Russian President Vladimir Putin has outlined specific conditions for ending the war in Ukraine, according to three Russian sources familiar with the negotiations. These conditions include a written pledge from Western leaders to halt NATO's eastward expansion, particularly excluding Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova from potential membership. Additionally, Putin seeks the lifting of some Western sanctions on Russia, the resolution of frozen Russian assets abroad, the protection of Russian speakers in Ukraine, and a neutral Ukraine.
U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed frustration with Putin's refusal to engage in ceasefire talks, warning that the Russian leader is 'playing with fire.' Trump has indicated a willingness to work with Ukraine on a peace memorandum, but the Kremlin's demands remain firm. Putin has stated he is ready for peace, but not at any cost, suggesting that military victories might be used to pressure Ukraine and Europe if his terms are not met. The war has resulted in an estimated 1.2 million casualties, described as an industrial scale conflict.
The Kremlin's insistence on a written commitment regarding NATO expansion stems from historical grievances, with Putin believing that the U.S. misled Russia after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Despite these demands, Ukraine has maintained its aspirations to join NATO, asserting that Russia should not have veto power over its security decisions. Russia currently claims four regions in eastern Ukraine, in addition to Crimea, which it annexed in 2014.
‘The US can stop NATO expansion to Russia’s borders’ – Kellogg said Trump has the right and the ability to address one of the root causes of the war in Ukraine.
‘Well, I think that’s a fair concern, and we’ve said it many times. We’ve said that for us, the issue of Ukraine
🇷🇺🗣Putin's special economic envoy @kadmitriev commented on US special envoy Keith Kellogg's statements that Russia is rightly concerned about NATO's expansion to the east
