Financial Times: Putin Demands Control of Donetsk and Luhansk as Ceasefire Condition and Threatens Ukraine's Infrastructure

Putin demands full transfer of control over the Ukrainian Donetsk and Luhansk regions as a precondition for a ceasefire, and threatens to completely destroy Ukraine's energy and transport infrastructure this winter. The Financial Times writes this, citing informed sources.

According to the publication, Putin is using the topic of "security guarantees" to drag out negotiations. In addition, he expects further territorial concessions from Ukraine in exchange for any agreement with NATO countries on security.

One of the publication's sources characterized Putin's position this way: "I will destroy your infrastructure if you do not agree. Ukraine will not have any infrastructure left by next year. All bridges, ports, railways, energy infrastructure, power plants... will be destroyed".

According to sources, the White House has intensified preparations for a trilateral meeting of representatives of the United States, Ukraine and Russia. The meeting is due to take place in Abu Dhabi next week. Sources involved in the closed-door negotiations view the achievement of a real ceasefire with skepticism due to Moscow's maximalist position.

European countries have expressed serious concern over statements by Trump and his advisers made after a meeting with Russian special envoy Kirill Dmitriev. According to the statements, a "great deal" is being prepared that will concern the security of all of Europe. European countries fear that this will allow Moscow to restore its sphere of influence and undermine the security of NATO's eastern flank.