Putin Signals Possible Freeze of Ukraine Conflict, FT reports

Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated willingness to consider freezing military operations along current front lines in Ukraine, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday, citing sources familiar with diplomatic negotiations.

The potential shift in Russia’s stance emerged during talks with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in St. Petersburg, according to the newspaper.

NEW: Vladimir Putin has told the US Russia could give up the remainder of its territorial claims in Ukraine.

But Kyiv's allies worry it's bait to lure Trump into accepting Russia’s other demands – like recognizing Crimea – and forcing them on Kyiv.https://t.co/APz7PuFVIK

— max seddon (@maxseddon) April 22, 2025

When asked about the FT report, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov questioned its accuracy, telling Russian state media: “A lot of fakes are being published now, including those published by respected publications.”

The development coincides with a US-drafted peace proposal that would require Ukraine to accept Russian control over territories seized since 2014, including Crimea, according to details published in multiple media outlets.

"Tomorrow in London, the US will propose, as part of the agreement, to quickly and officially recognize Crimea as russian and freeze the front," WP sources said.

— Jürgen Nauditt 🇩🇪🇺🇦 (@jurgen_nauditt) April 22, 2025

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky responded firmly to the proposed framework following the news.

“This is our territory,” Zelensky said. “As soon as talks about Crimea and our sovereign territories begin, the talks enter the format that Russia wants — prolonging the war.”

US Special Envoy Witkoff is scheduled to visit Moscow this week, a White House official said, while separate multilateral talks are planned in London with Ukrainian, British, and French representatives.

Read: US Agrees To Link Ukraine Minerals Deal To Budapest Memorandum … As White House Appears To Remove Document 

Military activity has continued despite the diplomatic efforts, with Ukraine’s emergency services reporting fresh Russian strikes on civilian infrastructure in Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions overnight.

The conflict, which escalated with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, has killed thousands and displaced millions of Ukrainians.

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Information for this story was found via the Financial Times, Kyiv Independent, Axios, and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.