Russian President Vladimir Putin has created a paradoxical diplomatic situation by simultaneously welcoming Donald Trump’s peace initiative as a potential negotiating foundation while imposing conditions that Ukraine is unlikely to accept. During a press conference in Kyrgyzstan, Putin acknowledged that Russia received a variant of the American-backed plan and credited Washington with considering Russian perspectives in its development, suggesting at least superficial alignment between the proposals and Moscow’s interests.
The core obstacle to progress remains Putin’s insistence that Ukrainian military forces must fully withdraw from territories under their control before hostilities can cease. This demand represents a fundamental challenge to any negotiated settlement, as it requires Ukraine to surrender strategic land and population centers without guarantees about what would follow. Putin reinforced this ultimatum with threats, stating that Russia would continue its military campaign to achieve objectives by force if Ukraine refuses the withdrawal condition.
Putin supplemented his territorial demands with attacks on the legitimacy of Ukraine’s government and demands for international recognition of Russian gains. He argued that concluding an agreement with Zelensky’s administration would be legally invalid because the Ukrainian president has remained in office beyond his elected term without holding new elections, though this situation results directly from Russia’s invasion. Moscow also seeks formal global acknowledgment of its territorial acquisitions as permanent, rather than temporary military control subject to future negotiation.
The Trump administration’s peace plan has evolved considerably following widespread criticism that initial versions overwhelmingly favored Russian demands at Ukraine’s expense. Early drafts reportedly called for Ukraine to surrender Donbas, accept Russian control of Crimea, dramatically reduce military strength, prevent foreign forces or advanced weapons on Ukrainian territory, and permanently forgo NATO membership. After European and Ukrainian objections, the proposal was refined from 28 provisions to 19, though significant disagreements persist.
Ukrainian leadership confronts an agonizing dilemma between continued devastating warfare and potentially accepting unfavorable peace terms. President Zelensky has characterized the choice as potentially requiring either sacrificing national dignity or risking the loss of essential American support. While Ukrainian officials have indicated willingness to discuss the revised proposal directly with Trump, fundamental questions about territorial integrity and sovereignty remain unresolved. Recent Russian drone strikes on residential buildings in Zaporizhzhia serve as grim reminders that diplomatic progress has not translated into reduced violence.