Putin Sees Path to Ukraine Peace in US Plan

Russian President Vladimir Putin Cautiously Welcomes U.S. Plan for Ukraine Peace Settlement Russian President Vladimir Putin on November 21, 2025, expressed cautious optimism about a U.S. proposal to end the nearly four-year war in Ukraine, stating that it "could form the basis of a final peace settlement." According to The Associated Press, Putin's comments came after Moscow received the U.S. plan, which he referred to as "a new version" and "a modernized plan." Putin's remarks were made in Moscow, where he acknowledged that the U.S. administration had not engaged in substantive discussions with Russia about the plan. "But this text has not been discussed with us in any substantive way, and I can guess why," Putin said, without elaborating on his reasons. The Russian president's comments suggest that while he is open to exploring a potential peace settlement, he remains skeptical about the U.S. plan's prospects. The U.S. proposal is seen as a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which has resulted in widespread destruction and loss of life. According to reports from the ground, rescuers are working to clear the rubble from a market destroyed by a Russian airstrike in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine. The incident is just one of many examples of the devastating impact of the war on civilians. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine began in 2021, when Russian forces launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Since then, the war has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions of people. The international community has imposed economic sanctions on Russia in an effort to pressure the country to withdraw its troops from Ukraine. Experts say that a peace settlement would require significant concessions from both sides. "A peace settlement would need to address the core issues driving the conflict, including Russia's annexation of Crimea and its support for separatist groups in eastern Ukraine," said a senior analyst at a leading think tank. "The U.S. plan would need to take into account these concerns and offer a clear path forward for Russia to withdraw its troops and respect Ukraine's sovereignty." While Putin's comments suggest that he is open to exploring a peace settlement, it remains unclear whether the U.S. plan will be enough to persuade Russia to end its military campaign in Ukraine. The international community will be watching closely to see whether the U.S. plan can form the basis for a final peace settlement. In the meantime, the conflict continues to rage on, with both sides suffering heavy losses. The humanitarian situation in Ukraine remains dire, with millions of people in need of assistance. As the international community works towards a peace settlement, it is essential that the needs of civilians are prioritized and that any agreement is reached through a process that is transparent and inclusive. The U.S. plan is expected to be discussed further in the coming days, with officials from both sides set to meet to discuss the details. The outcome of these talks will be closely watched, and it remains to be seen whether the U.S. plan can form the basis for a lasting peace in Ukraine.