Moscow, June 14, 2024 — Russian President Vladimir Putin outlined the prerequisites for initiating peace negotiations with Ukraine on Friday, over two years after Russia’s full-scale invasion began.
According to a Russian state news outlet, Putin’s conditions include the complete withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. Russia annexed these territories in September 2022, shortly after the conflict intensified.
“As soon as they declare in Kyiv that they are ready for such a decision and begin the real withdrawal of troops from these regions – and also officially notify about the abandonment of plans to join NATO – our side will immediately, at the same minute, make the order to cease fire and begin negotiations,” Putin stated.
In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed skepticism, labeling Putin’s demands as an “ultimatum” and noting they were not substantially different from previous proposals. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine remains distrustful of Russia’s intentions.