Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that a US-backed proposal to end the war in Ukraine could potentially serve as a foundation for future negotiations. However, he also repeated a strong warning: if Ukrainian forces do not retreat from territories Russia claims, Moscow will try to seize them by force.

Speaking in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Putin confirmed that a US delegation led by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is expected in Moscow early next week. He said Russia is ready for “serious discussions,” but made it clear that his conditions have not changed.

Putin insisted that the war will only stop “when Ukrainian troops withdraw from the areas they occupy.” He added, “If they don’t withdraw, we will achieve this through military means.”

Zelensky Responds

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his team will also meet US officials later this week to go over proposals discussed in Geneva. Zelensky added that next week will include “important negotiations,” though he did not reveal details.

Russia’s Claims and the Reality on Ground

Russia currently controls about 20% of Ukraine, including:

• Most of Luhansk
• Parts of Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia

Although Moscow has declared all four regions as “annexed,” it does not fully control them.

Recent fighting has seen Russia make slow gains, especially around Pokrovsk, but analysts say a major Russian breakthrough is unlikely right now. The Institute for the Study of War noted that Russia’s pace of advance does not indicate an imminent full capture of Donetsk.

Many of the areas Russia wants include heavily fortified Ukrainian towns that are critical for Kyiv’s defense. Both Ukraine and its European partners have repeatedly said they will not accept any territorial concessions.

Peace Plan Debates

Putin’s comments come shortly after US officials — including former President Donald Trump — said there was “tremendous progress” toward ending the conflict. The original 28-point peace plan drafted by the US was heavily criticized by Ukraine and Europe, as parts of it aligned closely with Russia’s demands.

The earlier version reportedly included:

• A reduced Ukrainian military
• A ban on Ukraine joining NATO

That plan has since been revised.

Putin said he is aware of the latest changes and believes the US proposal “could form the basis for future agreements,” though he refused to discuss specifics.

For more global updates and geopolitical insights, stay tuned to Wolf999 News.