Kremlin Urges Ukraine to Withdraw Troops Amid Putin-Trump Talks

The Kremlin announced on Monday that Ukraine should withdraw its troops from the portions of the Donbas region it still controls if it seeks to achieve peace. The statement came after a phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump on December 29, 2023, prior to Trump’s meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Miami. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated that another call between the two leaders is expected soon.

Peskov emphasized that Ukraine’s military presence in Donbas is a significant barrier to peace negotiations. He stated, “We are talking about the withdrawal of the regime’s armed forces from the Donbas.” When questioned about the implications for other regions such as Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, Peskov refrained from providing further details.

The discussions between Trump and Zelenskyy focused on resolving the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Both leaders expressed optimism about reaching a peace agreement, but acknowledged that contentious issues, particularly territorial disputes, remain unresolved. Currently, Russia controls approximately one-fifth of Ukraine, including Crimea, which it annexed in 2014, and significant portions of Donbas, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. According to Russian estimates, it holds about 90 percent of Donbas and significant areas in the Kharkiv, Sumy, Mykolaiv, and Dnipropetrovsk regions.

Trump noted that a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine could be “closer than ever,” although he cautioned that negotiations might not proceed smoothly. Following the announcement of the recent phone call, Peskov reiterated that there are no plans for a direct conversation between Putin and Zelenskyy at this time. Instead, he echoed Trump’s concerns that Ukraine may face further territorial losses unless a deal is reached promptly.

The situation remains complex, with continuing military actions impacting the prospects for peace. Reports indicate that Russia has recently conducted extensive strikes in Ukraine, including a significant attack on Kyiv. The ongoing conflict has resulted in deepening divisions between Russia and Ukraine, complicating the path to a sustainable resolution.

As diplomatic efforts continue, the international community watches closely for developments that could influence the stability of the region and the broader geopolitical landscape.