Russian President Vladimir Putin told the Arabic-language television channel Sky News Arabia that Ukraine must recognize the results of referendums held in four regions — the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics, as well as the Zaporizhia and Kherson regions — to resolve the conflict. According to him, this is a necessary condition for achieving peace. However, Ukraine categorically rejects these demands, and key allies of Russia, including Belarus, China and most other countries, continue to refrain from officially recognizing these territories as part of the Russian Federation.

The referendums held in 2022 reflect the will of the residents of these regions, who, according to him, chose to join Russia. Putin also noted that Russia is ready for dialogue, but only on the condition of recognizing the “new reality.”