Russia issues ultimatum: conditions for peace negotiations revealed!

On the third anniversary of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, Moscow reaffirmed its unwavering conditions for a ceasefire. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told a news conference in Ankara that a ceasefire can only be achieved if negotiations lead to a "stable and sustainable result" that Russia deems satisfactory. This includes, among other things, the recognition of the occupied territories by Ukraine and a demand from Kiev to renounce NATO membership, which is anchored in the Ukrainian constitution Krone.at reported.

Concern is growing over Moscow's continued demands, especially after Russia also claimed the regions of Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and Luhansk after annexing Crimea in 2014. According to Lavrov, however, a peace solution remains out of the question if Ukraine and Western states are not prepared to forego these territorial losses. Interestingly, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the US is ready to talk, while Europe does not seem interested in a diplomatic solution. These statements are particularly explosive as high-level diplomatic talks between Russia and the US recently took place in Saudi Arabia without involving Ukraine or European states, reported Bluewin.ch.

Turkey's attempts at mediation

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey has agreed to act as a mediator, stressing that Türkiye has close ties with both Ukraine and Russia. He also discussed this role at a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. But despite these diplomatic efforts, it remains questionable whether serious negotiations will take place, as Ukraine has firmly stated that it will not accept any loss of territory. Western governments also consider Russian demands unacceptable and reaffirm Ukraine's territorial integrity. Given the ongoing destruction and suffering in Ukraine, the urgency for a peaceful solution is becoming increasingly evident.