Russia pushes peace terms: Demands full withdrawal and neutrality
Russia has presented Ukraine with a peace memorandum detailing 31 points, including demands for the complete withdrawal of troops from the territories it has occupied, recognition of Crimea and the Donbas region as part of Russia, and the cessation of Western military support. Moscow also outlines conditions for Ukraine's neutrality, the conduct of elections, and the signing of a peace treaty, which the UN Security Council must approve.
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During negotiations in Istanbul, the Russian delegation presented the Ukrainian side with a memorandum detailing proposals for resolving the conflict. The document is divided into three chapters, offering two options for ceasefire conditions and a total of 31 points.
Ceasefire conditions
One of Russia's key proposals is the complete withdrawal of Ukraine's Armed Forces from territories that Moscow recognizes as its own, namely, the so-called Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics (DNR and LNR) and the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. The withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from all territory Russia considers its own, including Donbas and the so-called New Russia, would need to occur within 30 days from the start of the ceasefire.
Moscow also demands international recognition of the annexed territories– Crimea, Donbas, and New Russia – as an integral part of the Russian Federation. Another condition is Ukraine's neutrality and the abandonment of plans to join any military alliances.
Russian political demands
The memorandum stipulates that Ukraine must conduct presidential and parliamentary elections within 100 days after lifting martial law. After these elections, a peace treaty between Kyiv and Moscow would be signed.
The ceasefire, as outlined in the document, would involve a complete ban on the movement of Ukrainian troops, except for operations to withdraw them to an agreed distance. Russia also demands a ban on receiving and deploying any nuclear weapons on Ukrainian territory.
Military bans and control of troop movement
A key point is the complete halt of Western weapon supplies to Ukraine and the cessation of sharing intelligence data. Meanwhile, a peace treaty would be approved by the UN Security Council as a legally binding resolution.
Amnesty and rights of Russian-speaking population
Russia further demands that Ukraine declare amnesty for those Moscow describes as "political prisoners" and release detained soldiers and civilians. As part of the final settlement of the conflict, Ukraine would also need to guarantee full rights, freedoms, and interests for the Russian-speaking population.
In conclusion, Moscow expects both sides to renounce their mutual claims regarding damages caused by military actions.
Ukrainian demands
Earlier, the Ukrainian side published the text of the memorandum it had passed to Russia. As part of the negotiation proposal, Ukraine sets conditions for a full ceasefire, the return of deported children and prisoners, security guarantees, and the inviolability of sovereignty and borders. The text contains specific principles, stages, and mechanisms that would regulate post-war relations with Russia.
