Vladimir Putin has reiterated that Ukraine must cede territory for any peace deal, though he indicated that a US-drafted plan could serve as a foundation for negotiations. Speaking in Kyrgyzstan, the Russian president stated that Ukrainian forces must surrender weapons and withdraw from regions claimed by Moscow to end the conflict.
Putin's remarks come as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced further talks with US officials on security guarantees for Kyiv. However, Ukraine's top negotiator Andriy Yermak told The Atlantic that Kyiv would never agree to territorial concessions, saying, “Not a single sane person today would sign a document to give up territory.”
The Russian leader warned that Moscow would continue its military campaign “until the last Ukrainian dies” if necessary. He claimed Russian forces had surrounded the key city of Pokrovsk, though the assertion could not be independently verified. Ukraine's top general reported fierce fighting in the city centre.
The future of claimed territories remains a major sticking point. Putin said any agreement must be recognised internationally and reflect Russian gains. A US-proposed plan reportedly suggests Washington could recognise the regions as de facto Russian, even if not legally. Putin framed this as a topic for discussion rather than a finalised draft.
Meanwhile, US envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to visit Russia next week to discuss Crimea and Donbas. The Kremlin has resisted pressure to compromise, insisting it will not make major concessions. Leaked recordings allegedly show Witkoff coaching a Russian official, which Donald Trump Jr defended as standard negotiation tactics.
