Putin has outlined his conditions for peace, and here's how they should be interpreted - Timofey Milovanov.

Today, Putin at Valdai congratulated Trump and outlined the conditions for peace negotiations (specifically negotiations, not an agreement!): 20 years of Ukraine's neutrality, recognition of the annexation of territories, and the de facto capitulation of Ukraine. Here’s what he said, along with my translation:

Putin: "We have always recognized Ukraine's borders as part of our agreements [on neutrality] after the collapse of the USSR."

Without neutrality, there will be no international borders. But that’s an excuse, as Crimea was annexed when Ukraine was neutral.

Putin: "The Ukrainian government amended its constitution with the intention of joining NATO — but we did not agree to this. We have never supported coups anywhere."

We control Ukraine's foreign policy and decide who Ukrainians can elect.

Putin: "Donbas and Novorossiya had the right to determine their sovereignty from Ukraine. We provided them assistance."

We invaded Ukraine in 2014 and fabricated illegitimate referendums.

Putin: "We did not initiate any intervention or aggression; we are trying to stop it."

Translation: War is peace.

Putin: "If there is no neutrality, it is hard to imagine any good neighborly relations between Russia and Ukraine."

Translation: The war will continue until you disarm so we don’t need to use military force to subjugate you.

Putin: "We aim to create conditions for a lasting settlement. And for Ukraine to finally become an independent sovereign state, rather than a tool in the hands of third countries."

We will lead Ukraine, not the USA.

Putin: "We are ready for peaceful negotiations, but based on the realities on the ground and the agreements reached in Istanbul."

We will hold the occupied territories and demand a veto right on any support you receive from the West.

Putin: "But this must not simply be a ceasefire; it should create favorable conditions for restoring relations and cooperation in the future."

First, we violate you, then we marry you.

Putin: "Where have we violated international law and the UN Charter?"

Translation: We are indifferent to the UN Charter.

All of this sounds very bad, but it’s not new. Putin is trying to appeal to the ideas of spheres of influence, which Trump might believe in. What should we do? Focus on our own. Adult. And wait for Trump and Putin to fall out.