Donbas at all costs
In an interview with “India Today”, Putin said that Russia is willing to take over the disputed areas by force if Ukraine does not retreat troops from Donbass, from which it presently controls about 85 percent. Zelenski powerfully rejected the anticipation of territorial concessions.
Putin revealed in an interview with "India Today" that he had not read the fresh version before gathering Witkoff and Jared Kushner, which forced detailed discussion of each point and extended negotiations. Russian leader added that Moscow does not accept any of the records of the American initiative.
Either by force of arms, we will free these territories, or the Ukrainian troops will leave them and halt fighting. It's all about that. Putin said.
Russia has a clear goal in getting Donbas. It is rich in natural materials and powerfully strengthened region in the east of Ukraine. Experts believe that Russia's takeover would make it easier to carry out further offensive actions towards the west.
Putin accuses Kiev
During the interview Putin besides claimed that Russia had proposed to Ukraine to retreat forces from Donbass, but Kiev was allegedly to decide to proceed fighting.
The Russian president besides estimated that if Ukrainians withdrew troops, there would be no armed action. He besides called on European countries to participate in the ‘peace process’, or, in his understanding, to adopt Russian conditions.
Most conditions were not accepted
Putin's declaration came shortly after Donald Trump's words, who reported that his envoys were having talks about the American peace proposition, and Putin himself, according to Trump, "would like to end the war."
Donald Trump's emissary, Steve Witkoff, held talks in the Kremlin, which were, as Trump estimated, “all good”, although inactive besides early to foretell their effects. The erstwhile president of the United States stressed that both sides must be prepared to compromise. The first version of the U.S. plan envisaged giving Russia part of Ukrainian Donbass, but the Witkoff delegation presented a revised proposal in Moscow.
