Moscow, Nov 23 (V7N) — Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed interest in negotiating with newly elected US President Donald Trump to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. However, the Kremlin has set specific conditions for these discussions.

Donald Trump, who won the US presidential election on November 5, has repeatedly emphasized his intent to stop the war within 24 hours if elected. During his campaign, Trump criticized the Biden administration's substantial financial support for Ukraine and pledged to prioritize peace over prolonged conflict.

According to reports from Russian and international media, including Sky News, Putin is open to negotiations mediated by Trump, provided the agreement includes the recognition of Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories and a guarantee that Ukraine will not join NATO. Kremlin insiders revealed that Putin is willing to discuss withdrawing troops from certain areas but maintains that a ceasefire must align with the realities on the battlefield.

Key Conditions from Russia:

1. Recognition of Territorial Gains: Russia seeks international acknowledgment of the territories it has occupied, including Crimea (annexed in 2014), and significant portions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions. These areas constitute roughly 18% of Ukraine's territory.

2. NATO Exclusion: Putin demands that Ukraine's aspirations to join NATO be permanently halted to address Russia's security concerns.

Despite these overtures, achieving a long-term agreement remains complex. Dmitry Simes, a US-based expert with strong ties to Russia, noted that while a ceasefire could be quickly brokered, resolving deep-seated security concerns for both nations would take significant time and effort.

Further complicating matters, US President Joe Biden recently approved Ukraine's use of American-made long-range missiles, a move that could escalate the conflict and delay any potential ceasefire.

Current Situation on the Ground:

Russia controls over 100,000 square kilometres of Ukrainian territory, including:

Entire Crimea since 2014.

More than 80% of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

Around 70% of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions.

Smaller parts of Kharkiv and Mykolaiv regions.

Ukraine holds approximately 650 square kilometres of Russia's Kursk region.

Putin has hinted at the possibility of withdrawing troops from smaller areas like Kharkiv and Mykolaiv as part of an agreement but warned against a short-term ceasefire that could allow the West to strengthen Ukraine’s military.

The Trump administration could play a pivotal role in facilitating discussions, given the former president's interest in resolving the conflict. Trump’s calls for peace have resonated with many voters, and his administration may push for swift negotiations to de-escalate tensions in the region.

As the world watches, the potential for a Trump-Putin dialogue offers a glimmer of hope for ending a devastating war that has reshaped global geopolitics and displaced millions. However, achieving peace will require navigating complex demands and entrenched positions from both sides.

 END/RH/AJ