Zelensky makes ultimate demands to Putin: Peace hangs by a thread!

Zelensky makes ultimate demands to Putin: Peace hangs by a thread!

On June 1, 2025, Ukraine and Russia launched a new attempt to end the conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that negotiations will take place in Istanbul next Monday. The Ukrainian delegation will be led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. Zelensky emphasizes the urgency of the negotiations and identifies three key demands of Ukraine that must be met to end hostilities: a full and unconditional ceasefire, the rapid release of captured hostages and the return of kidnapped children. This reports oe24.

Zelensky stressed that it is crucial to prepare a meeting at the highest level to ensure a reliable and lasting peace. In recent years, Ukraine has suffered under the pressure of Russian aggression, with concerns over territorial concessions and future security guarantees at the forefront. Yevheniia Kravchuk, deputy leader of Zelensky's Servant of the People party, said Ukraine was in a stronger negotiating position because it was able to retake some territories annexed by Russia.

Negotiations in an international context

However, expectations of lasting peace in Ukraine have become more cautious due to nearly three years of Russian invasion. At the upcoming Munich Security Conference, the first face-to-face talks will take place between Zelensky and the new representatives of the US government, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. These negotiations could be crucial to ending the war in Ukraine, reports Euronews.

Zelensky had already stated in the fall of 2024 that Ukraine could need either nuclear weapons or NATO membership to ensure its security. Despite these demands, NATO membership is described as “unrealistic” by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Kravchuk insists that any security guarantees should come exclusively from the US, not just the EU.

Russia's position and international challenges

On the other hand, Russia is determined to keep the annexed territories and is calling on Ukraine to rule out joining NATO. Loud daily news Ukraine, on the other hand, wants to fully restore its territorial integrity. The USA and Europe support this position. Nonetheless, Ukraine faces the dilemma of potentially being forced to make territorial concessions.

There is disagreement within the EU regarding future security and military support for Ukraine, particularly regarding the provision of ground troops. A special EU summit is scheduled to take place on March 6th to clarify open questions and discuss the need for further action.

Developments in the coming days could be crucial, both for Ukraine and for the international community hoping for a resolution to the conflict.