Putin’s Peace Deal Condition: “If Kyiv Withdraws, Fighting Will Stop”

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on 27 November 2025 that the war in Ukraine can end only under one condition — “if the Ukrainian army withdraws from occupied territories, then hostilities will cease.”

He described U.S.-backed ceasefire and peace proposals as a basis for negotiation but stressed that no formal deal would have meaning without Kyiv fulfilling this withdrawal demand.

Analysis & Outlook:

By tying peace directly to troop withdrawal, Putin’s position makes a ceasefire contingent on military and political concessions, complicating immediate resolution.

Should Ukraine refuse, Russia’s threat of continued military pressure remains — reducing chances for near-term peace.

Even if withdrawal occurs, long-term stability would require robust security guarantees, international oversight, and political settlement.

Moving forward, global actors and institutions may need to play a stronger role in ensuring any agreement is fair, enforceable, and sustainable.