Russia does not plan to end the war in Ukraine anytime soon and continues to make maximalist demands for a peaceful settlement, IZ reports with reference to The Washington Post, citing a document prepared for the Kremlin by an analytical center that cooperates with the FSB.
The document states that a peace agreement is not possible before 2026, and also sets out Moscow's key conditions: dismantling the Ukrainian government, securing the occupied territories for the Russian Federation, and creating a buffer zone in northeastern Ukraine. In addition, the Kremlin opposes a peacekeeping contingent in Ukraine and demands an end to Western military assistance to Kyiv.
The document, obtained by European intelligence agencies, details Russia's tactics to weaken the US position in negotiations. In particular, it refers to the aggravation of relations between Washington, China, and the EU, as well as the use of resources in the occupied Donbas to attract American companies.
Among the Kremlin's other demands:
- Buffer zone along the border with the Bryansk and Belgorod regions of the Russian Federation.
- A demilitarized zone in southern Ukraine, including part of the Odessa region.
- The absence of missiles in Belarus in exchange for the US refusing to deploy new weapons in Europe.
At the same time, the document rejects the possibility of partial lifting of sanctions as a means of pressure on the Kremlin. Moscow believes that Western restrictions are not critical for its economy.
US-Ukraine negotiations
Against the backdrop of this information, negotiations between representatives of the United States and Ukraine took place in Jeddah on March 11. Kyiv agreed to a temporary ceasefire for a period of 30 days, provided that Russia took a similar step.
According to Axios, the Trump administration has already contacted Moscow about the issue, but the Kremlin has not yet given a concrete response. At the same time, the White House has decided to resume security assistance to Ukraine and intelligence sharing.
Western intelligence: Kremlin not ready for compromise
Analysts emphasize that Russia is deliberately putting forward unrealistic demands, understanding that they will not be accepted by either Ukraine or Europe. According to Bloomberg, Putin is consciously preparing for a protracted war, using the negotiation process as a means of pressure on the West.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said he was unaware of the existence of such a document, but experts believe its content is consistent with the Russian Federation's overall strategy.
Currently, the United States and Ukraine are continuing diplomatic efforts, emphasizing the need to involve European partners in the negotiation process.
Read more about the possibility of obtaining passports for Ukrainians abroad without military documents in our article.