Russia has submitted a list of demands to end the war against Ukraine and restore relations with the United States, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.
According to Reuters, the specifics of Moscow’s demands remain unclear, including whether it is willing to engage in talks with Kyiv if Washington’s peace proposal is accepted.
The two sources stated that Russian and U.S. officials have privately and virtually discussed these conditions over the past three weeks. They noted that the Kremlin’s demands are broad, largely reiterating previous conditions presented to Ukraine, the US, and NATO.
Russia’s earlier demands included assurances that Kyiv would not join NATO, a commitment that no foreign troops would be stationed in Ukraine, and recognition of Crimea and four Ukrainian regions as part of Russia. Additionally, Moscow has long insisted that the U.S. and NATO must address what it calls the “root causes” of the Ukraine war, including NATO’s eastward expansion.
Following a meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed the need to address these fundamental issues. He stated in a Kremlin press conference, “We agree to a ceasefire proposal, but it must lead to lasting peace by addressing the core causes of the conflict.”
Liberty News’ international correspondent states that since mid-2024, Russian forces have been advancing in Ukraine and currently control nearly one-fifth of its territory. Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed his desire to end the three-year-long war. Speaking at the White House on Wednesday, Trump said he hopes the Kremlin will agree to a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire, which Ukraine has already supported.
LND/BG
