Putin demands more land to end Ukraine war, terms Kyiv rejects as 'complete sham' - CNN

Russian President Vladimir Putin has set out new terms for ending the war in Ukraine, demanding that Kyiv recognize the annexation of four Ukrainian regions and that the West guarantee Russia's security. Ukraine has rejected Putin's demands as a "complete sham" and a "delusion." Putin delivered his speech on Tuesday, the eve of the one-year anniversary of the full-scale invasion. In his speech, Putin claimed that the West had been "pumping" Ukraine with weapons and said that Russia was fighting a "war against the entire Western world." He also made a thinly veiled threat of nuclear war. Ukraine has rejected Putin's demands and vowed to continue fighting until its territory is liberated. The West has condemned Putin's speech and pledged to continue supporting Ukraine. The situation in Ukraine remains tense, with no signs of a diplomatic breakthrough. Putin's speech marked the first time he has explicitly stated his goals for the war. His demands include the recognition of Russian sovereignty over the four Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia, which Russia claims to have annexed in September. He also demanded that the West provide security guarantees to Russia, including a promise not to expand NATO eastward. Putin's speech comes as the war in Ukraine enters its second year. The conflict has seen heavy fighting and civilian casualties. The war has also had a significant impact on the global economy and energy markets. The Kremlin has yet to respond to Ukraine's rejection of its demands. It is unclear what steps Russia will take next in the conflict.

Summary

"Putin's speech marks a significant escalation in the conflict, with the Russian president laying out his demands for ending the war. Ukraine's rejection of these demands suggests that a diplomatic solution is not currently on the horizon. The war in Ukraine is likely to continue, with potentially devastating consequences for both countries and the world."

Updated at: 06.15.2024