Putin Signals Willingness to negotiate, Demands Territorial Concessions
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Moscow, Russia - November 28, 2025 - Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Thursday that he is prepared to guarantee in writing that Russia will not attack Europe, but reiterated demands for notable concessions from Ukraine to end the ongoing conflict. Despite expressing a desire for a negotiated settlement, Putin also warned that Moscow remains ready to continue fighting and possibly seize further Ukrainian territory.
The statements come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, including a revised US peace plan, to find a resolution to the war. Putin’s conditions center on Ukrainian troop withdrawal from the Donbas region – specifically Donetsk and Luhansk – encompassing areas not currently under russian control. Ukrainian troops must withdraw from the territories they currently hold – then the fighting will stop. If they do not pull back, we will achieve this by military means,
Putin declared.
Zelenskyy’s Legitimacy Questioned
Putin onc again cast doubt on the legitimacy of ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s government, claiming he lost his legal authority after failing to hold elections in May 2024. Kyiv maintains it was unable to conduct elections due to martial law and the ongoing defense of its territory. Ukrainian lawmakers affirmed Zelenskyy’s legitimacy in a parliamentary resolution in February.The resolution received overwhelming support.
Putin asserted that any peace agreement would be legally unachievable
to sign with the current Ukrainian leadership and must receive international recognition, including acknowledgment of Russian control over occupied Ukrainian territories.
Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, firmly rejected the possibility of territorial concessions, stating, As long as Zelenskyy is president, no one should count on us giving up territory.
He made this statement to The Atlantic magazine on Thursday.
US Peace Plan Under Revision
Last week, the United States unveiled a 28-point peace plan initially viewed as heavily favoring russia, proposing significant concessions from Kyiv, including territorial relinquishment and abandonment of NATO aspirations. The plan has since been modified following input from ukrainian officials, removing a proposed 600,000-member cap on the Ukrainian army and a blanket amnesty for war crimes.
Zelenskyy announced on Thursday that Ukrainian delegations will meet with US officials to refine a peace formula discussed during previous talks in Geneva, focusing on security guarantees for Ukraine. Further discussions are scheduled for next week.
US representatives, including Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, are also planning a trip to Moscow next week to continue negotiations on key issues, including security assurances for Ukraine and Europe. Putin indicated his delegation will raise concerns about a provision in the US peace plan that only recognizes Russia’s de facto
control over Crimea and other claimed Ukrainian territories.
That is precisely what our talks with the American side will be about,
Putin stated.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2024-05 | Zelenskyy’s Presidential Term Expires (per Putin’s claim) |
| 2025-02 | Ukrainian Parliament Affirms Zelenskyy’s Legitimacy |
| 2025-11-21 | US Unveils Initial 28-Point Peace Plan |
| 2025-11-28 | Putin Outlines conditions for Negotiations |
Did You Know?
The Donbas region, comprising Donetsk and Luhansk, has been a focal point of conflict since 2014, with Russia supporting separatists in the area.
Pro Tip:
Follow reputable news sources and official statements for the most accurate and up-to-date details on the Russia-Ukraine war.
What conditions would be acceptable to all parties for a lasting peace in Ukraine?
How might international pressure influence Putin’s willingness to negotiate?
Background: The Russia-Ukraine Conflict
The current phase of the Russia-Ukraine conflict began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, escalating a conflict that originated in 2014 following the Ukrainian Revolution of Dignity and Russia’s annexation of Crimea. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, displacement of populations, and geopolitical tensions. Prior to the 2022 invasion, diplomatic efforts, including the Minsk agreements, aimed to resolve the conflict in Donbas, but were ultimately unsuccessful. The war has had a profound impact on global energy markets, food security, and international relations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are Putin’s main demands for ending the war? Putin demands Ukraine’s withdrawal from the Donbas region and questions the legitimacy of President Zelenskyy’s government.
- what is the status of the US peace plan? The US peace plan is currently under revision following input from Ukraine, with ongoing discussions planned in both Washington and Moscow.
- Has Zelenskyy indicated any willingness to cede territory? Zelenskyy’s chief of staff has stated unequivocally that Ukraine will not give up any territory.
- What is the significance of the recognition of Crimea? Russia considers Crimea to be part of its territory, and Putin wants any peace deal to include international recognition of this claim.
- What role is the US playing in the negotiations? The US is actively involved in diplomatic efforts, with special envoy Steve Witkoff leading discussions in Moscow.
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