Russian President Vladimir Putin visits a military command center in Russia's Kursk region on March 12, 2025, during the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. The image is taken from a video recording of his visit. REUTERS
Russia has given the U.S. a list of conditions for a possible deal to end the war in Ukraine and improve relations. Officials from both sides have discussed these terms over the past three weeks, both in person and virtually. However, it is unclear if Russia is open to peace talks with Ukraine before its demands are accepted.
These conditions are similar to past demands, including Ukraine staying out of NATO, no foreign troops in Ukraine, and recognizing Russian control over Crimea and four other regions. Russia has also insisted that NATO expansion toward its borders must be addressed.
Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump is waiting for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision on a 30-day ceasefire proposal. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he is open to a short-term truce as a first step toward a broader peace deal. However, some U.S. officials fear that Russia could use a temporary truce to weaken the alliance between the U.S., Ukraine, and European nations.
Neither the Russian embassy in Washington nor the White House has commented on the situation.
Zelensky described a recent meeting with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia as productive. He believes the proposed ceasefire could lay the groundwork for a lasting peace agreement. However, Russia has been making similar demands for the past two decades, including restrictions on NATO’s military operations in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
Before the war started in February 2022, the U.S. and Russia engaged in negotiations to prevent an invasion. Moscow demanded that Ukraine abandon its NATO aspirations, remain nuclear-free, and accept Russian influence over foreign aid and military support. Despite some U.S. efforts to address Russian concerns, the talks failed, and Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
In recent weeks, officials from the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine have revisited a draft peace agreement discussed in Istanbul in 2022. However, no progress has been made. Trump’s administration has yet to reveal its approach to negotiations with Moscow. The discussions seem to be divided into two parts—one focusing on the overall U.S.-Russia relationship and the other on resolving the Ukraine conflict.
U.S. officials have differing views on how to proceed. Some see the Istanbul agreement as a useful starting point, while others believe a new approach is necessary. Experts suggest that Russia’s demands are not just about Ukraine but also about securing a long-term agreement with Western nations.
For years, Russia has pushed for restrictions on NATO’s military presence in Europe, which could allow Moscow to extend its influence. Some analysts argue that Russia is not genuinely interested in peace and is using these demands as leverage. The U.S. government has already engaged in discussions on certain Russian demands, such as banning military exercises near Russia’s borders.
One expert noted that these demands have been unchanged since World War II, and the situation is making European nations uneasy. Some fear that recent U.S. actions may signal a weakening commitment to its allies, causing concern across Europe.
