Putin Offers Cease-Fire in Ukraine, Kyiv Responds with Criticism
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Friday that he would immediately order a cease-fire in Ukraine and begin negotiations if Kyiv withdrew its troops from the four regions annexed by Moscow in 2022 and abandoned its plans to join NATO. However, Ukraine dismissed Putin’s proposal as “manipulative” and “absurd.”
These remarks from Putin came as Switzerland prepared to host world leaders, excluding Moscow, this weekend to discuss the first steps towards peace in Ukraine. The timing also coincided with a meeting of the Group of Seven leading industrialized nations in Italy and followed a 10-year security agreement signed between the US and Ukraine, which Russian officials, including Putin, deemed “null and void.”
Putin criticized the Switzerland conference, calling it a diversionary tactic that would set the discussion on the wrong track. In his speech at the Russian Foreign Ministry, he outlined his conditions for a “final resolution” of the conflict, which included Ukraine recognizing Crimea as part of Russia, maintaining nonnuclear status, restricting its military force, and protecting the interests of the Russian-speaking population. Putin emphasized that these demands should be part of fundamental international agreements, and all Western sanctions against Russia should be lifted.
While Putin’s remarks represented a rare occasion where he clearly laid out his conditions for ending the war in Ukraine, Ukrainian officials labeled the plan as manipulative and absurd. They accused Putin of attempting to mislead the international community and undermine diplomatic efforts for a just peace.
Ukraine’s demands include the withdrawal of Russian forces from its territory, including Crimea, restoration of territorial integrity, holding Russia accountable for war crimes, and reparations. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine began in February 2022 when Russia launched a full-scale invasion. Moscow has since annexed regions in the east and south of Ukraine but does not have full control over them.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s advisor, Mykhailo Podolyak, criticized Putin’s plan, stating that it offered nothing new and accused Russia of continuing the war in new formats. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also condemned Putin, asserting that he had illegally occupied Ukrainian territory and had no right to dictate peace terms.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg echoed Austin’s sentiments, describing Putin’s proposal as a proposal for more aggression and occupation. He emphasized that Russia’s aim was to control Ukraine.
Putin insisted that Kyiv should withdraw from all four annexed regions entirely and cede them to Moscow within their administrative borders. However, Ukraine wants Russian forces out of its territory and the restoration of its territorial integrity. The two sides remain at an impasse.
In recent fighting, Russian defenses shot down 87 Ukrainian drones, marking one of the biggest Ukrainian drone barrages of the war. Ukraine’s military has faced challenges in recent months, with its troops outnumbered and running short on ammunition and weaponry due to delays in promised Western military aid.
The conflict continues, with both sides holding firm to their positions. The international community plays a critical role in facilitating peace negotiations and finding a resolution that satisfies the demands of both parties.
