Russia will only consider a ceasefire if Ukraine withdraws from the Luhansk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and Donbas regions. According to Russian state news agencies, the negotiators said this during talks in Turkey. Russia only partially controls these regions.
The Russian negotiators reportedly gave Ukraine two options in Istanbul to reach a full ceasefire. The first is the complete withdrawal from the mentioned regions, even if the Russian army has not yet fully occupied them.
The other option is a “package” of various conditions that Ukraine must meet. As far as Moscow is concerned, the country should no longer accept Western military support, including military intelligence.
The chief of staff of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky writes on X that the conditions set by Russia show that Moscow is doing everything to avoid a ceasefire. Only new sanctions could move President Vladimir Putin.
In addition, Russia has again made the well-known proposals in Istanbul. For example, Moscow wants Ukraine to recognize the Luhansk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donbas, and Crimea regions as Russian territory.
The Ukrainian army should also be reduced in size, as should the country’s weapon and ammunition stocks. Furthermore, Moscow wants a ban on the presence of Western troops in Ukraine.
Russia wants elections in Ukraine
Furthermore, new elections must be held in Ukraine, and all economic sanctions against Russia must be lifted immediately. Finally, Moscow proposes that Ukraine resume the transit of Russian gas.
Ukraine and its European allies have previously stated that the Russian proposals should not be taken seriously.
Ukraine and Russia did agree on Monday to exchange thousands of fallen soldiers next week. The two countries are also working on a new prisoner exchange.
