Russia has stated that any potential peace deal must include guarantees that Ukraine will not join NATO and will remain neutral, according to a senior Russian official.
Russian Demands for Ukraine’s Neutrality
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko emphasized that Moscow will insist on “ironclad security guarantees” as part of any agreement. Speaking to Russian media outlet Izvestia, Grushko said:
“Part of these guarantees should be the neutral status of Ukraine, the refusal of NATO countries to accept it into the alliance.”
This statement comes as diplomatic efforts continue to negotiate a ceasefire in the ongoing three-year conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Trump and Putin to Discuss Ceasefire
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday as part of negotiations toward a potential ceasefire. Speaking aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump stated:
“A lot of work’s been done over the weekend. We want to see if we can bring that war to an end.”
He also revealed that discussions would include territorial divisions and control over power plants in Ukraine. Additionally, he hinted at “dividing up certain assets” between the two nations.
US and Ukraine Propose Ceasefire
The U.S. and Ukraine have put forward a proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, which has yet to be accepted by Russia. While Putin has expressed conditional support for a ceasefire, he has laid out stringent requirements.
One major point of contention is Russia’s western Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces launched an incursion last August, briefly capturing some territory. Putin claims Russia has since regained full control, stating that Ukrainian troops in the area have been “isolated.”
Additionally, Putin has raised concerns about how any ceasefire would be monitored and enforced along the eastern frontline.
Zelensky Accuses Putin of Stalling Talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Putin of attempting to derail peace negotiations. He argues that Russia is prolonging discussions to strengthen its military position rather than seeking a genuine resolution.
Meanwhile, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, who met with Putin in Moscow last Thursday, declined to comment on how Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory would be addressed in a potential deal. Currently, Russia controls approximately 20% of Ukraine’s territory.
Trump’s Longstanding Pledge to End the War
During his presidential campaign, Trump repeatedly vowed to end the war on “day one” of a new administration. Less than a month after taking office, he held a 90-minute call with Putin to initiate peace talks.
However, despite recent diplomatic efforts, the prospects of a ceasefire remain uncertain, with significant disagreements over territorial control and security guarantees still unresolved.