$BTC : Putin Offers to Halt War in Exchange for Eastern Ukraine
The Wall Street Journal reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin has told the U.S. he is willing to stop the war in Ukraine if Russia retains control over the territories it currently holds in the east.
Key Points:
Conflict Freeze: Putin’s proposal calls for halting fighting along current front lines, not a full peace treaty—effectively cementing Russia’s control over much of eastern Ukraine.
Ceasefire Terms: Hostilities would end in exchange for de facto recognition of Russia’s territorial gains.
Western Reaction: The U.S. and European allies are weighing the offer. Accepting could be viewed as rewarding aggression, while rejecting means the war continues. Ukraine has repeatedly vowed to reclaim all its land.
This marks a notable development, as it signals a possible diplomatic opening—though a similar proposal was previously rejected. The shift could reflect a change in Putin’s strategy or a new negotiating tactic.