Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on 27/12 that Ukraine had received favorable terms from intelligent people in the West during recent peace negotiations. However, he claimed Kyiv deliberately ignored these proposals and delayed concessions, prolonging the conflict.
According to the Russian president, Western proposals to Kyiv included a strong security guarantee framework, an economic recovery plan, and a roadmap for restoring relations with Russia. "Unfortunately, the leadership in Kyiv is still not eager to resolve the conflict peacefully", he said.
President Putin made these comments after the Russian military announced it had taken control of the strategic town of Gulaypole in the Zaporizhzhia region, along with several other settlements, in a new offensive. The Russian leader suggested that given the current pace of their advance, Kyiv's willingness to make concessions "is almost no longer decisive".
"If Kyiv does not want to end the conflict peacefully, we will still achieve all the goals of the special military operation through military means", he emphasized during a meeting with Russian military leaders.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin, Moscow on 15/12. Photo: AP |
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky continued to call on Western allies on 27/12 to increase financial and arms support, stating that Ukrainian forces lacked air defense systems and equipment, as well as experiencing "a constant shortage of funds".
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that European countries are committed to supporting Ukraine in its peace efforts. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa emphasized that the European Union would maintain pressure on Moscow.
The Ukrainian leader stated he would meet with US President Donald Trump in Florida this weekend to discuss a peace agreement framework. The meeting is expected to take place at the Mar-a-Lago resort, marking the first face-to-face encounter between the two leaders since October.
Ahead of the meeting, Zelensky announced a 20-point draft peace agreement, despite Moscow's rebuttal that the plan "fundamentally differs" from proposals Russia and the US had discussed. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov further accused Ukraine and its European partners of attempting to undermine the peace process.
US President Donald Trump expressed caution regarding the new proposal, stating that Ukraine "has nothing in hand" until he approves it. He also admitted that ending the Ukraine conflict was more complex than anticipated and expressed dissatisfaction with both Russia and Ukraine for delaying a ceasefire compromise.
Thanh Danh (According to RT, AFP)
