Putin's plan for peace: The list of demands from the Kremlin leader

Putin's plan for peace: The list of demands from the Kremlin leader

Russia would give up small portions of occupied Ukrainian territory, while Kiev would cede extensive regions in the east that Moscow has failed to conquer, according to peace proposals discussed by Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump at the Alaska summit, informed sources about the Kremlin’s plans said.

The report came a day after the meeting between Trump and Putin at an airbase in Alaska, the first between an American president and the Kremlin leader since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine.

Zelensky's Visit to Washington

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to go to Washington on Monday to discuss with Trump a possible resolution to the large-scale war triggered by Putin in February 2022.

Although the summit failed to achieve the ceasefire that Trump said he wanted, he stated in an interview for Fox News that he and Putin discussed territorial transfers and security guarantees for Ukraine and that they have "largely agreed."

"I think we are pretty close to a deal," said Trump, adding, "Ukraine has to agree to it. They might say 'no'."

Conditions Proposed by Russia

Journalists from Reuters have compiled a list of potential demands raised by Putin, based on information obtained from credible sources.

Thus, two sources, who requested anonymity to discuss sensitive matters, stated that their information about Putin's proposals is largely based on discussions among leaders from Europe, the US, and Ukraine, and the picture is not complete.

Trump informed Zelensky and European leaders about the summit talks on Saturday morning.

It was not clear whether Putin's proposals represent just a starting point for negotiations or rather a final offer that leaves no room for discussion.

"Land for Peace"

At first glance, at least some of the demands would be very difficult for the Ukrainian leadership to accept.

Putin's offer excluded a ceasefire until a comprehensive agreement is reached, thus rejecting a key demand of Zelensky, whose country is daily hit by Russian drones and ballistic missiles.

According to sources, in the proposed agreement by Russia, Kiev would have to completely withdraw from the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, in exchange for a Russian promise to freeze the frontlines in the south, in the regions of Kherson and Zaporizhia.

Ukraine has already categorically rejected any withdrawal from territories like the Donetsk region, where its troops are well positioned and which Kiev considers essential for defending its territory.

What Russia Would Offer in Exchange

Russia would be willing to return small areas of occupied land in the Sumy and Kharkiv regions, the sources said.

Russia controls "pockets" in these two regions totaling approximately 440 km², according to the Ukrainian front mapping project Deep State. In comparison, Ukraine controls about 6,600 km² in the Donbas, which includes the Donetsk and Luhansk regions claimed by Russia.

Recognition of Crimea and Lifting of Sanctions

Although Americans have not clearly formulated this aspect, sources said they know that the Russian leader is seeking – at least – formal recognition of Russia's sovereignty over Crimea, annexed by Moscow in 2014.

It was not clear whether this would entail recognition from the US government or, for example, from all Western powers and Ukraine. Kiev and its European allies firmly reject such recognition.

According to the same sources, Putin also expects at least a partial lifting of sanctions imposed on Russia. However, it is not known whether this refers to both American and European sanctions.

Trump stated on Friday that he does not need to immediately consider retaliatory tariffs against countries like China that buy Russian oil - subject to a wide range of Western sanctions - but he might be forced to do so "in two or three weeks."

Ukraine's Neutrality and Security Guarantees

Ukraine would also be excluded from joining NATO, although Putin seemed open for the country to receive a certain type of security guarantees, the sources said.

However, they added that it was not clear what this would mean in practice. European leaders stated that Trump discussed security guarantees for Ukraine in the Saturday talks and raised the idea of a "Article 5" type guarantee outside of NATO.

NATO considers any attack on one of its 32 members as an attack on all, according to Article 5.

Ukraine's strategic objective to join the North Atlantic Alliance is enshrined in the country's Constitution.

Russian Language and Orthodox Church

Russia would also demand official status for the Russian language in certain parts or even throughout the territory of Ukraine, as well as the right for the Russian Orthodox Church to operate freely, the sources added.

Ukraine's Security Service accuses the Moscow-linked Church of supporting Russia's war against Ukraine through pro-Russian propaganda and hosting spies - accusations denied by the Church, which claims to have severed its canonical ties with Moscow.

Ukraine has passed a law banning religious organizations linked to Russia, including this Church. However, the law has not yet been enforced.

G.P.


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