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Putin Expresses Willingness for Ukraine Peace Talks with Trump, Outlines Conditions
Putin signals readiness for talks with Trump over Ukraine conflict but demands Kyiv meet conditions for peace. Tensions rise as Moscow claims military advances.
ND
by News Desk
2024-12-19
Putin Expresses Willingness for Ukraine Peace Talks with Trump, Outlines Conditions

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed readiness on Thursday to negotiate an end to the Ukraine conflict in possible talks with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. However, Putin underscored that any agreement would need to be based on prior negotiations and specific conditions.

During his annual televised Q&A session, Putin reiterated Russia’s stance that peace could only be achieved through negotiations with Ukraine’s legitimate authorities. The Russian leader said he had no preconditions for initiating talks but clarified that any agreement must involve Ukraine’s parliament or a newly re-elected President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

“We have always said that we are ready for negotiations and compromises,” Putin stated. However, he dismissed the notion of a temporary truce, emphasizing the need for a long-term resolution.

Conditions for Talks and Ongoing Conflict

Putin stressed that Russia would not make territorial concessions and insisted that Ukraine abandon its aspirations to join NATO. He proposed that future negotiations use the framework of a draft agreement discussed during Istanbul talks in the early weeks of the war, though he noted that it was never implemented due to Ukrainian opposition.

Meanwhile, the Russian military has continued its advance, with Moscow claiming control of roughly 20% of Ukrainian territory. Strategically vital cities such as Pokrovsk remain under threat as Russian forces consolidate their positions.

Putin also rejected speculation about a halt to hostilities, stating that Kyiv's forces in Russia’s Kursk region would be removed, though he refrained from providing a timeline.

Trump’s Potential Role

Putin expressed optimism about Trump’s ability to mediate a resolution, given the latter’s self-described expertise in negotiation. Trump, who has vowed to end the conflict swiftly, has yet to share details about his approach.

Reuters recently reported that Putin was open to discussing a ceasefire deal with Trump, provided that Kyiv met certain demands.

Broader Implications

The war, which began in 2022, has caused tens of thousands of deaths, displaced millions, and plunged Moscow’s relations with the West into their most severe crisis since the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962.

Putin defended his decision to invade Ukraine, asserting that it was necessary to counter NATO’s expansion and protect Russian sovereignty. He also admitted that Russia should have been better prepared for the conflict.

Strategic Developments and Future Projections

The Russian president touted the progress of Moscow’s forces and highlighted the testing of hypersonic missiles as a demonstration of Russia’s military capabilities. He dismissed Western air defense systems, suggesting they were incapable of intercepting such weapons.

In response to these claims, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, speaking at a European Council meeting in Brussels, questioned Putin’s rationale, saying, “Do you think he is a sane person?”

Conclusion

As the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, hopes for a diplomatic resolution remain uncertain. While Putin’s openness to talks with Trump marks a potential turning point, the feasibility of achieving peace hinges on meeting Moscow’s stringent conditions and overcoming the entrenched mistrust between the warring parties.
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putin

PeaceTalks

RussiaUkraineWar
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