• Russian leader says revised U.S.-backed proposal could form basis for agreement
• Moscow insists Ukrainian forces must leave claimed territories or face military action
• Trump envoy Witkoff expected in Moscow next week for direct negotiations

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan (TDR) — Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly acknowledged receiving a revised peace proposal backed by the United States and Ukraine, saying Thursday it could serve as a foundation for ending the nearly four-year war. However, his acceptance came with a stark warning that underscores Moscow’s unchanged territorial ambitions.

Putin Accepts Peace Plan as Starting Point

Speaking to reporters during a state visit to Kyrgyzstan, Putin offered his most detailed public comments on the Trump administration’s diplomatic push. He confirmed the Kremlin had received the proposal and expressed cautious optimism about its potential.

“In general, we agree that this can be the basis for future agreements.”

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Putin noted that Washington appeared to be taking Russia’s position into account in negotiations. He described the document as a set of issues for discussion rather than a finished draft, adding that some points still require serious attention. The Russian leader said Moscow was ready for “serious” talks when a U.S. delegation arrives early next week.

Territorial Demands Remain Unchanged

Despite the diplomatic language, Putin repeated his most hardline demands. He insisted the war would only end when Ukrainian forces withdraw from territories Russia claims as its own. Moscow illegally annexed portions of four Ukrainian regions through sham referenda in 2022, though it controls only parts of them.

The Russian president left no room for ambiguity on this point. Ukrainian troops must leave, he said, or Russia will take the land by force. This demand includes areas that Ukraine currently holds in the Donbas region, which Kyiv has repeatedly ruled out surrendering.

Putin also demanded international recognition of Russian rule over Crimea and the Donbas. He dismissed the possibility of signing any deal directly with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, calling it “pointless” because Russia does not recognize his government as legitimate.

Revised Plan Emerges From Geneva Talks

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The current proposal evolved from an initial 28-point plan that drew sharp criticism from Ukraine and European allies for heavily favoring Moscow. After weekend negotiations in Geneva between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ukrainian officials, the document was reportedly trimmed to 19 key proposals.

The revised version removed some of the most contentious elements, including a 600,000-member cap on Ukraine’s military and a blanket amnesty for war crimes. However, critical sticking points remain unresolved, particularly regarding territorial concessions that Ukraine’s constitution prohibits.

Witkoff Heads to Moscow Amid Controversy

Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to arrive in Moscow early next week for direct talks. The visit comes amid controversy over leaked recordings that appeared to show Witkoff coaching Kremlin officials on how to appeal to Trump.

Putin confirmed he would meet with Witkoff but dismissed concerns about the leaked call, suggesting it could be fabricated. Trump defended his envoy, calling the approach “standard negotiation” tactics.

Meanwhile, Ukraine announced that joint work with U.S. delegations would continue this week. The European Union, largely sidelined from negotiations, warned that any deal forcing territorial concessions would not receive European support.

Can Trump’s dealmaking approach bridge the gap between Putin’s maximalist demands and Ukraine’s red lines on territory?

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