President Vladimir Putin has reiterated his key demands for ending the war in Ukraine. He claims Russia will only drop its arms if Ukrainian forces withdraw from territories Moscow asserts as its own. These regions include Crimea, annexed in 2014, and parts of Donetsk and Luhansk, which Russia occupies.
Ukraine is firmly against conceding any territory it still controls. For them, giving in to Russian aggression is out of the question. During a recent discussion in Kyrgyzstan, Putin alleged that Ukraine wants to continue fighting “to the last Ukrainian,” suggesting that Russia is also prepared to endure a prolonged conflict. He insists that military action will not cease until Ukrainian troops leave these contested areas.
Expert analyses highlight the toll of this ongoing battle. A report from the Institute for the Study of War notes that, at the current rate, it might take Russia nearly two years to fully capture the rest of Donetsk. This suggests a costly struggle ahead for both sides.
Recently, intense diplomatic discussions have taken place between the U.S. and Ukraine regarding a peace plan. Sources say that this plan was heavily skewed towards Russia’s interests and does not resolve the critical issue of occupied territories. While Putin acknowledged that a revised draft plan might serve as a basis for future negotiations, he emphasized the need for clear diplomatic language to define certain points.
Interestingly, public sentiment regarding these developments is mixed. Many people on social media express doubt about Putin’s sincerity in seeking peace, reflecting a general wariness towards his intentions. A survey by the Pew Research Center found that over 70% of Americans believe Russia does not respect Ukraine’s sovereignty. This sentiment is echoed across Europe, where leaders question whether Putin is genuinely committed to ending the conflict.
In contrast, U.S. President Donald Trump has conveyed optimism about the ongoing talks, suggesting that only a few issues stand between a potential agreement. He hinted at possible future discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, but this is contingent upon successful diplomacy.
Ukraine remains under martial law since Russia’s invasion began in February 2022, preventing any scheduled elections. However, Ukrainian lawmakers have recently voted to reaffirm President Zelensky’s legitimacy, crucial for maintaining unified leadership during this crisis.
While Putin dismisses concerns about potential Russian expansion into Europe as “laughable,” European leaders remain cautious. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen has criticized Russia for trying to recreate a post-World War II “sphere of influence.” This ongoing tension signals that peace remains elusive, and both sides will have to navigate a complex geopolitical landscape to find a resolution.
As this conflict continues, international focus and public interest will likely remain high, with many eyes on how negotiators proceed and whether genuine peace is on the horizon. For more details on the impact of these events, see the BBC’s analysis.
