Russia Lays Out Demands for Talks with U.S. on Ukraine
Russia has presented the U.S. with a list of conditions aimed at ending its war with Ukraine and resetting relations with Washington, according to sources familiar with the matter. However, it is unclear what precisely is on Moscow's list or if they are willing to engage in peace talks with Kyiv before their demands are met. Russian and American officials have been discussing these terms over the last three weeks, both in-person and virtually.
The terms Moscow previously proposed include Ukraine's non-membership in NATO, a ban on foreign troops in Ukraine, and international recognition of Russia's claim over Crimea and four other provinces. In addition, Russia has demanded the U.S. and NATO address the "root causes" of the war, specifically NATO's eastward expansion.
U.S. President Donald Trump is waiting for a response from President Vladimir Putin regarding a proposed 30-day truce, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed willingness to accept as a first step toward peace talks. However, experts suggest that Russia's demands are not only intended to shape an eventual deal with Ukraine but also as a basis for negotiations with its Western adversaries.
Russia's past demands, such as limiting NATO's military presence in Europe, are being revisited. Critics argue that these terms have not changed over the years and that Russia's actions show little interest in meaningful peace or a ceasefire. Despite this, U.S. officials engaged with their Russian counterparts in recent weeks, reviewing some of these demands, including bans on military exercises in certain regions and limitations on missile deployments.
Experts note that these demands echo similar ones Russia has made since the end of World War II, with some worrying that recent developments have deepened European fears of abandonment by the U.S. or even potential alignment with Russian interests.