Putin conditions Ukraine talks on security guarantees as Moscow prepares for US-mediated negotiations

MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Thursday that upcoming negotiations regarding a settlement to the war in Ukraine must centre on mutual security guarantees for both nations alongside a broader security framework for all of Europe.

Speaking in a television interview following meetings with US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff, Putin confirmed that Moscow is prepared to resume US-mediated talks with Ukraine as early as next month. The planned diplomatic engagement follows a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Witkoff in Norway on Tuesday, where Zelenskiy indicated that Kyiv is also ready for talks to commence by early next month.

Diplomatic efforts led by the United States to pursue a settlement had previously stalled in February following the outbreak of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. The impending resumption of contact aims to establish a lasting resolution rather than a temporary pause in hostilities. Putin emphasized that any future agreements must secure the long-term safety of both Russia and Ukraine, noting that Witkoff had similarly stressed the necessity of addressing the architecture of European security as a whole.

Despite the willingness to enter talks, significant gulfs remain between the warring parties regarding territorial control. Russia is demanding that Ukraine cede all of eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region. Putin asserted that any discussion concerning the territory must account for its historical ties to Russia and pointed to referendums held seven months after the invasion began, during which residents voted to join Russia.

Kyiv has firmly rejected any notion of relinquishing land it currently holds. At the same time, Zelenskiy stated that Ukraine remains supportive of proposals for a ceasefire, an end to the war, an energy ceasefire, and various humanitarian initiatives.

Putin also reiterated the Kremlin’s position that Russia never wanted to initiate the war, attributing the conflict to hostile reactions from Ukraine regarding key issues of concern to Moscow. US-mediated negotiations are expected to resume next month.