Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated that American proposals to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine could serve as a foundation for negotiations, while simultaneously issuing a stark warning to Ukrainian military forces.
Diplomatic Moves and Military Threats
During a press conference concluding his three-day visit to Kyrgyzstan on Thursday, Putin described President Donald Trump's peace initiative as "a set of issues put forward for discussion" rather than a formal draft agreement. The Russian leader emphasised that "every word matters" in such delicate negotiations.
Putin delivered an uncompromising ultimatum to Ukrainian forces, stating: "If Ukrainian troops withdraw from the territories they occupy, hostilities will cease. If they don't withdraw, we will achieve this by force." This statement underscores the continued military pressure despite diplomatic overtures.
Expanding Demands and International Concerns
The Kremlin maintains its previous conditions for meaningful peace negotiations, which include Ukraine's complete withdrawal from the entire Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhia regions - notably encompassing areas currently under Ukrainian control. Additionally, Russia insists on preventing Ukraine from joining NATO and hosting Western military personnel.
European leaders, largely excluded from initial discussions, are seeking greater involvement in the peace process amid growing concerns about regional security. Analysts suggest Putin is attempting to outlast Western commitment to supporting Ukraine's war effort.
Military Reality and Diplomatic Developments
Despite Russian claims of battlefield momentum, the Institute for the Study of War has questioned Moscow's ability to achieve rapid victory. The Washington-based think tank noted that Russian advances have been opportunistic and dependent on seasonal conditions rather than demonstrating overwhelming military superiority.
The diplomatic landscape continues to evolve with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff scheduled to visit Moscow next week. Meanwhile, U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, who has played a prominent role in recent peace efforts, may travel to Kyiv for further discussions.
In a significant financial development, Ukraine has secured a $8.1 billion International Monetary Fund agreement spanning four years. This comes as the country faces estimated budget and military requirements of $153 billion for 2026-2027.
The situation remains volatile with continued fighting along the front lines. Ukrainian officials reported a 53-year-old man killed in a Russian drone attack in the Sumy region, while Russian air defences claimed to have intercepted 118 Ukrainian drones overnight.
