Putin's ultimatum: Recognize annexation or face Odessa threat
Vladimir Putin demands recognition of the annexation of Ukrainian territories by Russia, threatening an attack on Odessa if his demands are not met, reports "Kommersant".
The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, has issued an ultimatum regarding the recognition of Ukrainian territories currently controlled by Moscow. According to the Russian newspaper "Kommersant", if these demands are not met, Russia may redirect its military actions toward Odessa. The Odesa region, located in the south of Ukraine, remains outside the control of Russian armed forces.
During negotiations concerning the armed conflict, interviewees in "Kommersant" revealed that Russia does not intend to return to Ukraine the territories currently under its control. Moreover, Moscow may demand recognition of Crimea, Sevastopol, and the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions as part of Russia.
Putin reportedly raised these issues during the closed portion of a business conference that occurred before his conversation with Donald Trump. According to "Kommersant", Putin stated, "If this happens soon, Russia will not lay claim to Odessa and other territories that currently belong to Ukraine."
Situation in the south of Ukraine
Russia currently controls parts of the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, but in the fall of 2022, it announced the annexation of these entire regions, as well as the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Crimea, originally part of Ukraine, was annexed by Russia in 2014. Although the Odesa region is not controlled by the Russian army, the port city of Odessa has been a target of shelling and bombings by Russian forces since the beginning of the invasion.
In a White House statement following the conversation, it was noted that the leaders agreed to a ceasefire. This includes halting attacks on infrastructure and energy installations and initiating negotiations on further steps toward peace.
American Eurasia expert Andrew D'Anieri, pointed out that the American leader did not agree to the "maximalist demands" of the Kremlin concerning the demilitarization of Ukraine, halting military and intelligence support, and lifting sanctions against Moscow.
