Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he is prepared to issue a formal written guarantee that Russia will not launch any military attack against European nations. His remarks come amid growing concerns among European leaders that Moscow could expand its military operations beyond Ukraine.
Speaking on Thursday in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where he attended the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) summit, Putin dismissed warnings of a possible Russian offensive in Europe as “ridiculous”, “a lie” and “complete nonsense”.
“The truth is, we never intended to do that. But if they want to hear it from us, well, then we’ll document it. No question,” he said during a press briefing.
European Leaders Skeptical of Putin’s Promise
Despite Putin’s assurances, European governments remain wary. Many point to the fact that Putin repeatedly denied he would invade Ukraine—right up until Russia launched its full-scale assault in February 2022.
Officials across the continent have warned that Moscow’s military posture, rhetoric, and continued operations in Ukraine contradict Putin’s claims of peaceful intentions.
Putin Expresses Conditional Support for US-Backed Peace Plan
Putin also addressed the ongoing war in Ukraine, saying that a United States-backed draft peace plan could serve as a foundation for future negotiations.
“We are ready for a serious discussion,” he said. However, he warned that Russia is prepared to continue its military campaign and capture more Ukrainian territory if Kyiv refuses Moscow’s conditions.
A key prerequisite for ending hostilities, Putin reiterated, is that Ukrainian forces withdraw from Donetsk and Luhansk, including areas not currently under Russian control.
“If they do not pull back, we will achieve this by military means,” he said.
Ukraine has strongly rejected this demand, saying such a withdrawal would expose the country—including the capital, Kyiv—to further Russian attacks.
Zelenskyy’s Legitimacy Questioned by Putin
Putin repeated his claim that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy no longer holds legitimate political authority, alleging that Ukraine’s government lost legitimacy after failing to hold presidential elections in 2024.
“Broadly speaking, of course, we ultimately want to reach an agreement with Ukraine. But right now, this is practically impossible,” Putin said. He argued that any future peace deal must be endorsed by the international community because, according to him, the Ukrainian government is “illegitimate”.
Kyiv has insisted that elections could not be held under martial law while the country is actively defending itself from Russian attacks. Ukrainian lawmakers overwhelmingly affirmed Zelenskyy’s legitimacy earlier this year.
Ukraine’s presidential chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, stressed that Kyiv will not surrender territory under any circumstances.
“As long as Zelenskyy is president, no one should count on us giving up territory,” he told The Atlantic.
US Peace Plan Revised After Ukrainian Objections
Earlier this month, the US revealed a 28-point peace proposal, widely criticised for favouring Russia by requiring Ukraine to make major concessions, including abandoning its NATO aspirations and ceding occupied territories.
Ukrainian officials say the plan has since been revised with their input. First Deputy Foreign Minister Sergiy Kyslytsya confirmed that the updated version removes a proposed 600,000-soldier cap on Ukraine’s military and eliminates a broad war crimes amnesty.
President Zelenskyy said Ukrainian delegations will meet US officials next week to continue discussions on a secure and durable peace framework.
Next Round of US–Russia Talks Scheduled in Moscow
A US delegation—including President Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff—is also expected to travel to Moscow next week to continue negotiations on security guarantees for both Ukraine and Europe.
Putin said Russia plans to raise several “key issues” with US negotiators, including a clause in the peace plan suggesting Washington will only recognise Russia’s de facto control over Crimea and other Ukrainian areas currently occupied by Russian forces.
“That is precisely what our talks with the American side will be about,” Putin said.
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