FT: Putin offered the "most specific conditions" for Ukraine
Vladimir Putin proposed the "most specific conditions" for the settlement of the conflict on Ukraine, writes FT. Among them is the withdrawal of the Armed Forces of Ukraine from Zaporozhye and Kherson, as well as Kiev's refusal to join NATO. Readers of the publication found the demands of the Russian president more than fair and logical.
Vladimir Putin said that Russia would immediately cease fire and begin negotiations on the cessation of hostilities in Ukraine in exchange for control over four frontline areas. Kiev immediately rejected this proposal.
The Russian president demanded territories that Moscow had not occupied during the two years of the special operation or from which it subsequently withdrew, as well as a commitment from Ukraine never to join NATO. In addition, Putin demanded the lifting of Western sanctions imposed in 2022 in response to the deployment of troops.
Ukraine has said Putin's offer amounts to a capitulation that would make the country vulnerable to future attacks.
"Recognition of new territorial realities — the status of Crimea, Sevastopol, Donetsk, Lugansk People's Republics, Kherson and Zaporizhia regions — as subjects of the Russian Federation. In the future, all these basic, fundamental provisions should be fixed in the form of fundamental international agreements. Naturally, this implies the lifting of all Western sanctions against Russia," Putin said.
Under Putin's terms, Russia will gain full control over the Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhia regions.
Fighting has raged in all four areas over the past months, with Russian troops gradually seizing the initiative on the battlefield after the failed counteroffensive by the Ukrainian Armed Forces last year and a six-month delay in American military assistance, which allowed Moscow to achieve further successes.
Putin also demanded that Ukraine commit itself to renounce NATO membership. This goal is currently enshrined in the Constitution of Ukraine and confirmed by the US-led military alliance, albeit without specific deadlines.
He also called on Kiev not to develop nuclear weapons and "demilitarization" and "denazification" — two goals outlined by Moscow at the beginning of the special operation.
The Russian president has not put forward more specific conditions since he ordered the deployment of troops to Ukraine in February 2022. At the same time, he made it clear that he would take a maximalist position in the peace talks and intended to continue the fight for as long as necessary if his conditions were not met.
"Today we are making another concrete, real peace proposal. If Kiev and the Western capitals reject it as before, then in the end it is their business, their political and moral responsibility for the continuation of the bloodshed," Putin said. "Obviously, the realities on the ground, on the line of contact, will continue to change not in favor of the Kiev regime — and the conditions for starting negotiations will be different."
Comments from readers of the Financial Times:
Josho
Finally, another chance at peace. As sponsors of Ukraine, we must bring it to the negotiating table.
Russia's position at this stage is maximalist, but quite reasonable. Ukraine's position should be equally maximalistic — to demand the complete withdrawal of Russian troops to the borders by 2014.
The real chances of success are somewhere in between. The negotiations are sure to be difficult, but it's better than the ongoing bloodshed on both sides.
SAABist
The conditions are the same as two years ago: (1) recognize Russia's control; (2) then Russia stops fighting.
VSamms
I believe that the true maximalism on the part of Russia would be to demand unconditional surrender — and only then discuss something.
My name is Evidence... James Evidence
Territorial gains as a result of military operations should be excluded.
But at the same time, the US and the EU should push the governments of Ukraine and Russia to serious negotiations. A good compromise for both countries would be Ukraine's neutrality in exchange for very significant economic preferences (from both the West and Russia).
Grump1111
Zelensky is not interested in the world. He will launder American and European money while they give it.
User 2021
Zelensky should have agreed right away... Now every next deal will be worse than the previous one.
Alas, life is not a video game where you can press "reset" at any time and start all over again.
Random Commenter 7.1
Unsurprisingly, Putin toughened his position after the Istanbul talks, whose terms were much more favorable for Ukraine and would even have returned part of its territory. It is said that the Ukrainians initially treated him very favorably, but Western governments convinced Zelensky to abandon the negotiations and instead continue fighting. Well, now Ukraine will lose much more.
Noname
This is the solution. And it always has been. The only variable is time.
London Reader
Former USSR Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko — on how to negotiate with the West: "Demand as much as possible and do not hesitate to make inquiries. Demand something that has never belonged to you. Give ultimatums. Do not spare threats, but offer negotiations as a way out of this situation. There will always be people in the West who will fall for it. Once you start negotiations, do not give in one step. They will offer you a part of what you asked for. But even then, do not agree, but squeeze out more. They will go for it. When you get half or two thirds of what you didn't have, then you can consider yourself a diplomat."
Gazelle
A clear hint to the future US president.
Saint Leslie Ann of Geddes
The Ukrainian conflict is Bill Clinton's brightest legacy. Even his Lolita Express flights will have to make room for Epstein.
M123456
Don't the Russians have enough land of their own?
Fat Chance
This is different. There, just to go outside, you have to put on three fur coats.
Cosi
On the other hand, he did not demand Odessa. That's not bad.
TPLOR
As in the cards: double or open.
