Russia's peace terms: Bold demands for Ukrainian withdrawal
Russia has handed Ukraine a peace memorandum containing 31 points, including demands for the complete withdrawal of troops from occupied territories, recognition of Crimea and Donbas as part of Russia, and cessation of Western military support. Moscow also sets conditions for Ukraine's neutrality, the holding 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 handed the Ukrainian side a memorandum containing detailed proposals for resolving the conflict. The document consists of three chapters and includes two options for ceasefire conditions, totalling 31 points.
Ceasefire conditions
One of Russia's key proposals is the complete withdrawal of Ukraine's Armed Forces from territories recognised by Moscow as its own – namely, the so-called Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics (DNR and LNR), as well as the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. The withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from all territory Russia considers its own, including Donbas and the so-called Novorossiya (New Russia), would need to occur within 30 days from the start of the ceasefire.
Moscow also demands international recognition of annexed territories– Crimea, Donbas, and Novorossiya – 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 also stipulates that Ukraine must conduct presidential and parliamentary elections, to be held no later than 100 days after the lifting of martial law. Following these elections, a peace treaty between Kyiv and Moscow is expected to be signed.
The ceasefire, according to 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 in the form of 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 the full rights, freedoms, and interests of the Russian-speaking population.
In conclusion, Moscow expects that both sides will renounce 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.
