Russia is ready to begin negotiations with Ukraine at any moment, but on one condition, President Vladimir Putin has said.
Russia today presents yet another concrete peace proposal for resolving the conflict in Ukraine. However, suppose the West and Kyiv reject this offer as they have before. In that case, the responsibility for continued bloodshed will rest on them, Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated at a meeting with top diplomats at the Russian Foreign Ministry in Moscow.
"Today, we make another specific, real peace proposal. If Kiev and the Western capitals refuse it, as they have previously, then ultimately, it is their matter. Their political and moral responsibility for the continuation of bloodshed," he said.
But for this to happen, Ukrainian forces must withdraw from the entire territory of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics, and the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions.
"Ukrainian troops must fully withdraw from Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics, and the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions – specifically from the entire territory of these regions within their administrative borders as they existed when they joined Ukraine. Once Kyiv announces its readiness for this and begins the actual withdrawal of troops from these regions, as well as formally renounces plans to join NATO, we will immediately cease fire and start negotiations," said the head of state.
