In a tense new chapter of the ongoing war, Russia has demanded that Ukraine withdraw its forces from four contested regions and renounce any claim to war reparations before Moscow agrees to a ceasefire. This was revealed by a senior Ukrainian official familiar with the first direct peace talks in three years, held in Istanbul on May 16, 2025.
Russia’s Conditions: Beyond the U.S. Peace Proposal
According to the official, Russia’s delegation went beyond the framework of the peace draft previously proposed by the United States, which had been shared with Moscow after prior consultations. The Russian demands include:
- Complete Ukrainian military withdrawal from Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Luhansk.
- Recognition of these four regions plus Crimea (annexed in 2014) as Russian territory by the international community.
- A blanket waiver of war reparations from all involved parties.
These demands significantly exceed the provisions of the U.S. plan, which proposed de jure (legal) recognition only for Crimea, and de facto (practical) recognition of Russian control in parts of the other four regions.
No Ceasefire Deal, Only a Prisoner Exchange
While no agreement was reached on ending the war, both sides did agree to a prisoner exchange, marking a small but meaningful step in a deeply fractured dialogue.
Russia’s requests, delivered verbally rather than in writing, have been heavily criticized by Ukraine as a sign that Moscow is not negotiating in good faith. Ukrainian officials argue the demands are designed to stall rather than move toward genuine peace.
Western Response and Alternative Peace Framework
In response, Ukraine and its European allies are pushing for an alternative framework, proposing:
- An immediate ceasefire before further negotiations.
- No discussion of territorial concessions until later stages of peace talks.
Meanwhile, European governments are urging U.S. President Donald Trump to impose new sanctions on Russia, seeing Moscow’s stance as a clear rejection of a constructive peace process.
As the world watches, the Istanbul talks lay bare the chasm between Russia’s maximalist demands and Ukraine’s insistence on sovereignty and justice, making the path to peace fraught and uncertain.
