New tough conditions in negotiations: Moscow demands official recognition of Donbas as Russian territory
5 February 14:07
Moscow has put forward tougher demands regarding the status of Donbas at the peace talks in Abu Dhabi.
This was reported by [Komersant], citing Russian propaganda media.
According to a source in the media, economic issues, territory, and a ceasefire mechanism are being discussed at the talks in Abu Dhabi.
At the same time, it is reported that Russia has increased its demands and is now demanding not only that Donbas be handed over to it, but also that it be officially recognized as Russian.
“The Russian Federation sees the recognition of Donbas as Russian by all countries as part of a major agreement, a Western source in Abu Dhabi said,” the media outlet writes. According to the source, the Kremlin considers this point “extremely important.”
The source also stated that security guarantees for Ukraine following the negotiations may include not peacekeepers, but a rapid response by multinational forces.
Peace talks – the Donbas issue
Russia has called the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the entire Donbas region a key condition for ending the war. However, Ukraine categorically rejects this option.
Ukrainian and American negotiators considered the option of introducing neutral forces as peacekeepers in part of the Donetsk region or forming a demilitarized zone there.
Russia, in turn, rejects any options for resolving the territorial issue that differ from the agreements allegedly reached between US President Donald Trump and Kremlin dictator Vladimir Putin at the summit in Alaska last summer, according to which Ukraine must cede uncontrolled territories in the region to the occupiers.
