This was the primary time Vladimir Putin has commented on the most recent US peace proposal. Will Russia agree? Is a deal shut? It did not sound prefer it.
There was loads of conciliatory language at first of his press convention which was designed to indicate a willingness to achieve an settlement.
Donald Trump’s plan can present “the basis for future agreements”, he mentioned. Russia is prepared for “serious” discussions. He even expressed a willingness to debate European safety.
However “discuss” doesn’t suggest “agree”, and it definitely doesn’t suggest “compromise”.
And because the questions grew extra particular, and the main target turned to the assorted sticking factors in a peace deal, the Kremlin chief’s language hardened, revealing a well-known theme.
On essentially the most contentious level of territory, he described recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea and the Donbas as a “key point” to the negotiations with the US.
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Putin: ‘No ultimate variations’ of peace deal
That recognition, bear in mind, was one of many proposals that made the preliminary 28-point peace plan so unpalatable for Ukraine.
They’ve managed to get it faraway from the most recent draft, nevertheless it’s clear that Putin needs it again in. On this difficulty, there’s clearly nonetheless no center floor.
And he additionally had a warning for Kyiv and its European allies relating to their calls for for a ceasefire, saying: “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.”
Picture:
US envoy Steve Witkoff and Putin meet within the Kremlin. Pic: Reuters
It does not sound just like the language of somebody who needs peace. It appears like somebody who will not cease till they’ve what they need. Somebody whose core calls for stay undiluted.
Whether or not it is on the battlefield or on the negotiating desk, Russia continues to be pursuing a victory.
Putin additionally reiterated a long-standing gripe over the legitimacy of Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s presidency, claiming it means a legally-binding take care of Ukraine is unimaginable as issues stand.
It sounded suspiciously like Moscow’s newest play for time. It isn’t Russia’s fault there isn’t any peace plan – it is the authorized small print.
So when US envoy Steve Witkoff visits Moscow subsequent week for talks within the Kremlin, it appears not possible he’ll depart with an unconditional settlement to America’s newest peace plan.
