Russia and Ukraine remain entrenched in their positions ahead of a possible summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump in Alaska, raising concerns that Moscow could use the meeting to pressure Kyiv into accepting a deal on unfavorable terms.
Putin continues to push the goals he set with the launch of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, seeking recognition of its territorial gains, a bar on Ukraine joining NATO, and a ban on Western troops in the country. Moscow hopes a broad agreement with Trump could draw Ukraine back into its orbit.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has agreed to a Trump-proposed ceasefire but rejected any recognition of Russia’s annexations and reaffirmed Kyiv’s NATO aspirations.
Russia’s position
In a June memorandum presented in Istanbul, Russia offered Ukraine two ceasefire options — one requiring withdrawal from the four partially occupied regions Moscow annexed in 2022, and another halting mobilization, freezing Western arms supplies, and banning foreign troops in Ukraine. Moscow also demands recognition of its 2014 annexation of Crimea, limits on Ukraine’s armed forces, and neutral status.
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It wants both countries to lift sanctions, resume trade, and restore diplomatic ties. Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov said there has been “no shift” in Russia’s stance.
Ukraine’s position
Kyiv’s memorandum calls for a full, unconditional 30-day ceasefire, rejects demands for neutrality, and insists on no limits to its military or foreign troop presence. It refuses to recognize Russian territorial gains, demands security guarantees, the return of deported children, and a full prisoner exchange.
Trump’s role
Trump has alternated between admiration for Putin and frustration over his resistance to a ceasefire. He plans to meet Putin without Zelenskyy present, prompting fears in Kyiv and Europe that this could lead to concessions. Trump has suggested “swapping of territories” could be part of a peace deal.
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Analysts warn that Putin could agree to a temporary truce to win Trump’s sympathy while keeping leverage for future aggression. Observers also note that Russia may frame its terms as concessions without altering its core demands, which amount to Ukraine’s capitulation.
Despite calls with allied leaders suggesting Putin is preparing for potential agreements, experts predict the talks are likely to fail, prolonging a conflict that could oscillate between open warfare and uneasy stalemate.
Source: Agency