Putin's ultimatum: Recognize Russian annexations or face attack on Odesa
Vladimir Putin demands recognition of Russia's annexation of Ukrainian territories, threatening an attack on Odesa if his demands are not met, reports "Kommersant".
The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, has issued an ultimatum regarding the recognition of the annexation of Ukrainian territories controlled by Moscow. According to the Russian newspaper "Kommersant", if these demands are not met, Russia may direct its military actions towards Odesa. The Odesa region, located in southern Ukraine, remains outside the control of Russian armed forces.
During negotiations concerning the armed conflict, "Kommersant"'s sources revealed that Russia does not intend to return to Ukraine the territories currently under its control. Moscow may also demand recognition of Crimea, Sevastopol, and the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions as part of Russia.
Putin allegedly raised these issues during the closed part of a business conference that took place before his conversation with Donald Trump. - If this happens in the near future, Russia will not claim rights to Odesa and other territories that currently belong to Ukraine - Putin reportedly said, quoted by "Kommersant"'s sources.
The situation in southern Ukraine
Russia currently controls parts of the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, yet in the autumn of 2022, it announced the annexation of these entire regions, as well as the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Crimea, which is part of Ukraine, was annexed by Russia in 2014. Although the Odesa region is not controlled by the Russian army, the port city of Odesa has been a target of shelling and bombing by Russian forces since the beginning of the invasion.
In a White House statement following the talks, it was stated that the leaders agreed to a ceasefire. This is to include stopping attacks on infrastructure and energy installations, as well as initiating negotiations on further steps towards peace.
American Eurasia expert Andrew D'Anieri pointed out that the American leader did not agree to the Kremlin’s "maximalist demands," which include demilitarizing Ukraine, halting military and intelligence assistance, and lifting sanctions against Moscow.
