Russia's Peace Terms Stir Outrage in Ukraine - Kremlin's Stipulations for a Ceasefire Labelled "Untenable"
In a development at the UN Security Council, Russia has proposed conditions for a ceasefire in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. These conditions include an end to Western arms deliveries and a halt to Ukraine's mobilization. Ukraine, however, has reacted angrily, demanding a ceasefire without preconditions. Russia is also pressing for Ukraine's withdrawal from four contested regions, a demand that Kyiv Finds unacceptable.
Ukraine has presented a series of stipulations for a potential ceasefire. These include a 30-day humanitarian pause to facilitate earnest negotiations, a large-scale prisoner swap akin to the one agreed upon during the first round of talks, and the return of Ukrainian children allegedly forcefully deported to Russia. Kyiv has also proposed a detailed peace roadmap aimed at securing lasting peace.
In response, Russia has not detailed its specific demands for the peace talks. Officials have only referred to addressing the "root causes" of the invasion. Russia's initial objectives remain the same as at the onset of the conflict: annexation of four Ukrainian regions, Ukrainian demilitarization, and a permanent block on Ukraine's accession to NATO. The Kremlin has also called for Ukraine to be cut off from Western military aid and for territorial concessions.
Simultaneously, escalations in hostilities continue, with Russia launching significant numbers of drones and missiles into Ukraine while allegedly intercepting large numbers of Ukrainian drones over its territory.
Despite the differences, both Ukraine and Russia will participate in the negotiations in Istanbul. Ukraine has urged pressure on Russia through sanctions, military, and diplomatic measures. Zenelskyy has also called on the United States and the EU to prepare new, stronger sanctions against Russia should the Istanbul talks fail to yield results, particularly targeting energy, oil, tankers, price caps, and the financial sector.
The negotiations remain at an impasse, with both sides holding firm to their core demands and expectations for a breakthrough being low.
Other general news reports suggest that Ukraine, alongside its political discussions, has proposed specific stipulations for a potential ceasefire in war-and-conflicts such as Ukraine's conflict. These include a 30-day humanitarian pause, a prisoner swap, and the return of allegedly forcefully deported children. Russia, on the other hand, has been focusing on addressing the root causes of the invasion, which includes annexation of four Ukrainian regions, Ukrainian demilitarization, and a permanent block on Ukraine's accession to NATO. They have also called for Ukraine to be cut off from Western military aid and for territorial concessions.
