Putin demands recognition of Crimea and Donbas as part of Russia

Putin says peace with Ukraine is possible only if Crimea, Donbas and Novorossiya are recognised - otherwise Russia will continue the war

President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin during a press conference in Kyrgyzstan, put forward a number of tough conditions for the «settlement» of the war against Ukraine: recognition of Russia's annexation of Crimea, occupation of Donbas and the so-called «Novorossiya» should be the subject of negotiations with the United States; without this, Moscow will not agree to peace.

Putin also said that some points of the US peace plan «seem ridiculous» to him, and that there is no final peace agreement now - only a set of issues for discussion.

Moscow's direct demands

• Recognise the occupied territories (Crimea, part of Donbas, «Novorossiya») as Russia's.

• Withdraw the Armed Forces of Ukraine from the territories that Russia considers its own, otherwise the fighting will continue.

• The US-proposed «peace plan» is not an agreement - Russia promises to discuss each point, but even then it will insist on its own terms.

Reaction to the statements

In response to Putin's statements, Western representatives and the Ukrainian government have stressed that no compromise involving the loss of territory is acceptable. The Ukrainian government has repeatedly stated that it is not discussing «peace on the terms of surrender». 
Analysts estimate that such ultimatum demands demonstrate the Kremlin's unwillingness to seek a real solution - instead, Moscow is seeking to consolidate terrorist gains.

What this means for future negotiations

Putin's statements effectively nullify the chances of a fair and acceptable settlement for Ukraine. They show that any peace for Moscow is not an end to aggression, but the legalisation of the consequences of the invasion.
This increases the pressure on Ukraine's international partners not to approve decisions that violate the sovereignty and integrity of the state.