Russia Presents Demands to U.S. for Potential Ukraine Peace Deal

WASHINGTON – Russia has put forward a set of conditions to the United States in exchange for a potential deal to end the war in Ukraine and reset relations between Moscow and Washington, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The details of Moscow’s demands remain unclear, but reports suggest that they closely resemble terms Russia has previously sought from Ukraine, the U.S., and NATO. These include a commitment that Ukraine will never join NATO, a ban on the deployment of foreign troops on Ukrainian soil, and international recognition of Crimea and four Ukrainian regions as part of Russia.

Additionally, Moscow has reiterated its long-standing demand for NATO to address the “root causes” of the conflict, particularly NATO’s eastward expansion, which has been a significant point of contention between Russia and the West.

The developments come as U.S. President Donald Trump awaits a response from Russian President Vladimir Putin on whether he is willing to agree to a 30-day ceasefire proposed as an initial step toward peace negotiations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has expressed willingness to accept the ceasefire.

However, there is uncertainty over whether Russia is ready to negotiate with Ukraine before its conditions are met. Some U.S. officials have raised concerns that Putin may use a ceasefire to strengthen Russia’s position and create divisions among the U.S., Ukraine, and European allies.

In the meantime, the U.S. and Russia have been engaged in diplomatic discussions, with both sides considering previous agreements, such as the Istanbul draft in 2022, as a potential starting point for negotiations. That agreement had called for Ukraine to abandon its NATO ambitions and accept Russian influence over future security decisions.

The Trump administration’s stance on the current negotiations remains unclear, with some officials advocating for a fresh agreement, while others view the Istanbul framework as a foundation for peace talks.

Read more: US Resumes Military Aid to Ukraine, Proposes 30-Day Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Conflict with Russia

Analysts have expressed concerns that Russia’s demands extend beyond Ukraine and could be part of a broader strategy to limit Western influence in Eastern Europe. Some experts believe that Moscow’s demands are not aimed at achieving peace but at furthering Russia’s geopolitical objectives.

As the situation develops, Western officials are closely monitoring Moscow’s intentions, with growing apprehension about the potential for the U.S. to shift its policy toward a more favorable stance for Russia.