Russia again tries to force Ukraine to surrender Ukraine under threat of further aggression. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow "will not claim Odessa and other territories" if Kiev recognizes the occupation of Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporizhzhya and Kherson regions.
He stated this during a closed meeting with Russian businessmen organized by the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP), Kommersant .
New Kremlin ultimatum
Putin claims that Ukraine could "happen low in blood", recognizing the annexation of Crimea in 2014. However, according to him, Moscow's demands were only increasing every year:
2014 - autonomy for the so -called "DNR" and "LNR".
2022 - full recognition of the occupied territories in part of Russia.
2025 - the requirement of legal consolidation of control of the Russian Federation over Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporizhia and Kherson regions.
"Now the negotiations are that it is not taken in Russia, and that it is necessary to recognize in Russia Crimea, Sevastopol, Lugansk, Donetsk Republic, Kherson and Zaporizhzhya regions ," - quotes the Russian edition of the word participants.
Is this the official position of the Kremlin?
Russian businessmen who were present at the meeting said that Putin was guaranteed: if Ukraine agrees to these conditions "in the near future", Russia will "not claim to Odessa and other territories .
However, it is not clear whether it is an official proposal, or another attempt to blackmail the Kremlin.
Trump's calculation?
Entrepreneurs present at the meeting suggested that Putin is counting on negotiations with Donald Trump , who can return to the White House after the election. According to them, the Russian leader believes that Trump will be easier to "agree".
How does Ukraine react?
Official Kyiv has not commented on Putin's statements yet. However, Ukraine's position remains unchanged: no negotiations with the Kremlin without the full withdrawal of Russian troops .
Negotiations in the US and Russia: What will be said?
Already on March 23, the United States and Russia will negotiate a limited ceasefire . It is not about the complete cessation of hostilities, but only about strikes on the energy infrastructure of Ukraine .
Meanwhile, the Kremlin continues to demonstrate that it is not going to give up its aggressive policy. History shows that every concession of Russia only leads to new territorial claims.
