Putin’s terms of deal with Ukraine: Official recognition of Russia’s control over Crimea, militarization of Ukraine – update

Vladimir Putin told French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday that an agreement with Ukraine was possible only if the country remained neutral, “denationalized” and “militarized”, and Russia’s control over annexed Crimea was officially recognized, the Kremlin told Reuters. The AFP, on the other hand, said that the Elysee Palace had reaffirmed Putin’s “determination to stop attacks on civilians and camps in Ukraine.”

“Russia is ready to hold talks with the representatives of Ukraine and hopes that (talks) will lead to the desired results,” the statement said.

At the request of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zhelensky, French President Vladimir Putin was summoned several times in recent hours, the French presidency said.

In an interview with Putin, Emmanuel Macron reiterated the international community’s demand for an end to Russia’s offensive in Ukraine and reaffirmed the need for an immediate ceasefire, Elysee said on the fifth day of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

On the Ukrainian-Belarusian border, Macron called for an “end to all attacks on civilians and camps” when “negotiations between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations begin” – the protection of civilian infrastructure – and road safety, especially on the roads south of Kiev.

“President Putin has confirmed that he is ready to work on these three issues,” he said.

Emmanuel Macron also called for “respect for international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians and assistance.”

This is the second conversation between Macron and Putin since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24. They also spoke on Thursday ahead of an exceptional EU summit in Brussels.

In an interview with Zelensky, Emmanuel Macron “once again praised the Ukrainian president’s sense of responsibility ahead of ongoing talks, despite Ukraine being attacked by Russia,” Elysée said in a statement.