Putin says US ‘gets complexity’ of Ukraine war but slams door on compromise: ‘No concessions’

Key Concepts

• Trump Peace Plan: A proposed 28-point plan for resolving the Ukraine conflict, reportedly with input from both Russia and the US, which includes territorial concessions from Ukraine, limitations on its armed forces, and blocking NATO membership.
• Ankara Agreements/Outcomes: A set of agreed-upon principles for resolving the Ukraine conflict, viewed by Russia as the foundation for any settlement.
• Special Military Operation: Russia's term for its ongoing military actions in Ukraine.
• Hybrid War: A concept referring to a conflict involving a combination of conventional military tactics, irregular warfare, and other methods such as political influence, economic pressure, and information warfare.
• Global Majority: A term used by Russia to refer to countries that it perceives as having a sensible, balanced, and rational approach to international issues, often contrasted with the "collective West."
• BRICS Plus: An expanded format of the BRICS group of nations, which includes discussions on various international cooperation areas.
• Grain Deal: An agreement aimed at facilitating the export of Ukrainian grain, which Russia suggests has largely passed its effective period.

Russia's Stance on Ukraine Peace Settlement and US Understanding

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on November 26th that he believes the United States understands the complexity of reaching a peace settlement in Ukraine. This remark was made during a visit to Kyrgyzstan, where he met with his Belarusian counterpart, Alexander Lukashenko. Putin indicated a willingness to share information on Russia's progress towards achieving acceptable results through peaceful means in Ukraine. He acknowledged Belarus's past contributions to peace talks, noting that initial contacts with Kyiv occurred on Belarusian soil with direct involvement and support. Putin also suggested that Minsk remains a potential venue for future discussions.

Putin addressed criticisms regarding dialogues with Westerners and Americans, emphasizing that Russia's actions are legally justified and that they are allies. He noted that Americans, to their credit, do not typically raise the issue of concessions, though he acknowledged that "once they cut everything off, that's a separate matter." He expressed hope for a positive outcome, contingent on the US behaving carefully and understanding the issue's complexity and the need for intricate solutions.

US Special Envoy's Visit and the Trump Peace Plan

The Kremlin confirmed that US special envoy Steve Witoff would travel to Moscow to meet Russian officials. Former US President Donald Trump described the 28-point proposal, refined with input from both sides, as having only a few remaining points of disagreement.

The comprehensive plan, presented the previous week, caused concern among Ukrainian and European officials due to its perceived favorability towards Moscow. Key provisions included the surrender of Russian-occupied territories, limitations on Ukraine's armed forces, and blocking Ukraine's path to NATO.

Ukraine, through President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, expressed cautious openness to advancing a US-backed framework and discussing disputed areas, provided European allies were included in any talks.

However, Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stated on November 26th that Moscow would not make concessions in resolving the Ukraine conflict and intended to remain firm on the outcomes agreed upon at the summit in Anchorage, which Russia considers the foundation for any settlement.

European Maneuvers and Information Warfare

A question was raised regarding European maneuvers and Moscow's confirmation of the "Trump peace plan," noting a supposed deadline given to Zelenskyy by Trump, which might be postponed. The questioner observed European attempts to adjust the plan and reduce its points, asking if this tactic brought Russia and Ukraine closer or pushed them further apart.

The leak of transcripts allegedly between presidential aide Yuri and his American counterpart was also a point of discussion. The Foreign Intelligence Service had previously suggested the UK might be interested in discrediting the US president, referencing past document publications. The leak was seen as a significant blow to Witoff, with calls for his resignation in the US, alleging he was playing into Moscow's hands. The questioner asked who would benefit from the publication of such sensitive conversations and for what purpose.

The response urged media outlets to exercise utmost responsibility and avoid provocations, identifying opponents as experts in undermining constructive processes when they do not serve their narrow self-serving interests. The speaker declined to comment on leaks, stating that the Russian President had already spoken exhaustively on the topic. The speaker noted numerous information dumps and attacks through British media and social networks targeting the idea of reaching agreements, especially those addressing the root causes of the conflict. The speaker acknowledged the lack of clarity on the official position of those with whom discussions are held and observed the deliberately created, highly charged atmosphere in the West, which hinders diplomatic efforts. The speaker characterized the use of media outlets as weapons in an information war, an integral part of the total hybrid war waged by the collective West against the Russian Federation.

Russia's Response to Accusations and Diplomatic Approach

In response to a question about Europe and Ukraine attempting to remove crucial points from the draft global agreement, and whether Russia would continue asserting itself militarily, the speaker stated that Russia responds to accusations calmly with its readiness to achieve stated goals, preferably through diplomatic means. If setbacks occur, Russia will continue to act within the framework of the special military operation. Russia also directs its voice to the "global majority," which demonstrates a sensible, balanced, and rational approach. Close cooperation and intensive dialogue with the Chinese side were highlighted.

Russia is not prepared to publicly discuss details of various peace plan versions, emphasizing the need for time and attention for dialogue. The problem, according to the speaker, lies in the political will to strictly implement understandings reached by leaders in Ankara. Russia remains committed to the results of Ankara and will continue to act within that framework, relating current events to the fundamental principles formulated by the two presidents there.

Russia's Position on the Updated Peace Plan and Concessions

Regarding the updated peace plan, Russia stated it is ready to work with the material at its disposal. Its position has been consistent, focusing on the root causes of the crisis. Russia welcomes the Trump administration's efforts to seek reasonable solutions. While acknowledging different versions of the plan as a matter for negotiation, Russia denied any talk of concessions or abandoning its approaches to key issues, including those related to the special military operation. The speaker emphasized that the elements of Anchorage represent compromised solutions and serve as the basis for evaluating any proposed version of the plan. This is fundamentally a diplomatic and political procedure, not suitable for public online discussion due to the seriousness of the issues.

BRICS Plus Cooperation in Counterterrorism

Specific formats of cooperation in counterterrorism were discussed in the context of the December BRICS Plus conference. All BRICS countries recognize the relevance of this topic, with many facing direct terrorist threats and possessing valuable experience. Opportunities for exchanging best practices, improving methods, and learning from diverse experiences were highlighted.

A key task is disrupting and cutting off financial support for terrorist organizations. The conference agenda and dedicated session prioritize this. A seminar format focusing on the activities of specialized multilateral international organizations was also mentioned, aiming to improve synergy, reduce duplication, and ensure proper focus and use of resources. Concrete proposals are expected to be presented to the Indian presidency in 2026.

Russia-Turkey Relations and the Grain Deal

Relations with Turkey were described as developing dynamically and positively, with major projects forming the foundation for long-term partnership and economic cooperation. A productive political dialogue exists, though nuances and discrepancies in perceiving international issues are acknowledged as normal for mature relations, especially given Turkey's NATO membership. All branches of the state apparatus maintain good contact, particularly the economic sector, and leaders are in dialogue. The potential in Russia-Turkey relations is considered far from exhausted.

Regarding the Grain Deal, its time has "apparently after all mostly passed." While acknowledging the need for effective efforts in food security, the speaker criticized the European Union for sabotaging understandings that would have stabilized food markets and provided affordable access to food for those in dire need. The EU's actions were described as driven by illusions and a destructive course, condemning their approach. Russia will continue working with countries demonstrating a sensible, rational, and constructive approach, and Turkey is among them.