Russian President Vladimir Putin has outlined Moscow's position ahead of peace talks on Ukraine, stressing that Russia will insist on official recognition of Crimea, the Donetsk (DPR) and Lugansk People's Republics (LPR), as well as the Zaporizhia and Kherson regions as parts of the Russian Federation.

According to information published by Kommersant, if Ukraine and its Western allies quickly accept these conditions, Moscow would be ready to give up territorial claims to Odessa and other areas under Kiev's control.

Putin also recalled that Ukraine had a chance to avoid escalation if it had agreed to the negotiations earlier. Initially, recognition of Crimea was demanded, then autonomy for the DPR and LPR, and later the demand was expanded to include the accession of four regions to Russia. Now, according to sources close to the negotiations, Moscow considers the territorial changes irreversible and is demanding their confirmation as part of a peace agreement.

Trump and Putin agree on ceasefire

Putin expressed confidence that an agreement can be reached with Donald Trump, especially after their phone call on March 18, which lasted more than two hours. During the discussion, the leaders discussed a 30-day ceasefire and a halt to attacks on infrastructure. Reuters reports that Trump wants a freeze on the conflict, which could include recognition of Russia's current territorial gains in exchange for a ceasefire.

The Kremlin confirmed that Putin had ordered Russian military forces to halt attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. A prisoner exchange was also announced for today, March 19, in which 175 Ukrainian soldiers will be exchanged for 175 Russian soldiers, including 23 wounded Ukrainian soldiers.

Official ceasefire talks are scheduled for March 23, 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. As announced by US President-elect Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, the meeting is part of a broader peace process that was launched following the talks between Putin and Trump.

According to him, Washington expects Kiev to support the terms of the agreement, which relate not only to the cessation of attacks on energy infrastructure, but also to the cessation of all attacks on key facilities.

Jeddah as a neutral negotiating platform

Saudi Arabia was chosen to host the talks because of its success in mediating in previous international conflicts. Reuters recalls that Riyadh hosted the previous talks on Ukraine in 2023, which strengthened its reputation on the diplomatic scene. This time, representatives from the Middle East and Europe are expected to attend the negotiations, which would give the process an international dimension.

What does the peace agreement bring?

Although official details have not yet been released, analysts are speculating about possible solutions:

• Freezing the front line – Creating demilitarized zones to prevent further fighting.
• Economic guarantees for Ukraine – Possible agreement on neutral status for Ukraine in exchange for financial support.
• Stop attacks on infrastructure – Long-term commitment to protecting critical facilities.
  Witkoff stressed that Washington wants a pragmatic agreement that will prevent further escalation of the conflict.

"Two great leaders have joined forces for the good of humanity," said Trump's envoy, adding that the first positive results are already becoming visible.

The negotiations in Jeddah could be a key moment for achieving lasting peace in Ukraine, but it remains to be seen whether all sides will accept the conditions set.