Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly suggested halting his invasion at current front-line positions as part of a peace initiative with U.S. President Donald Trump.
The potential proposal would see Moscow withdraw its claims to areas of four Ukrainian regions still under Kyiv’s control. This marks the first formal signal in years that Putin may consider scaling back Russia’s territorial ambitions in Ukraine. However, European officials remain cautious, warning that such overtures may be a negotiating tactic rather than a genuine concession.
The U.S. has also floated its own framework for a settlement. Reports suggest Washington might recognize Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea and acknowledge Moscow’s de facto control over parts of four Ukrainian regions. At the same time, Kyiv would pledge not to retake these territories by force. International peacekeeping forces could be deployed to monitor a demilitarized zone spanning the front line, while a non-NATO military presence could help maintain a fragile armistice.
In Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reaffirmed that his country would not recognize Russia’s claims over Crimea. He noted that while there are discussions and signals from Washington, no formal proposals have been received. “If an official proposition came,” Zelenskyy said, “we will answer.”
As negotiations unfold, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has pulled out of upcoming talks in London, leaving envoy Keith Kellogg to represent Washington. Despite the uncertainty, both Trump and Putin have expressed a desire to reach an agreement soon, with Trump posting on social media that he hoped a deal could be struck within the week. Both Kyiv and Moscow have deep-seated conditions that will test any proposed compromise.
Read next
22:30
Putin-Trump
The Kremlin said on Friday it could not predict whether Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump would meet in person this year, citing the increasingly unpredictable nature of global affairs.
22:30
Russian President Vladimir Putin used the platform of the 2025 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum to reinforce his vision of Ukraine as a neutral state aligned with Russia, warn of rising global conflict potential, and outline conditions for foreign firms to return to Russia.
10:00
US tariff dispute
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday he supports China’s position that its ongoing tariff dispute with the United States should be resolved through dialogue.
05:38
At the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, President Vladimir Putin outlined Russia’s stance on the Ukraine war, NATO expansion, the Iran-Israel conflict, and future ties with the U.S., signalling openness to dialogue but firmly on Moscow’s terms.
10:37
Putin-Trump
In a phone call that took place on Donald Trump's 79th birthday, he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed ending the "war" in the Middle East and planned prisoner swaps in Ukraine. According to reports, Putin also extended birthday wishes to his U.S. counterpart during the call.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment