Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Russia would cease its military operations in Ukraine if Kyiv agrees to halt its efforts to join NATO and cedes four contested regions to Moscow. Putin outlined these terms on Friday, emphasizing that Ukraine must fully withdraw its troops from Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhia.

According to a report by CNN, Putin described the conditions as straightforward and contingent on Ukraine's formal acceptance of Russia's territorial claims and renunciation of its NATO ambitions. "When Kyiv announces that it agrees with Russia's decision and withdraws from plans to join NATO, our side will immediately, at the same minute, declare a cessation of hostilities and begin peace negotiations," Putin stated.

However, Ukraine has firmly rejected these demands, with officials labeling them as a de facto surrender. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed the proposal, citing a lack of trust in Putin's intentions. Zelensky's advisor, Mykhailo Podoliak, further clarified that agreeing to these terms would effectively surrender Ukraine's sovereignty to Russia, something Kyiv is not prepared to do.

"This new proposal is no different from what Putin proposed earlier," Zelensky remarked, highlighting the continuity of Russia's demands. Podoliak added, "Accepting these conditions means handing over Ukraine's sovereignty to Putin. No compromise is likely on this proposal."

As the war continues, the international community remains divided on the path to peace, with Ukraine's resistance to Russian territorial demands and NATO's strategic considerations at the forefront of ongoing diplomatic efforts.