Der Spiegel, French President Emmanuel Macron warned about the risk of U.S. actions undermining Ukraine's territorial security, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz advised caution for Zelensky. Finnish President Alexander Stubb highlighted the need to support Ukraine in dealings with the U.S.

Russia began a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, currently controlling about 20% of the country. Despite heavy casualties, Russian forces have made gradual advances in southeastern Ukraine in recent weeks.

Author: Gavin Porter