“What we have achieved cannot be taken away from us”: Putin outlined Russia’s conditions for peace in Ukraine during a closed meeting

Russian President Vladimir Putin will insist on the recognition of Crimea and four Ukrainian regions as part of Russia in peace negotiations with the United States regarding Ukraine.

This was reported by journalist Andrey Kolesnikov from Kommersant, who cited Putin’s statements during a closed meeting with business representatives.

According to Kolesnikov’s sources, Putin claimed that Kyiv initially had an opportunity to resolve the situation with “minimal bloodshed in every sense.”

“It was only necessary to listen to him, Vladimir Putin, and start negotiations. First, about recognizing Crimea. Then, when it became clear that they refused to listen, about recognizing the autonomy of the Luhansk and Donetsk republics. Finally, about recognizing them, along with Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, as part of Russia. The further they [Ukraine] pushed back the moment when they could stop Russia, the fewer chances there were for an agreement. And eventually, it turned out that Russia could no longer be stopped. Just like now. They (the Ukrainians – Ed.) don’t have time to dig in,” Kommersant quotes Putin as saying to business leaders.

Now, according to the sources, the ongoing negotiations are focused on the idea that “what Russia has gained cannot be taken away, and that Crimea, Sevastopol, and the four well-known territories—Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia—must be recognized as part of Russia.” However, it remains unclear whether Putin was referring to the entire territory of these four regions or only the areas currently controlled by Russian forces.

If such recognition happens soon, Russia “will not claim Odesa or other territories currently under Ukrainian control.” However, this stance could shift, as “they [Ukraine] don’t have time to fortify their positions.”

Participants of the meeting also noted that, in their view, Putin believes that an agreement could be reached with Donald Trump.

Previously, a senior adviser to former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that pushing Russian forces out of occupied Ukrainian territories does not align with America’s national interests and could escalate into World War III. Congressman Mike Waltz made these remarks in an interview with ABC News.