Putin's Cease-Fire Proposal: Will Kyiv Withdraw?

Russian President Vladimir Putin promised a cease-fire and negotiations if Kyiv withdraws troops from annexed regions and renounces NATO membership. Kyiv rejects the proposal, demanding a full Russian withdrawal. Putin stressed the need for non-nuclear status and military restrictions for Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged to “immediately” order a cease-fire in Ukraine and initiate negotiations, provided Kyiv withdraws its troops from four regions annexed by Moscow and abandons its NATO aspirations.

This proposal, however, seems unacceptable to Kyiv, which remains firm on joining the military alliance and insists on Russia withdrawing its forces from all Ukrainian territories. Ukraine has yet to respond officially to Putin's proposition.

Putin made these statements during a speech at the Russian Foreign Ministry in Moscow, aligning with the Group of Seven summit in Italy and a peace-planning assembly in Switzerland, which notably excludes Russia. Stressing the need for non-nuclear status and military constraints for Ukraine, Putin called for the lifting of Western sanctions and urged moving towards reconciliation. “We are urging to turn this tragic page of history,” he said.