Putin's Ukraine War Ultimatum: Russia Demands Territory Surrender for Peace as US Mediates New Proposal

Putin indicated the newly proposed US plan could serve as a foundation for future negotiations.

Kyrgyzstan:

On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared he would terminate military operations in Ukraine if Kyiv withdrew from territories Moscow claims as its own, otherwise threatening to take these areas by force.

Russian forces have been advancing methodically through eastern Ukraine, making steady progress against Ukrainian troops who are both outnumbered and facing weapons shortages.

The United States has recently revitalized efforts to end the conflict that has persisted for nearly four years, presenting an unexpected peace proposal it hopes to finalize through upcoming discussions with Moscow and Kyiv.

Putin stated during his visit to Kyrgyzstan, "If Ukrainian forces vacate the territories currently under their control, we will cease combat operations. Should they refuse, we will accomplish our objectives through military means."

Russia currently controls approximately one-fifth of Ukrainian territory. The status of these occupied regions, which Kyiv has firmly stated it will never surrender, represents one of the major obstacles to peace.

Another critical element in negotiations is Western security guarantees for Ukraine, which Kyiv maintains are essential to prevent future Russian invasions.

Washington's initial proposal—developed without input from Ukraine's European allies—would have required Kyiv to withdraw from the eastern Donetsk region while the United States would effectively recognize Russian control over Donetsk, Crimea, and Lugansk regions.

Following criticism from Ukraine and European partners, the US scaled back this original plan over the weekend, though the revised version has not yet been publicly released.

Having reviewed the updated proposal, Putin suggested it could initiate meaningful negotiations.

"Generally speaking, we agree it could form the foundation for future agreements," Putin remarked about the latest draft, reportedly condensed to approximately 20 points by the United States. However, he emphasized that Russia still seeks international recognition of the occupied territories.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's chief advisor, Andriy Yermak, firmly rejected this position in an interview with The Atlantic published Thursday.

"As long as Zelensky serves as president, no one should expect us to surrender territory. He will not cede land," Yermak asserted.

"Realistically, what we can discuss now is defining the line of contact," he added, referring to the extensive 1,100-kilometer (700-mile) front line.

According to Putin, US negotiator Steve Witkoff is expected in Moscow next week to discuss the revised document.

Meanwhile, US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is scheduled to visit Kyiv later this week, according to Yermak.

During Thursday's remarks, Putin reiterated claims that Russian forces had encircled Ukrainian troops in Pokrovsk and Myrnograd in eastern Donetsk region—the most intensely contested area and a strategic target for Moscow's military.

"Krasnoarmeysk and Dimitrov are completely surrounded," he stated, using the Russian designations for these cities.

He added that Moscow was also making advances in Vovchansk and Siversk, while approaching the important logistics hub of Guliaipole.

Putin characterized the Russian offensive as "practically impossible to restrain, leaving few options to counter it."

Ukrainian authorities have denied that Pokrovsk and Myrnograd are encircled, maintaining that their forces continue to hold positions along the front line.

Putin, who has held power for 25 years, also questioned Zelensky's legitimacy, suggesting that finalizing any agreement with him would be legally "almost impossible" at present—a claim that has been dismissed by Kyiv and its allies.

According to data analyzed by AFP from the US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russian forces have conquered an average of 467 square kilometers (180 square miles) monthly in 2025—an increase compared to 2024.

Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, triggering Europe's most severe armed conflict since World War II.

The war has resulted in hundreds of thousands of casualties and forced millions to flee their homes.