Russia Presents Ultimatum to Ukraine: These Conditions Must Be Met for Peace

A leaked Russian memorandum, handed to the Ukrainian delegation during negotiations in Istanbul, offers a rare glimpse into what the Kremlin considers essential prerequisites for ending the war in Ukraine, according to Interfax.

The document—more ultimatum than compromise—lays out twelve specific demands for Kyiv.

Full Recognition and Demilitarization

The first item is a demand for international recognition of Russia’s sovereignty over Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson.

This must be accompanied by a full withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from those regions.

Next is the demand for Ukrainian neutrality, meaning a permanent ban on NATO or EU membership, as well as any form of foreign military presence on Ukrainian soil.

It also includes a future prohibition on treaties that would contradict this principle.

Internal Restructuring and Legal Changes

Moscow further proposes sweeping domestic reforms in Ukraine. These include granting Russian official language status and guaranteeing special rights and freedoms for the Russian-speaking population.

Additionally, Ukraine would be required to dissolve nationalist organizations and ban the glorification of Nazism or related ideologies.

The document also calls for a significant reduction in Ukraine’s military capabilities, including limits on the number of troops and weapons, and the disbanding of specific military and National Guard units.

A Future Without Mutual Claims

One of the more controversial clauses involves a “mutual waiver of claims” regarding damages caused by the war.

Russia also demands an end to all sanctions and restrictions between the two nations.

Peace—If All Goes According to Plan

Provided these demands are accepted, the document outlines a phased path toward peace.

This includes the establishment of a ceasefire monitoring center, the lifting of martial law in Ukraine, and the organization of presidential and parliamentary elections within 100 days.

Finally, the proposed peace agreement would require approval by the UN Security Council and ratification by both countries’ parliaments.

“This document cannot be described as a compromise proposal. It’s a list of demands that resembles terms of surrender,” said an anonymous European diplomat, according to Interfax.

While Ukraine’s official response has yet to be released, it is clear the Kremlin is attempting to shape the future of Ukraine—not through negotiation, but by decree.

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