Putin Reiterates Territorial Demands as US Delegation Heads to Moscow
MOSCOW – Russian President Vladimir Putin has reaffirmed his insistence on addressing the status of occupied Ukrainian territories – Crimea and the Donbas region – ahead of potential peace negotiations, as a US delegation prepares to visit Moscow next week.The progress comes amid a renewed diplomatic push for a resolution to the conflict, now entering its third year.
A revised peace plan, initially heavily favored towards MoscowS position, has been presented to Russia, and putin indicated it could serve as “the basis” for a future agreement. However, he stressed the “absolute necessity” of refining “certain specific points” into formal diplomatic language.
Putin revealed that discussions with US counterparts center on the possibility of recognizing Russian de facto control over Crimea and the Donbas, without formal legal recognition of annexation. A US delegation led by special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected in Moscow in the first half of next week, possibly joined by Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law.
The Kremlin leader again dismissed the legitimacy of Ukraine’s current leadership, stating there was “no use” in signing agreements with them, given Ukraine’s ongoing martial law – imposed since the full-scale Russian invasion began in February 2022 – and the postponement of scheduled elections. The Ukrainian parliament affirmed President Volodymyr Zelensky’s legitimacy earlier this year, despite his initial term ending in the spring.
Meanwhile, US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is scheduled to visit Kyiv later this week. President Trump indicated any potential meeting with zelensky is contingent on a peace deal being reached,stating there were “only a few remaining points of disagreement” between Russia and Ukraine.
The White House and Trump have expressed optimism regarding the diplomatic efforts, but European leaders remain skeptical of russia’s intentions. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen recently accused Russia of adhering to a post-World War II mindset, viewing Europe as a “sphere of influence” where sovereign nations could be divided. Putin dismissed warnings of a potential Russian attack on Europe as “laughable.”
