Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a visit to Kyrgyzstan, said that the U.S. proposals to end the war in Ukraine could serve as a starting point for negotiations. However, he emphasized that if Ukrainian forces do not withdraw, Moscow’s larger military will continue its operations.

U.S. Plan Seen as “Starting Point”

Speaking to reporters in Bishkek on Thursday, Putin described U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan as “a set of topics submitted for discussion rather than a draft agreement.” He added, “We need to sit down and discuss this seriously. Every word is important.” Putin said that if Ukrainian troops withdraw from occupied territories, hostilities would end; otherwise, military force will be used.

Kremlin officials have so far offered few details on Trump’s plan, but Moscow’s position remains firm, showing no willingness to compromise on its demands.

Maximalist Demands and Negotiations

Putin insists that Ukraine must cede full control of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia, including regions not currently occupied by Russia. He also seeks to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO and hosting Western troops, a strategy aimed at gradually bringing the country back into Moscow’s sphere of influence.

Putin confirmed that the Kremlin is ready for “serious negotiations” with a U.S. delegation led by Special Representative Steve Witkoff, expected to visit Moscow next week.

Zelenskiy and Ukraine’s Response

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said his delegation will meet with U.S. officials in Geneva by the weekend to discuss the negotiation topics. In his daily video address, Zelenskiy said the talks next week would be “important” for both his delegation and himself, without providing further details.

Russian-Controlled Territories and Recent Gains

Moscow controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory recognized under international law. This includes nearly all of Luhansk, as well as parts of Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. In recent weeks, Russian forces have made gains on the eastern front, most notably around the city of Pokrovsk.

However, the U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War noted on Thursday that data on Russian troop advances indicates that a Russian military victory in Ukraine is not inevitable, and the remaining parts of Donetsk are not at immediate risk of being captured.

Future of the Conflict

Putin reiterated that hostilities will only end if Ukrainian forces withdraw; otherwise, Moscow will achieve its objectives through military means. Analysts suggest that the Kremlin’s maximalist demands make a rapid resolution unlikely, indicating that the war may continue in the coming months.