“Russia’s Brutal Demands” is the headline of an article published by German daily Bild, which reports that several of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s conditions for ending the war in Ukraine have been revealed.
According to the German newspaper, Russian representatives presented an informal proposal during discussions on ending the war that goes beyond the conflict in Ukraine and challenges the wider security architecture of Europe.
Moscow is demanding full control of Donbas, including territories currently held by Ukrainian forces. The proposal also envisages Ukraine adopting neutral status and abandoning its ambition to join NATO, while keeping its path towards European Union membership open.
Russia’s demands reportedly include the withdrawal of NATO military bases from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, as well as Finland’s departure from the Atlantic Alliance. Ukrainian ports in Odesa and Mykolaiv would also have to be demilitarised and barred from being used as naval bases.
The proposal also extends to Moldova, where Russia is seeking the creation of a federal republic that would include the autonomous region of Gagauzia and Transnistria.
Transnistria and Gagauzia would also be allowed to hold independence referendums if Moldova joins the European Union.
Moscow responded by denying only the reported demand concerning Finland, without addressing the other points published by the German newspaper.
“I am not aware of this. No, no proposal has been made for Finland or any other country to leave NATO,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said. /TCH/
