Putin’s Peace Price: Ukraine Must Withdraw From Claimed Lands, Says Russian Leader

Russian President Vladimir Putin has set a definitive condition for ending the war in Ukraine. He stated Russia will only stop fighting if Ukrainian troops fully withdraw from territories Moscow claims as its own. Putin made these remarks in an exclusive interview with India Today.

The Russian leader defended his initial invasion as a necessary response. He claims the West betrayed previous peace agreements known as the Minsk accords.

Historical Claims and Western “Betrayal” Fuel Kremlin Stance

Putin framed the conflict around historical and security grievances. He referred to Kiev as the “mother of all Russian cities” to underline deep cultural ties. This narrative supports the Kremlin’s justification for its military actions.

The President directly accused Western leaders of bad faith. He stated they later admitted they never planned to honor the Minsk agreements. According to Reuters’ past reporting, similar claims have been a central part of Russia’s diplomatic narrative for years.

Putin also dismissed NATO expansion as an existential threat. He criticized the leadership of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The conditions leave little room for immediate negotiation, analysts suggest.

A Firm Stance With Global Repercussions

This public declaration solidifies Russia’s official bargaining position. It comes as international efforts to find a diplomatic off-ramp have stalled. The demand is seen as a non-starter for the Ukrainian government, which vows to reclaim all occupied land.

The stance prolongs the human and economic cost of the war. Global markets and security alliances remain strained by the ongoing conflict. Putin’s comments suggest he is preparing for a protracted struggle rather than seeking a quick compromise.

This clear ultimatum from Putin defines the current deadlock in the Ukraine war. The demand for a Ukrainian withdrawal from claimed territories is a major barrier to peace talks. The conflict’s trajectory now hinges on battlefield realities and shifting international support.

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What territories does Putin want Ukraine to withdraw from?

Putin’s condition refers to the regions Russia has claimed to annex. This includes Crimea and four other Ukrainian oblasts. Ukraine and most UN members do not recognize these annexations as legal.

What were the Minsk agreements?

They were peace deals signed in 2014 and 2015 to stop fighting in eastern Ukraine. The agreements aimed for a ceasefire and a special status for certain regions. The failure of these deals is a key point of contention between Russia and the West.

Has Ukraine responded to these new conditions?

Ukrainian officials have consistently rejected any peace plan that involves ceding territory. President Zelenskyy has stated that his country’s territorial integrity is not negotiable. This makes Putin’s latest demand a direct challenge to Ukraine’s core war aim.

How does this affect global diplomacy?

It makes third-party mediation efforts significantly harder. Nations seeking to broker talks now face a publicly stated red line from Moscow. The condition reinforces the view that a military solution, not diplomacy, is currently driving the conflict.