Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that the new U.S. peace proposal for Ukraine, drafted under President Donald Trump, could serve as the foundation for a final settlement of the nearly four-year conflict if Kyiv agrees to negotiate. His remarks mark the first detailed public acknowledgment from Moscow that it has reviewed the 28-point plan, which has caused shock and alarm in Ukraine and parts of Europe.
Speaking during a meeting of Russia’s Security Council, Putin said Moscow had received the text of the American plan “through existing channels” and that it broadly aligns with Russia’s expectations for ending the war.
“I believe that Trump’s plan can be the basis for a final peaceful settlement,” Putin said, adding that Russia has already shown “flexibility” during recent negotiations with U.S. officials in Anchorage, Alaska.
Moscow: Washington Asked Russia to Make Compromises
According to Putin, the United States urged Moscow in preliminary talks to make “certain compromises” as part of the proposed framework. He said Russia agreed to several of these suggestions during the Anchorage meeting.
“The main purpose of the meeting in Alaska was to confirm that despite certain difficulties, we agree with these proposals and are ready to show the flexibility that was requested,” he said.
Putin added that Washington has since taken “a pause,” which he attributed to Kyiv’s refusal to accept the deal.
US Proposal Includes Major Concessions From Kyiv
Although the plan has not been published in full, key elements were reported earlier this week by the Financial Times. According to those reports, the proposal includes:
• recognition of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church
• granting the Russian language state status in Ukraine
• reducing Ukraine’s armed forces
• banning foreign troops and long-range weapons on Ukrainian soil
• scaling back U.S. military assistance
• territorial arrangements that leave Russia in control of occupied regions
The draft also reportedly requires Kyiv to accept limits on its future military capabilities and commit to political reforms favored by Moscow.
Ukrainian officials have privately called the plan “mind-blowing” and tantamount to capitulation. President Zelensky said Friday he would not “betray Ukraine,” insisting Kyiv will provide counter-proposals.
Putin Blames Ukraine and Europe for Rejecting Negotiations
Putin said the United States “has so far failed to secure the consent of the Ukrainian side” and argued that both Kyiv and its European allies are clinging to the belief that Russia can be defeated militarily.
“They are under illusions and dream of inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia,” Putin said. “They do not have objective information about the real situation on the battlefield.”
He warned that if Kyiv refuses negotiations, the war will continue with further losses. “Events like those in Kupyansk will be repeated,” he said, referencing a city where Russia recently advanced.
Global South Briefed and Supportive, Putin Claims
Putin also said that Russia has informally briefed countries across the Global South including China, India, North Korea, South Africa, Brazil, and the CSTO member states on the emerging U.S.–Russia discussions. All, he claimed, expressed support for moving forward.
“Every single one of our partners supported these potential agreements,” Putin said.
Kyiv Remains Silent as Deadline Looms
The Biden administration is reportedly pressuring Ukraine to respond to the proposal by next week, though U.S. officials say the document remains a draft. Kyiv has so far refused to endorse any settlement that violates its “red lines,” especially territorial concessions or limitations on sovereignty.
Putin’s remarks suggest Moscow sees the American initiative as the most favorable diplomatic opening since the war began but without Kyiv’s approval, no negotiations can begin.
