Moscow ready for ‘serious’ talks on Ukraine peace plan
In a pool photograph distributed by the Russian state agency Sputnik, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) Heads of State Council at the Yntymak Ordo (Palace of Unity) presidential residence in Bishkek on November 27, 2025.
Photo by Alexander Kazakov | Afp | Getty Images
Russian President Vladimir Putin has spoken out on a U.S.-backed peace plan aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine, stating that Moscow is open to “serious” discussions regarding the proposed terms.
Putin, during a visit to Kyrgyzstan, mentioned that the initial framework of the peace plan agreed upon by the U.S. and Ukraine could serve as a foundation for future agreements to resolve the long-standing conflict.
“In general, we believe that this could form the basis for potential agreements,” Putin stated, as reported by Reuters.
The president also acknowledged that the U.S. seemed to be considering Russia’s stance on a peace settlement and expressed readiness for substantive talks when U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff visits Moscow for discussions next week.
This marks Putin’s first public response to a peace plan following recent diplomatic discussions between the U.S. and Ukraine. The talks ensued after reports surfaced regarding a 28-point peace plan purportedly devised by the U.S. and Russia, which appeared to heavily favor Russia’s demands.
Ukraine and its European allies scrambled to respond by amending the plan and presenting counter proposals, which were deliberated in Geneva with a U.S. delegation led by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
All eyes on Russia
The current draft plan, now reportedly reduced to 19 key points, has garnered tentative support from Ukraine, shifting the focus to Russia’s response in accepting the framework and further building upon it.
Putin’s aide Yuri Ushakov previously mentioned that Russia had not officially seen the latest U.S.-backed draft deal for Ukraine but had sighted an unofficial version. Ushakov noted positive aspects of the plan while highlighting the need for a thorough analysis of certain points.
Sergei Ryabkov, Russia’s deputy foreign minister, welcomed U.S. peace efforts but emphasized that there would be no compromises on crucial issues concerning the Ukrainian settlement, indicating potential hurdles in reaching a final agreement.
Putin’s Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov cautioned against premature conclusions regarding an end to the conflict, stating that it was too early to determine the closest Russia and Ukraine had come to a peace agreement.
Putin emphasized the need for Ukrainian troops to withdraw from key positions for the fighting to cease. He hinted at Russian forces achieving their objectives through force if necessary, underscoring Moscow’s resolve in securing control over Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region.
CNBC has reached out to the Kremlin for additional comments and is awaiting a response.
Ukraine on board, tentatively
Recent reports indicated that a Ukrainian delegation, following talks with U.S. officials in Abu Dhabi, tentatively supported the core elements of a U.S.-backed peace plan, although certain details remained unresolved.
ABC News and CBS News quoted an unnamed U.S. official stating that the Ukrainians had agreed to the deal, with remaining points needing clarification. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed readiness to advance the peace framework during discussions with allied nations.
U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned progress in the negotiations, hinting at a potential deal on the horizon.
Trump later reiterated in a Truth Social post that only a few points of disagreement remained to be addressed.
