Russian President Vladimir Putin stated from Kyrgyzstan that elements of the U.S. plan for Ukraine could serve as a foundation for future agreements between the parties.
“We need to seriously discuss, word for word, the peace plan for Ukraine. Recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea and Donbas must be a key point in negotiations with the United States,” Putin said, highlighting his skepticism toward Kyiv’s authorities.
He emphasized that a legal agreement with Ukraine is currently “impossible,” while asserting that Russia remains open to talks with Europe regarding security guarantees and has no aggressive intentions toward the continent.
“We have never sought to attack Europe,” Putin added.
Putin confirmed that American negotiators are expected in Moscow next week, and that Abu Dhabi has been chosen as the venue for Russo-Ukrainian discussions. He described the U.S. presence as “a surprise.”
Addressing the situation on the ground, Putin claimed that Ukraine lost 47,000 troops in October and reported high levels of desertion within its army. He stated that hostilities could only end if Kyiv withdraws from the territories Russia considers occupied.
“If Ukrainian forces withdraw… will we stop hostilities? If they do not, we will achieve this by military means,” he said.
Putin denied reports suggesting he restricted the powers of Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, calling such claims “nonsense.” Regarding Russian assets frozen in Europe, he referred to confiscations as “theft.”
On reports of leaked discussions between Yuri Ushakov and Steve Witkoff, Putin suggested they could be “fake news” or the result of surveillance, noting it would be unusual for Witkoff to use vulgar language toward Russia.
