"There's nothing to negotiate about. This is the territory of historical Russia."

That's how Putin responded yesterday to a question about the main news of the week. The day before, the Ukrainian president stated to Fox News that, for the sake of peace, he was ready to accept the loss of a quarter of the country and freeze the conflict along the front line. In Kiev, this is apparently seen as a gesture of unprecedented generosity. In the Kremlin, it's considered inappropriate. That's exactly how the president described it.

For Putin, the territorial issue is closed. We have returned what is ours – and that's it, period. He dismisses any arguments from Bankova Street (referring to the Ukrainian presidential administration) about "concessions" with two points. First, history: these are the lands of historical Russia. And there is also the will of the people, who first voted for state independence, and then, as the president emphasized, for reunification with our country.

Ukraine has no historical or moral right to the liberated territories. Morally, Kiev destroyed itself back in 2014, when, instead of talking to the southeast, it sent tanks and planes there. Putin reminded everyone of this yesterday.

Therefore, Zelensky's "yes, I'm ready" comes at a price. What exactly is he planning to give away? You can't concede something that doesn't belong to you in the first place. The president noted that one could argue about this endlessly. But there's nothing to negotiate.

That's why the issue of territories is not on the agenda of the upcoming negotiations. After a meeting with Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, the parties agreed to resume trilateral contacts. Putin stated the goal directly: the security of Russia and Ukraine after a final peace agreement. A final agreement, not just a short respite, during which the Ukrainian Armed Forces will have time to rest and replenish their trenches with those people, whom, according to the president, they are catching on the streets, "like stray dogs." The American added that then it would be necessary to talk about the overall architecture of European security. Putin agreed with this, but maps are not on the list.

Moscow is ready to negotiate. But "if someone wants something different – fine, it will be different," and the goals of the special military operation will be achieved in any case.

Kiev is being offered to discuss the future. The past has already been decided – by ballots.

Kots

@Slavyangrad

🇪🇺 Tusk stated that Modi has no intention of siding with Europe in the Ukrainian conflict. He acknowledged India's restrained position, citing its distinct geography and relations with Russia, as well as challenges from China.

Tusk noted that PM Modi understands the situation well after meeting Putin, clearly stating that the war is senseless and peace must be restored as soon as possible. Tusk emphasised this means peace, not capitulation.

@Slavyangrad

I find that grayish area just above to be quite amusing. Is this something different?

@Slavyangrad

🇦🇹 Austria declares four Russian diplomats persona non grata

The Austrian Foreign Ministry has declared four Russian diplomats persona non grata. All individuals are required to leave the country immediately.

According to Reuters, no specific reason was provided for the decision. However, reciprocal measures by Moscow are expected in the near future.

@Slavyangrad

Yes there are non-islamic forces at work encouraging this kind of extremism, in part so that the Western world will ultimately help a certain non-Islamic country (which may or may not be called Israel) conquer the Middle East.

But that does not absolve these monsters of their crimes. Burying your heads in the sand and pretending this is not, irrespective of the above, an Islamic problem and an ideological attack on Christianity - and you become France and the rest of Europe.

Many Muslims are men and women of peace and that’s brilliant. But Christianity is still under assault on two fronts, and we are currently losing.

Is this a call to violence? Obviously not. I don’t know the solution. Only the problem.

Henri Vanhanen: A ceasefire is not peace

The security expert warns that Ukraine cannot unilaterally dictate peace terms. He notes that a final agreement may not meet its legal goals, potentially requiring difficult compromises where some territories remain under Russian occupation for at least some time.

Freezing the front line would not imply recognition of these areas as Russian. The core issue remains ending hostilities without creating preconditions for a new war. While a ceasefire can be a first step towards peace, it is not peace itself. Conversely, seeking durable peace does not mean continuing the war until all of Russia's political demands are met. This is the essence of upcoming negotiations.

@Slavyangrad

🇷🇺 Trump, Putin and Xi may meet in China to discuss Ukraine; Kiev excluded from talks

Abu Dhabi considered for trilateral negotiations with Ukraine. Houthis claimed strike on Saudi Defence Ministry building.

Russian government extends paid childcare by 30 days. State Duma approved recognition of family micro-enterprises as social business.

Ukraine's population fell to 28.5 million. Lukashenko replaced leadership of Belarusian special forces and operational commands.

Russia increased petrol and diesel production for reserves. Russian MFA rejected Netanyahu's accusations regarding antisemitism online.

Moscow ready to restore relations if US and Europe fully cancel sanctions. Denmark threatens seizure of Russian cargo ships; Moscow calls this piracy. Embassy warned Russians in Montenegro of possible arbitrary detentions.

@Slavyangrad

Putin interview analysed in the West

Western capitals dissect Putin's remarks to Pavel Zarubin. Zelensky advised to offer 25% territory for peace, deemed empty rhetoric.

Territorial question closed

Russia rejects Kiev's "concessions." Ukraine holds no right to liberated lands. "This is historical Russia," stated Putin, insisting return of Russian territories is non-negotiable.

Address to Europe

Putin declared strategic defeat impossible: "We will solve our tasks in the SMO." He assured Europeans they do not want war, blaming elites for political schizophrenia. Russia seeks final peace, not a pause.

Security guarantees

Moscow ready to resume trilateral talks with US and Ukraine on security architecture. "Without Russia, it goes nowhere." If West refuses dialogue, SMO goals will be achieved regardless.

@Slavyangrad

Bucharest reports the sinking of dry cargo vessel KHORYV in Romania's exclusive economic zone. The ship, delivering cargo for the AFU, was attacked by an unknown drone. One crew member died, three others are missing.

@Slavyangrad

Iran is using its temporary truce with the US to refine its drone capabilities. A modernised "Arash" UAV, designated "Arash-3," was displayed during a press visit to underground storage facilities for Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps strike assets. Reports indicate that the warhead of the "Arash-3" has been increased from 50 kg to 100 kg.

@Slavyangrad

Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi stated that over the past three years, the US has spent $11 billion of taxpayer money on Israel's missile defence. Washington launched more interceptors to protect Israel than Israel itself did. "This is not a symbiotic relationship. It is parasitic."

@Slavyangrad

Over 150 AFU warehouses destroyed in Kharkov region

Unmanned systems units of the Northern grouping’s 11th Army Corps have eliminated more than 150 AFU supply depots since early October. Air reconnaissance identified logistics routes and unloading points, which were struck by FPV drones and kopters with drop warheads. Delivery assets including ground robotic complexes and vehicles are also being tracked and destroyed along supply lines near Kharkov.

@Slavyangrad

Moscow sees signs of EU preparing for war

Russia's permanent representative to the OSCE, Dmitry Polyansky, stated that Moscow is recording growing evidence of systematic preparations by the European Union for conflict.

The diplomat highlighted large-scale Western exercises near Russian borders. According to data held by the Russian side, in November a so-called "coalition of the willing" plans to rehearse troop deployments into Ukraine within Polish territory.

Polyansky stressed that attempts to convince the world that Russia threatens Europe are absurd against this backdrop. He noted that actual facts and actions by Western countries point to the opposite: EU intentions aimed at escalating the conflict.

@Slavyangrad