Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly cast doubt on a United States-led peace initiative aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, stating that Moscow cannot agree to certain parts of the proposal. His comments come just as he arrived in New Delhi for a state visit focused on strengthening defence and economic ties with India.
Diplomatic Stalemate in Moscow
The Russian leader made his scepticism clear in an interview with India Today, following a lengthy meeting in Moscow on Tuesday with US representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Witkoff is an envoy for former President Donald Trump, while Kushner is Trump's son-in-law.
Putin claimed he was not shown the latest version of the US peace plan before the talks, necessitating a detailed, point-by-point discussion. "At times we said that yes, we can discuss this, but to that we can't agree," he stated. Yuri Ushakov, a senior foreign policy aide to Putin, later confirmed that "so far, a compromise hasn't been found," particularly on the critical issue of Ukrainian territory currently occupied by Russian forces.
The Core Points of Contention
The main obstacles to a deal appear to be twofold. Firstly, the fate of the Ukrainian land seized by Russia since 2014, which Kyiv has ruled out surrendering. Secondly, the nature of future security guarantees for Ukraine. Putin reiterated a demand for Ukrainian troops to withdraw from the eastern Donbas region, which Russia now controls an estimated 85% of.
"Either we take back these territories by force, or eventually Ukrainian troops withdraw," Putin said. Despite the apparent deadlock, the White House had earlier expressed confidence that a diplomatic breakthrough could still be achieved. The US envoys have since invited Ukraine's security chief, Rustem Umerov, to Florida for further discussions.
European Fears and a Pivotal India Visit
The situation has triggered alarm among European allies. French President Emmanuel Macron reportedly warned fellow leaders that the US could "betray Ukraine" by pushing it to cede territory without firm security assurances, according to German publication Der Spiegel. The Élysée Palace later stated Macron "did not express himself in these terms."
Meanwhile, Putin's visit to India marks a significant test for New Delhi's foreign policy balancing act. Received with a warm bear hug by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the two leaders are set to hold the 23rd India-Russia Summit. Talks will centre on deepening cooperation in defence, energy, and skilled labour mobility. The trip, Putin's first to India since 2021, underscores the enduring strategic partnership between the two nations, even as Western pressure on Russia continues over the Ukraine conflict.
