Putin presents his 'peace formula' for Ukraine: Not capitulation, but acceptance of realities
Photo: Russian President Vladimir Putin (Getty Images)
Moscow reportedly does not seek Ukraine’s capitulation. However, the Kremlin wants recognition of the "realities on the ground," according to a statement from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
During his speech at the plenary session of SPIEF 2025 (St. Petersburg International Economic Forum), the Russian President once again addressed the topic of the war in Ukraine. This time, Putin claimed that Russia allegedly does not seek Ukraine’s capitulation.
"We are not seeking Ukraine’s capitulation. We insist on the recognition of the realities on the ground," he said.
Ukraine–Russia talks
Yesterday, June 19, the press secretary of the Russian President, Dmitry Peskov, stated that the date of the third round of negotiations with Ukraine would be agreed upon next week.
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that during the negotiations, Moscow wants to discuss Ukrainian and Russian memoranda regarding a ceasefire and an end to the war.
However, officials in Kyiv say that the first two rounds of talks between Ukraine and Russia proved to be empty, and Ukraine still does not understand what could be discussed with the Russians at the third meeting.
The Russian memorandum amounts to an ultimatum with conditions that are unacceptable for Ukraine. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, even the Russians themselves admitted during the meeting in Istanbul that they had issued Ukraine an ultimatum.
Yesterday, Russia’s Commissioner for Children’s Rights, Maria Lvova-Belova, stated that Russia is preparing a list of children it is ready to return to Ukraine.
According to her, this list could be handed over at the next round of talks.
