Putin Signals US-Ukraine Draft Could Lead to Peace Talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on November 27, 2023, that the outline draft peace proposals discussed by the United States and Ukraine could potentially form the basis for future agreements aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. However, he emphasized that should these discussions fail, Russia is prepared to continue its military operations.

Putin’s comments came during a press conference in Bishkek following a summit with leaders from former Soviet republics. He acknowledged that discussions thus far have not centered around a formal draft agreement but rather on various issues pertinent to the conflict. The recent emergence of a leaked 28-point US peace plan has raised concerns among Ukrainian and European officials, who worry it may concede too much to Moscow’s demands regarding NATO, territorial control, and military restrictions in Ukraine.

Despite the challenges, Putin highlighted that the US and Ukraine have made progress, noting their decision to categorize the 28 points into four distinct components during talks in Geneva. “In general, we agree that this could be the basis for future agreements,” he stated, while also recognizing that some elements require further discussion.

### Russia’s Military Position and Negotiation Stance

Putin’s remarks included a stark reminder of Russia’s military capabilities, with the country currently controlling over 19 percent of Ukrainian territory, equating to approximately 115,600 square kilometers. He asserted that if Ukrainian forces do not withdraw from the territories they occupy, Russia will continue to take action. “Ukrainian troops must withdraw from the territories they hold, and then the fighting will cease. If they don’t leave, then we shall achieve this by armed means,” he declared.

The Russian leader expressed skepticism towards the legitimacy of the Ukrainian leadership, claiming it would be legally impossible to reach a deal with Kyiv unless recognized by the international community. He emphasized that any agreement should acknowledge Russian territorial gains, particularly concerning the Crimean Peninsula and the eastern Donbas region.

### Upcoming Diplomatic Engagements

Putin indicated that the US special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is expected to visit Moscow in the upcoming week. He described the recent US sanctions targeting Russian oil companies as unexpected and unfounded. Addressing the leaked recording of a conversation involving Trump’s advisers, he dismissed the notion that Witkoff displayed bias towards Moscow during peace negotiations, labeling such claims as “nonsense.”

The ongoing conflict, which has become Europe’s deadliest since World War Two, continues to impact international relations and stability in the region. As diplomatic efforts evolve, the responses from both the US and Ukraine remain critical in determining the future trajectory of the peace process.