Russian President Vladimir Putin has created a challenging diplomatic environment by accepting Donald Trump’s peace framework in principle while simultaneously establishing conditions and issuing threats that complicate negotiations. Speaking in Kyrgyzstan, Putin acknowledged that Russia reviewed a version of the American-backed proposal discussed between Washington and Kyiv in Geneva and suggested it could form a foundation for future agreements.
The central obstacle to progress remains Putin’s insistence that Ukrainian forces must completely vacate territories they currently control before fighting can end. This demand represents a fundamental challenge because it requires Ukraine to surrender land and strategic positions without guarantees about subsequent negotiations. Putin reinforced this ultimatum by threatening that Russia would continue its military campaign indefinitely if Ukraine refuses these terms.
The Russian president also attacked the legitimacy of Ukraine’s government and demanded international recognition of territorial changes. Putin claimed that concluding any agreement with Zelensky would be “legally impossible” due to the Ukrainian president’s extended term without elections, though this situation results directly from Russia’s invasion preventing normal democratic processes. Additionally, Moscow seeks formal global acknowledgment of its territorial acquisitions as permanent sovereignty.
Trump’s peace proposal has evolved considerably from initial drafts that faced bipartisan criticism in Washington for appearing to concede most Russian demands. Early versions reportedly called for Ukraine to cede Donbas entirely, accept Russian control of Crimea, dramatically reduce military capabilities, prohibit foreign military presence and advanced weaponry, and accept permanent exclusion from NATO. Following objections from European allies and Ukrainian officials, the proposal was refined from 28 points to 19.
Ukrainian leadership faces mounting pressure from multiple directions as the conflict’s devastating impact continues. President Zelensky has acknowledged the strain by noting that “even the strongest metal can break,” while characterizing the choice as potentially between national dignity and maintaining crucial American support. Ukrainian officials have indicated conditional readiness to proceed with the revised proposal and discuss remaining sensitive points directly with Trump. Meanwhile, continued Russian drone strikes on residential buildings in Zaporizhzhia serve as harsh reminders that diplomatic progress has not translated into reduced violence.
