Putin repeats demands for Ukraine's surrender in talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated his stance on the Ukraine conflict, offering talks while maintaining firm demands that Kyiv surrenders key positions and territories.

In a press conference in Moscow, Putin proposed negotiations with Ukraine but dismissed calls for an immediate ceasefire. He emphasized addressing the "root causes" of the conflict, a phrase interpreted as requiring significant concessions from Ukraine, including abandoning NATO aspirations, recognizing Russian control over Crimea, and ceding contested territories in the east and south.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov echoed these sentiments, asserting that Ukraine's decisions are influenced by Western allies and reaffirming Russia’s conditions for peace. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, initially resistant to talks during ongoing military attacks, challenged Putin to meet in Türkiye, aiming to shift the narrative.

Despite external pressures and sanctions, Putin’s position remains unchanged, framing the conflict as a historical mission. European leaders continue to threaten further sanctions, though the Kremlin appears unmoved, with Russia's economic resilience limiting leverage for diplomatic resolutions.

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