Putin Puts Ukraine on Notice: Accept Trump's Peace Plan or Face Russian Military Action

Image Source: Internet

Russian President Vladimir Putin has cast a cautious eye on a US-backed peace plan to end the Ukraine conflict, expressing willingness to discuss the proposal but issuing a stern ultimatum to Ukraine. In a press conference in Kyrgyzstan, Putin signaled that a variant of the plan, which was leaked to the public, could serve as a foundation for future agreements. However, he emphasized that specific issues still require discussion and that Ukraine must withdraw its troops from occupied territories for negotiations to progress. Putin's stance comes as Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is set to visit Moscow next week. The Russian president warned that if Ukrainian forces refuse to withdraw, Russia will achieve its goals by armed means. He also questioned the legitimacy of the Ukrainian leadership, citing Kyiv's failure to hold elections after President Volodymyr Zelensky's term expired. Critics have slammed the US-backed plan, dubbed a "Russian wish list," for prioritizing Moscow's demands. The original proposal included territorial concessions by Ukraine, recognition of Russian control over Crimea, and restrictions on Ukraine's military and NATO membership aspirations. Ukrainian President Zelensky is facing immense pressure to accept the revised plan, which has been reduced from 28 to 19 points. Despite diplomatic efforts, the conflict continues to escalate on the ground, with reports of a large Russian drone attack damaging residential buildings in Zaporizhzhia this week. As negotiations unfold, Putin's ultimatum has put Ukraine on notice: accept the peace plan or face Russian military action. The international community is watching closely, with the outcome of these negotiations set to determine the future of the embattled country.