Russia’s “imperative” Demands

Russia insists that the world recognize its annexation of Ukrainian territories as a prerequisite for ending the conflict. These territories include Crimea, and also the occupied regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. According to Russian Foreign minister Sergey Lavrov, international recognition of these regions as russian territory is an imperative to terminate the invasion.

• Territorial Recognition: Russia demands recognition of Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia as Russian territories.
• Neutral Status for Ukraine: Moscow seeks Ukraine’s abandonment of NATO aspirations and adoption of a neutral and non-aligned status.
• demilitarization and Denazification: Russia calls for Ukraine’s demilitarization and denazification.
• Sanctions Relief: Moscow wants the annulment of sanctions,ongoing litigation,and unfulfilled arrest warrants against Russia.
• Asset Recovery: Russia aims to regain access to its frozen central bank assets in the West.
• Security Guarantees: Moscow seeks reliable security guarantees against NATO, the EU, and their member states along Russia’s western borders.

Lavrov also emphasized that all of Kyiv’s commitments must be legally secured, have security mechanisms and be open in nature.

EU Concerns and Military Involvement

The European Union is wary of the situation, viewing any outcome othre than russia’s unconditional defeat as a geopolitical loss. Lavrov voiced concerns over potential EU military involvement:

Exit other than Moscow’s unconditional defeat is seen in Brussels as a geopolitical loss… At the same time, preparation is underway in the EU to send military contingents to NATO countries to Ukraine, contrary to our warnings that such a step is unacceptable. supplies of weapons to Kyiv continue.
Sergey Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister

Diminishing Prospects for Agreement

Experts suggest that the likelihood of reaching an agreement on Ukraine in the near future is dwindling. Janis Klug, an expert at the german Institute for International Security, notes:

In recent months, Russia has been quite consistent in what it wants, namely not to show a willingness to compromise. For Russia, the demilitarization of Ukraine is the cornerstone of every deal.
Janis Klug, German Institute for International Security

Trump’s Perspective and Proposed Peace Plan

A peace plan reportedly presented by Donald Trump’s administration to European allies on April 17 proposed recognizing Moscow’s control over Crimea and acknowledging the rest of the seized Ukrainian territories (excluding a small area in the kharkiv region) as factually Russian. Trump himself stated on April 25 that Crimea will remain in Russia and everyone understands this, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Trump also claimed he had taken Crimea without a single shot more than 10 years ago when barack Obama was president, noting that Ukraine did not fight for the territory at the time. However, he expressed disappointment with Vladimir Putin, stating he was very disappointed because Russia continues military attacks on civilian sites in Ukraine.

Trump’s Mixed Signals

Trump has sent mixed signals regarding the conflict. While suggesting Zelenskyy was ready to cede Crimea, a claim not supported by Kyiv, the White House has emphasized Trump’s desire for a constant stop of fire to end the war, not just a temporary truce.

White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt stated that the former U.S. leader is increasingly disappointed with both Presidents Putin and Zelenskyy, urging them to negotiate an end to the conflict.

The US leader is increasingly disappointed with presidents Vladimir Putin and volodimir Zelenski, and in her words, the two should sit on the table negotiations and agree to end the conflict.
Caroline Levitt, White House Press Secretary

I want (Putin – ed.) to stop shooting, sit down and sign an agreement, Trump told reporters.

Recent Military Actions and Trump’s Reaction

Amidst these political statements, military actions continue. Russia recently launched an attack with 150 drones and rockets, resulting in casualties in eastern Ukraine. Moscow also announced the full liberation of the Kursk region, a claim ukraine denies.

Trump reiterated his disappointment:

I am amazed and disappointed with Russia. it is indeed very disappointed that they bombarded these places after discussing things. I want him to stop shooting, sit down and sign an agreement.I think we have the conditions for a deal, and I want him to sign it, end it and just come back to a normal life.
Donald Trump

When asked if he still trusted Putin, Trump responded, I’ll answer you in two weeks.

Moscow’s Contradictory Signals

Moscow has sent conflicting messages regarding negotiations. While claiming readiness to start peace talks without preconditions, Foreign Minister Lavrov asserted that Russia’s claims on five Ukrainian regions, including Crimea, are unprecedented for resolving the conflict.

The Russian side has repeatedly confirmed its willingness,as confirmed by President Putin,to start negotiations with Ukraine without any preconditions.
Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin Spokesman

Negotiation Deadlines and Potential Outcomes

U.S. officials have suggested that negotiations are entering a critical phase. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated, We are close (to an agreement) but not close enough. I think it will be decisive this week.

However, reports indicate that Washington’s proposed peace plan involves freezing the front line and Kyiv ceding Crimea to Russia in exchange for a cessation of hostilities—a proposal Kyiv has rejected.

Divergent Views on Territorial Concessions

While some, like Trump, have suggested Ukraine should cede territory, others disagree. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius stated that ukraine should not give up all territories occupied by Russia, as Trump would like.

Ukraine,of course,knows for a long time that termination of fire or lasting and reliably peace agreement may include territorial discounts,but they certainly won’t go as far as they don’t have to go as far as it is laid down in the US President’s last proposal.
Boris Pistorius, German Defense Minister

Currently, Russia occupies approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea.

Russian Military Claims and International Involvement

Recently, the head of the Russian general Staff, Valery Gerasimov, assured President Vladimir Putin that the Kursk region was wholly liberated from Ukrainian troops. gerasimov also acknowledged the heroism of North Korean soldiers fighting on the Russian side, marking the frist official recognition by Moscow of their participation in the war.

FAQ: Key Questions About the Ukraine conflict

What are Russia’s main demands for ending the conflict?

Russia demands recognition of its annexation of Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia, as well as Ukraine’s neutral status, demilitarization, and the lifting of sanctions against Russia.

What is Donald Trump’s stance on the conflict?

Trump has suggested that Crimea should remain Russian and has expressed disappointment with both Putin and Zelenskyy, urging them to negotiate an end to the war. He has also reportedly proposed a peace plan involving territorial concessions from Ukraine.

what is the EU’s perspective on the conflict?

The EU views any outcome other than Russia’s unconditional defeat as a geopolitical loss and is concerned about potential military involvement in Ukraine.

What are the potential outcomes of current negotiations?

Potential outcomes range from a frozen conflict with territorial concessions from Ukraine to continued fighting with no resolution in sight. The situation remains highly fluid and uncertain.