Russian President Vladimir Putin has made it clear that any peace deal with Ukraine must protect Russia’s long-term security interests. Speaking on Thursday to relatives of soldiers killed in the war, Putin firmly stated that Russia will not withdraw from the territories it has gained, dismissing any notions of retreat.
His comments come amid shifting global dynamics, including former U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to pause military aid to Ukraine and engage in direct negotiations with Moscow. Meanwhile, tensions between Russia and French President Emmanuel Macron have escalated after Macron called Russia a threat to Europe.
Russia’s Conditions for Peace
Addressing a group of Russian women who lost loved ones in the war, Putin emphasized that any peace agreement must be on Russia’s terms. “We must choose for ourselves a peace option that will suit us and ensure long-term peace for our country,” he said.
When asked by the mother of a fallen soldier if Russia would consider retreating, Putin’s response was firm: “No, we do not intend to do that.” Currently, Russia controls nearly one-fifth of Ukraine—approximately 113,000 square kilometers—and has no plans to relinquish these territories.
Putin’s stance aligns with his previously stated conditions for peace, which include:
- No major territorial concessions to Ukraine
- Kyiv abandoning its NATO ambitions
- Ukraine withdrawing forces from four regions claimed and partly controlled by Russia
Trump’s Shift in Ukraine Policy Raises Concerns
Putin’s remarks come as Trump has upended U.S. policy on Ukraine, choosing to pause military aid to Kyiv and open direct negotiations with Moscow. Trump’s recent clash with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the White House has further shaken Western support for Ukraine.
According to a Reuters report in November, Putin was already open to discussions with Trump but was unwilling to make significant territorial concessions. Trump’s new approach has raised both hope and fear—while some see it as a step toward de-escalation, Washington’s European allies are alarmed, fearing it could weaken Ukraine’s position.
Macron’s Comments Spark a Russian Backlash
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron has drawn Moscow’s ire by calling Russia a threat to Europe and suggesting that France could extend its nuclear protection to its allies. Macron also proposed a meeting with European military leaders to discuss sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine after a potential peace deal.
Moscow mocked Macron, with Russian media calling him “Micron” and depicting him as Napoleon Bonaparte, whose invasion of Russia in 1812 ended in a disastrous retreat.
Without mentioning Macron by name, Putin responded sarcastically, saying:
“There are still people who want to go back to the time of Napoleon. They forget how it ended.”
He further warned Western leaders against underestimating Russia, saying that many past enemies had made the mistake of misjudging the strength and character of the Russian people.
What’s Next for the Ukraine War?
As the war enters its third year, Putin’s latest statements suggest that Russia is not willing to compromise on its key demands. With the U.S. shifting its stance, Europe reaffirming its support for Ukraine, and Russia unwilling to retreat, the path to peace remains uncertain.
The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Trump’s direct negotiations with Moscow will lead to progress—or if the war will continue with no resolution in sight.
