Russia outlines demands for peace talks with the US over Ukraine war, rejecting ceasefire proposals while seeking recognition of annexed territories.
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Moscow -NC — Russia has outlined a hard-line stance for peace talks with the United States regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine. As diplomatic efforts intensify, Moscow’s demands include recognition of its territorial claims and a halt to NATO expansion, signaling a significant challenge to achieving a resolution.
The talks come amid heightened international pressure to end the three-year conflict, which has devastated Ukraine and strained global relations.
Russian officials have made it clear that any negotiations must address what they call the “root causes” of the war. These include Ukraine’s aspirations to join NATO and the West’s military support for Kyiv.
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Moscow insists that Ukraine formally abandon its NATO membership ambitions and recognize Russia’s sovereignty over Crimea and four other regions it annexed in 2022.
Additionally, Russia is demanding guarantees that NATO forces withdraw from Eastern Europe and that sanctions imposed on Moscow be lifted.
The United States has been actively engaging with Russia to explore diplomatic solutions.
Talks between senior U.S. and Russian officials have taken place over the past month, with meetings held in Riyadh and Geneva. However, these discussions have been complicated by Russia’s rejection of a temporary ceasefire proposed by Washington.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the idea as a tactical move by Ukraine to regroup its forces, stating that Moscow seeks a comprehensive agreement rather than a short-term truce.
The Biden administration has emphasized the need for both sides to make concessions to pave the way for peace. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the ongoing negotiations as “a critical first step” but acknowledged the complexities involved in bridging the gap between Russia’s demands and Ukraine’s position.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has consistently rejected any settlement that involves ceding territory or compromising on Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Russia’s negotiating stance was detailed in a document prepared for Kremlin officials by an influential Moscow-based think tank. The document underscores Moscow’s insistence on maintaining control over occupied territories while rejecting any Western involvement in peacekeeping operations within Ukraine.
It also calls for dismantling Ukraine’s current government, which Russia accuses of promoting anti-Russian policies.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials have expressed skepticism about Russia’s intentions, viewing its demands as an attempt to solidify gains made during the war.
President Zelensky has reiterated his commitment to restoring Ukraine’s territorial integrity and securing reparations from Russia for war damages. He has also called on Western allies to increase military aid to counter Russian aggression.
The international community remains divided on how to approach the conflict. While some European nations advocate for immediate peace talks, others argue that further pressure must be applied on Russia through sanctions and military support for Ukraine.
The upcoming NATO summit is expected to address these issues, with member states discussing long-term strategies to support Kyiv.
The stakes are high as both sides navigate this delicate phase of diplomacy. For Moscow, achieving its goals would solidify its influence in Eastern Europe and weaken NATO’s presence near its borders. For Washington and its allies, ensuring Ukraine’s independence and security remains a top priority.
As talks continue, the path forward remains uncertain. The war has already claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions, leaving a trail of destruction across Ukraine.
Any resolution will require significant compromises from all parties involved—a prospect that seems distant given the current hard-line positions.
