Territory is Russia’s sole concern: Moscow’s stance on peace talks uncovered
Photo: Russian President Vladimir Putin (kremlin.ru)
The question of control over the occupied territories remains key for Russia in the context of peace negotiations, according to an informed source.
"Effectively, the Russians are concerned only with territory; this is currently the focus of the key discussions," the source said.
At the same time, since representatives of the aggressor country are not present at today’s talks in Paris, the main topic of discussion has been security guarantees and all their key details, they added.
Discussions on this topic will continue tomorrow.
Previous statements by Russia
Earlier, we reported that the US President Donald Trump held a lengthy conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which all 20 points of the peace plan were discussed in detail.
However, the very next day, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed that Ukraine had allegedly attacked Putin’s residence in the Novgorod region. According to him, this would lead Moscow to reconsider its negotiating position, and the targets and timing of a retaliatory strike would be determined.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the US proposed creating a so-called free economic zone in the Donetsk region. This would involve the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the area.
He also emphasized that the question of the territories should be decided by the Ukrainian people. Such a decision could take the form of "elections or a referendum."
Paris summit
On January 6, a meeting of Ukraine’s partners is taking place in Paris, during which future security guarantees for Kyiv in the event of a ceasefire with Russia will be discussed. Key topics include coordinating a joint position between Ukraine, Europe, and the US, as well as the potential deployment of foreign troops after a ceasefire is established.
It is expected that at the leaders’ level, the parties will finalize drafts of security agreements with a focus on guarantees and post-war reconstruction in Ukraine, after which negotiations will continue in the United States.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk suggested that documents formalizing the joint US-European position could be signed soon, likely in Washington.
Additionally, the media have revealed a draft declaration that is being considered in Paris.
