Putin says he's ready for talks - but only on last year's terms
Photo: Vladimir Putin (Getty Images)
Russian president Vladimir Putin has claimed that Russia is ready to resume peace negotiations with Ukraine, while the demands voiced by the Kremlin last year remain the same, according to TASS and the Center for Countering Disinformation under Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council.
"Yes, the conditions [for ending the war in Ukraine] have remained the same. These are not just conditions — they are goals. I outlined Russia's goals. At the time, we were told it was unclear what Russia wanted, so we spelled them out in June last year during a meeting with the leadership of the Foreign Ministry," Putin said.
He also claimed to view the Istanbul talks between Ukraine and Russia in a positive light, saying that negotiations are always "necessary and important."
"Overall, I assess the talks with Ukraine in Istanbul positively. How can one not see the good in the fact that hundreds of people returned home? That's a positive outcome. For humanitarian reasons, we returned thousands of bodies of fallen Ukrainian soldiers. In exchange, we received several dozen of our guys who gave their lives for their country. Isn’t that positive? Of course it is," Putin added.
The Russian leader also cynically said that if Ukraine believes now isn't the right time for talks, Russia is ready to wait.
"Well, actually, we can wait. If the Ukrainian leadership believes now is not the right time and wants to wait — fine, we're ready to wait,” he said.
What Putin demanded
At a meeting with the Russian Foreign Ministry in June 2024, Putin issued a series of ultimatums to Ukraine as alleged conditions for ending hostilities. These included:
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Ukraine adopts a neutral, non-aligned, and non-nuclear status
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The so-called "demilitarization" and "denazification" of Ukraine
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Ukraine withdraws troops from four regions claimed by Russia
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An official rejection of NATO membership plans
Putin also demanded the protection of the rights and freedoms of Russian-speaking citizens in Ukraine and the recognition of so-called "new territorial realities" — i.e., accepting Crimea, Sevastopol, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia as parts of the Russian Federation.
What Ukraine says
Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation responded by stating that Putin is once again distorting reality. They noted that Ukraine had supported a US proposal for a ceasefire as early as March and has long expressed its readiness for talks, including a summit involving US President Donald Trump, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and European leaders.
"Putin stands there claiming others refuse to talk. In reality, it's Putin who wants to keep fighting and continues bombing Ukraine. The only cure for his lies is to hit back hard. That's the only way," said the CCD.
Trump's 50-day ultimatum
Putin's latest rhetoric may be linked to a new ultimatum from Donald Trump. The US president has threatened Russia with painful new sanctions unless it halts its war on Ukraine.
Recently, Trump gave Moscow 50 days to end hostilities. However, on July 28, Trump announced he was changing the terms of his ultimatum, including the introduction of steep tariffs on Russia.
Later, he clarified that Putin has only 10–12 days left to comply. Trump also said he is considering not only secondary tariffs but also secondary sanctions against Russia.
