Russia made it clear on Wednesday that its position on the war in Ukraine has not shifted, reiterating the demands set out by President Vladimir Putin in 2024: a full withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from territories that Moscow claims, as well as Ukraine abandoning its NATO membership aspirations.
As U.S. President Donald Trump prepares to meet Putin in Alaska on Friday—marking the first U.S.-Russia summit since 2021—Russia’s stance remains firm. Putin and Trump are expected to discuss efforts to end the war, with Trump suggesting that some territorial exchanges between the two countries may be necessary to pave the way for peace.
Putin’s Terms for Peace
According to Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Alexei Fadeev, the Kremlin’s position has been consistent since June 14, 2024, when Putin laid out his demands. These included Ukraine’s full withdrawal from the regions of Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson that are still under Ukrainian control, as well as the formal abandonment of its NATO ambitions.
Putin also stated that any settlement would need to address the status of regions now under Russian control: Crimea, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. He emphasized that Russia considers these regions part of its territory and that Ukraine would have to ensure the protection of Russian-speaking communities within its borders.
Furthermore, Putin demanded that Ukraine officially declare its neutrality and abandon plans to join NATO, a key element of his vision for the country’s future.
Ukrainian Resistance to Territorial Concessions
While Russia remains steadfast in its demands, Ukraine has been equally firm in its refusal to cede any territory. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly stated that Russia’s occupation of Ukrainian land is unacceptable, and that any peace deal must start with a ceasefire. Zelensky has insisted that territorial discussions can only begin after Ukraine’s security is guaranteed and Russian forces agree to halt their military actions.
According to Zelensky, Ukraine will not withdraw its troops from critical defensive positions in the eastern Donbas region, which Moscow aims to control. Any suggestion that Ukraine should pull back from these vital regions would be rejected outright, as it would compromise the country’s security.
Territorial Stakes
Putin’s demands would require Ukraine to relinquish control of an additional 21,000 sq km (8,100 sq miles) of land—territory that Ukraine and most of the international community consider to be part of Ukraine. While Russia controls around 19% of Ukraine, including Crimea and significant portions of Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, Ukraine has made it clear that any agreement that legitimizes Russian occupation is unacceptable.
The situation remains at a standoff, with both sides holding to vastly different visions of what peace could look like. As the summit approaches, the eyes of the world will be on the U.S.-Russia talks to see whether Trump can broker a deal that satisfies both sides or if the war will continue to grind on with no end in sight.
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