Russia is ready to "immediately" end the war against Ukraine - but only under conditions that are equivalent to Kyiv's surrender. This was stated by Russian President Dmitry Peskov in a comment to the French edition of Le Point , voicing an ultimatum, which the Kremlin issues for a "peaceful initiative".
Moscow requires the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from four partially occupied regions - Lugansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhya and Kherson regions, which the Russian Federation considers "its" as a result of illegal pseudo -referendums in 2022.
"If Ukraine had removed its troops from these four regions, yes, the war would end immediately," Peskov said.
The Kremlin openly refers to the "constitutional fixing" of these territories in the Russian Federation, and called the Armed Forces actions on Ukrainian lands "occupation". This position is legally void in terms of international law, but it is used by Moscow as an argument in trying to impose a new format of negotiations.
It is interesting that this time Peskov refrained from the usual requirements for changing power in Ukraine. According to him, the Kremlin does not insist on the resignation of Vladimir Zelensky, but doubts the legal effect of a possible agreement if it is concluded during martial law.
"If the agreement was signed now, it could be legally denied because of the martial law and provisions of the Constitution," said Putin's spokesman.
Peskov also parallels between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, stating that both allegedly combines "understanding of the absurdity of abandoning dialogue" and "desire for results." The Kremlin confirmed the preparation for the possible meeting of Putin and Trump, calling it "productive prospect."
In fact, Russia again tries to legalize the annexation, promoting the "peace" scenario from the point of view of force. Similar statements seem as an attempt to ahead of possible US initiatives and intercept for diplomatic agenda.
