Russia Outlines Demands to the U.S. for Ending the War in Ukraine

In a recent development, Russia has presented a list of demands to the United States as part of its conditions to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. The demands, which were reportedly discussed during in-person and virtual meetings between Russian and American officials over the past three weeks, reflect Moscow’s long-standing concerns and strategic objectives.

According to sources, Russia’s demands include the following key points:

1. NATO Membership Restrictions: Russia insists that Ukraine must abandon its aspirations to join NATO and commit to a neutral, non-aligned status. This has been a central issue for Moscow, which views NATO’s eastward expansion as a direct threat to its security.
2. No Deployment of Foreign Troops: Moscow demands an agreement prohibiting the deployment of foreign military forces in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for a demilitarized zone to ensure regional stability.
3. Recognition of Territorial Claims: Russia seeks international recognition of its annexation of Crimea and its claims over four other Ukrainian provinces—Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. These territories have been at the heart of the conflict since the war began in February 2022.
4. Addressing “Root Causes”: The Kremlin has called on the U.S. and NATO to address what it describes as the “root causes” of the war, including NATO’s military activities in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

While these demands echo Russia’s previous positions, it remains unclear whether Moscow is willing to engage in direct peace talks with Kyiv before these conditions are met. U.S. President Donald Trump, who has been actively involved in efforts to mediate the conflict, is awaiting a response from Russian President Vladimir Putin on a proposed 30-day ceasefire. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed willingness to accept the truce as a first step toward broader peace negotiations.

The international community remains divided on the feasibility of Russia’s demands, with critics warning that any concessions could embolden Moscow and undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty. As diplomatic efforts continue, the path to peace in Ukraine remains uncertain, with both sides grappling with the devastating consequences of the prolonged conflict.