Vladimir Putin has demanded that Kyiv cede more land, withdraw troops deeper inside its own country and drop its Nato bid in order for him to end his war in Ukraine. Putin’s fresh ceasefire demands were issued as envoys from more than 90 countries, including Ukraine, convene in Switzerland this weekend to discuss a western-led peace plan. The US defence secretary, Lloyd Austin, said Putin was in no position to make demands on Ukraine and could end the war he had started “today if he chose to do that”. “And it will not go unpunished.”Ukraine and western countries are highly unlikely to agree to Putin’s terms. Putin on Friday dismissed the forthcoming peace summit in Switzerland, saying it was “just another trick to distract everyone’s attention”.

Source: The Guardian June 15, 2024 02:49 UTC