Putin offers a sliver of hope for long-running peace talks

But Russian president refuses to give up maximalist demands

- JAMES C. REYNOLDS

Vladimir Putin has said that Ukraine must give up territory for a peace deal to be possible, but indicated that a draft plan proposed by the US could form the “basis” of an agreement to end the war.

In a sign that Moscow remains unlikely to budge on its maximalist demands, the Russian president said that Ukrainian troops must lay down their weapons and give up on territories claimed by Russia for a peace deal to be possible.

His comments came as Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukrainian and US delegations would meet later this week for further talks on security guarantees for Kyiv in the event of a peace deal - a key sticking point in negotiations so far. Separately, US special envoy Steve Witkoff will travel to Russia early next week.

Mr Zelensky wants to draw a red line on giving up Ukraine’s sovereign territory during the next phase of peace talks, the Atlantic reported yesterday, following an interview with his top negotiator. Andriy Yermak was adamant after a long week of discussions that “as long as Zelensky is president, no one should count on us giving up territory”, a sign Kyiv will not fold or appease Russian aggression.

“Not a single sane person today would sign a document to give up territory,” he said.

Speaking to reporters during a visit to Kyrgyzstan, Putin said that Russia would continue its aggression in Ukraine “until the last Ukrainian dies” if necessary to get what he wants.

"Ukrainian troops must withdraw from the territories they hold, and then the fighting will cease,” he said, adding: “If they don't leave, then we shall achieve this by force. That's it.”