Russia has reiterated that its terms for ending the war with Ukraine remain unchanged. Under Moscow’s stance, Kyiv must fully withdraw its forces from territories claimed by Russia and formally renounce its bid to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Recent speculation that Moscow might soften its demands was dismissed by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Deputy Spokesperson Alexey Fadeev told reporters that Russia’s position has not shifted since President Vladimir Putin outlined the conditions on June 14, 2024.
At the time, Putin called for the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the remaining parts of Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson still under Kyiv’s control. He also demanded that Kyiv formally inform Moscow of its decision to abandon any plans to join NATO.
In addition, Putin said the rights and freedoms of Russian speakers in Ukraine must be guaranteed, and that Crimea, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson must be recognized as Russian territory.
Ukraine has consistently rejected these demands as “unacceptable,” stressing it will never recognize Russia’s occupation of its territory.
Currently, Russia controls about 19 percent of Ukraine’s land, including all of Crimea, all of Luhansk, over 70 percent of Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, as well as smaller parts of Kharkiv, Sumy, Mykolaiv, and Dnipropetrovsk regions.
Analysts estimate that meeting Russia’s demands in full would require Ukraine to cede an additional 21,000 square kilometers of its territory.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that any talks on territorial matters can only take place after a ceasefire is in place. He added that any Russian proposal requiring Ukrainian forces to abandon the Donbas or withdraw from defensive lines will be rejected.
