Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated that a long-term agreement to end the war in Ukraine is contingent upon resolving territorial issues, according to a Kremlin official. The statement came during recent negotiations with U.S. representatives.
Putin Links Peace to Territorial Resolution
Yury Ushakov, the Kremlin’s advisor on foreign policy, stated on Friday that during discussions between Putin and American negotiators, it was “reaffirmed that without resolving the territorial issue according to the formula agreed upon in Anchorage, one should not count on achieving a long-term settlement.”
The recently concluded talks in Moscow involved Putin and U.S. representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Ushakov described the four-hour conversation as “exceptionally substantive, constructive, and, I would say, extremely frank and confidential.”
Negotiations Focused on a Single Issue
Prior to traveling to Moscow, Witkoff suggested that peace negotiations had narrowed to a single point of contention. “I think we’ve reduced it to one issue, and we’ve discussed iterations of that issue, and that means it’s solvable,” he said while speaking at an event in Davos on Thursday.
Ushakov also stated that Putin emphasized Russia’s “sincere interest in resolving the Ukrainian crisis through political and diplomatic means.” However, Russia intends to continue its military operations “on the battlefield, where the Russian Armed Forces maintain the strategic initiative” until a resolution is reached.
The current situation suggests that while diplomatic channels remain open, a breakthrough is unlikely without concessions on territorial matters. It is possible that continued military action will be used to strengthen Russia’s negotiating position, or that further talks will be held to explore potential compromises. Alternatively, the lack of progress could lead to a prolonged conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Russia’s primary condition for a peace agreement?
According to the Kremlin, Russia requires a resolution to territorial issues before a “long-term agreement” to end the war in Ukraine can be reached.
Who participated in the recent negotiations with Putin?
The recent negotiations in Moscow included Russian President Vladimir Putin, and U.S. representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
What was the outcome of the previous meeting between Trump and Putin in Anchorage?
The summit between President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, last year concluded without any significant advancements and with limited details released about the discussions.
Given the stated conditions for peace, what role do you believe territorial disputes will play in the future of the conflict?
