Putin explains Russia’s spring 2022 retreat from Kyiv. His account differs from expert opinion.

At a meeting with leaders from African nations concerning the peaceful settlement of Russia’s war in Ukraine, President of Russia Vladimir Putin said that Russia “strives for peaceful resolution to all conflicts.”

Putin cited Russia’s retreat from Kyiv in spring 2022 as an example of the Russian authorities’ willingness to achieve peace. “A draft of the treaty was practically agreed upon, but after we withdrew our troops from Kyiv — which we were asked to do, to create conditions necessary to sign the final agreement — the authorities in Kyiv backed out of all previous agreements,” Putin said.

Putin declined to disclose the details of the agreements, saying that “it would not be very correct” to do so.

The Russian president also maintained that “the West started” the war in Ukraine. According to Putin, the West “was starting to draw Ukraine into NATO.” He added that Ukraine’s neutral status has “fundamental importance” for Russia.

Russia characterized its spring 2022 withdrawal from Kyiv as a “gesture of goodwill” aimed at creating favorable conditions for peace talks. Many experts are of the opinion that the Russian army suffered massive losses outside of Kyiv and was forced to set more realistic goals.

After Russia’s retreat from occupied Ukrainian territories, Ukraine discovered the bodies of hundreds of civilians killed during Russia’s February and March occupation.