As the three - year - long Russia - Ukraine conflict continues to reshape the geopolitical landscape, the international community is increasingly eager to find a path to peace. Amidst the diplomatic shuffling and military maneuvers, the Russian side has put forward several key conditions for bringing an end to the war.
Territorial Demands
One of the most prominent conditions on the Russian side is related to territorial control. Currently, a significant part of Donetsk, Zaporozhye, and Kherson regions are under Russian control, according to the statements from the Russian military. Russian officials have made it clear that they consider these areas, where the local population has expressed a preference for closer ties with Russia through referendums, as an integral part of Russia's new territorial reality.
The situation in Lugansk is also a point of contention. With less than 1% of the region still under Ukrainian control, Russia aims to ensure full security and recognition of its influence in this area. The territorial issue is not just about land acquisition but also about historical, cultural, and security considerations. For Russia, these regions have deep - rooted historical and cultural connections, and their control is seen as crucial for safeguarding the interests of the local Russian - speaking population.
Sanctions Relief
The United States and its Western allies have imposed a series of harsh sanctions on Russia since the start of the conflict. These sanctions have affected various aspects of the Russian economy, from finance to trade. In return for ending the war, Russia is demanding relief from these sanctions.
Recently, there have been some signs of movement on this front. Trump's 特使 Steve Witkoff has signaled that if a peace agreement is reached, the United States may ease sanctions on Russia, and American companies may be allowed to resume business operations there. The US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also mentioned that sanctions relief could be on the table if Russia engages in serious peace negotiations. This shows that the issue of sanctions relief is becoming an important part of the diplomatic bargaining chips in the pursuit of peace.
Security Guarantees
Security guarantees are another major concern for Russia. The country has long been worried about the continuous eastward expansion of NATO, which it sees as a direct threat to its national security. Russia is seeking firm security assurances that would prevent Ukraine from joining NATO in the future. This demand is based on the understanding that a NATO - affiliated Ukraine would bring the military alliance right to Russia's doorstep, significantly reducing its strategic buffer zone.
In addition, Russia wants to ensure the demilitarization of certain areas in Ukraine. This means that Ukraine should not be allowed to build up a large - scale offensive military capacity that could potentially be used against Russia. By achieving demilitarization, Russia hopes to create a more stable security environment in the region.
Return of Diplomatic Assets
During the conflict, the United States and some Western countries have taken actions that have affected Russia's diplomatic assets. For example, six of Russia's diplomatic properties in the US have been under American control. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov has put forward the demand for the return of these assets as part of the conditions for ending the war.
According to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, the control of these assets by the US is considered illegal. Russia believes that the return of these diplomatic assets is not only a matter of property rights but also a symbol of respect for international law and normal diplomatic relations. It also serves as a way to break through the Western - led sanctions regime, as the return of these assets could potentially set a precedent for the return of other frozen Russian assets.
Recognition of New Geopolitical Realities
Finally, Russia is seeking international recognition of the new geopolitical realities that have emerged during the conflict. This includes international acceptance of the territorial changes and Russia's enhanced influence in the regions that are now under its control. Without such recognition, Russia fears that the peace achieved may be short - lived, as the West could potentially try to undermine the new status quo.
The international community's response to these Russian conditions has been mixed. Some countries, especially those in the West, are hesitant to fully meet Russia's demands, while others are advocating for a more comprehensive and inclusive negotiation process that takes into account the interests of all parties involved. As the diplomatic efforts continue, the coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining whether a sustainable peace can be achieved in the region.
