Putin sets tough conditions for ending the war against Ukraine
7 January 2025 07:17
Russia is putting forward its own tough conditions for possible negotiations to end the war against Ukraine, which could complicate the search for compromises for the team of US President-elect Donald Trump. This is reported by Fox News, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Russia would not agree to proposals that only provide for the freezing of Ukraine’s accession to NATO for 20 years. At the same time, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin had previously ruled out the possibility of a ceasefire, arguing that it would give Ukraine time to consolidate its positions and prepare new offensives.
Lavrov’s statement is likely to announce Russian President Vladimir Putin’s aggressive stance toward Ukraine. Even for a strong negotiator like Trump, it is likely to be almost impossible to reach an agreement with Putin.
Putin has also once again questioned the legitimacy of the Ukrainian government, saying that only new elections can create conditions for negotiations. However, even under these circumstances, he is not ready to give up his position.
According to Fox News, the Kremlin is demanding
- russia’s recognition of the occupied territories, including Crimea;
- legal guarantees of Ukraine’s neutral status without the prospect of joining NATO;
- lifting of Western sanctions;
- an end to all Western support for Ukraine.
These conditions make negotiations unlikely even under the Trump administration, which is looking for quick ways to end the conflict.
Putin is also trying to demonstrate strength by challenging the United States to a “high-tech duel” with a test of Russian hypersonic Oreshnik missiles. According to him, Russia is ready for a “technological experiment” to test the defense capabilities of both sides.
This statement, according to experts, is aimed at strengthening the Kremlin’s position in potential negotiations, especially with the new US administration.
The Fox News authors emphasize that even for such an experienced negotiator as Donald Trump, it will be extremely difficult to reach an agreement with Putin. The Kremlin continues to insist on its own terms, and its aggressive stance makes the prospect of a peaceful settlement even more remote.
Nevertheless, experts note that any concessions on Russia’s terms could have serious consequences for international security and the credibility of the United States as Ukraine’s key ally.
