In a new round of peace talks held in Istanbul, Russia presented Ukraine with tough and punitive conditions for ending the war, including the surrender of more territory, military limitations, and permanent neutrality. This comes despite calls from Western countries and former U.S. President Donald Trump for an immediate end to the war.
Russia’s Broad Demands: Withdrawal and Full Neutrality
According to a memorandum published by Russian media, the Kremlin is demanding international recognition of Crimea and four other occupied Ukrainian regions as part of Russia. In addition, Ukraine must withdraw from all these areas, abandon its NATO ambitions permanently, recognize Russian as an official language, and pass legislation banning what Russia calls the “glorification of Nazism” — a charge Kyiv dismisses as absurd and offensive.
Russia also outlined two ceasefire options: one requiring a full military withdrawal from the eastern regions, and another calling for a halt to Western military aid, satellite communication, and the holding of national elections within 100 days. Both proposals have been firmly rejected by Ukraine as “unacceptable.”
Ukraine Launches Major Attack on Russian Strategic Bombers
As talks ended without results, the battlefield saw an escalation. Ukraine launched an unprecedented drone operation named “Spider’s Web,” targeting Russian nuclear-capable bomber bases in Siberia and northern Russia with 117 drones. Satellite images suggested significant damage, although the two sides offered conflicting reports.
According to President Zelenskyy, the attack demonstrated Ukraine’s capability to continue resisting and sent a message to international partners that Kyiv remains strong and committed.
Conclusion: Peace Out of Reach, War Rages On
Despite diplomatic initiatives and international pressure, Russia’s proposed terms are so stringent that Ukraine views them as a form of surrender. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s bold military actions show it has no intention of backing down.
In the end, while dialogue has resumed, there is little sign of an imminent agreement — unless both President Putin and President Zelenskyy engage directly and reconsider their current red lines.
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