Reuters published Putin's demands for ending the war
Reuters disclosed these requirements Reuters by informed sources. According to the agency's sources, Russia "will relinquish small occupied territories of Ukraine," and Kyiv "will cede part of its eastern lands that Moscow was unable to capture," according to "peace proposals" discussed by Putin and Trump at the Alaska summit.
Two sources, who wished to remain anonymous to discuss sensitive issues, stated that their information about Putin's proposals is mainly based on discussions between European, US, and Ukrainian leaders, and noted that it is not complete.
According to them, Putin's proposal excluded a ceasefire until a "comprehensive agreement" was reached.
Under the proposed agreement by Russia, Kyiv is to "completely withdraw its troops from Donetsk and Luhansk regions" in exchange for Russia's "commitment" to "freeze the front line in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions".
Additionally, according to sources, Russia "is willing to return relatively small areas of Ukrainian territory it occupied in Sumy and Kharkiv regions".
The sources claim that, according to their information, the Russian leader also seeks "at least official recognition of Russia's sovereignty over Crimea," which Moscow occupied in 2014.
It is unclear whether this means recognition by the US government or, for example, by all Western countries and Ukraine.
Putin also expects the lifting of at least some sanctions against Russia. However, the sources could not specify whether this pertains to US sanctions or European sanctions.
Ukraine also will not be able to join NATO, although Putin "seems willing to provide Ukraine with certain security guarantees," the sources noted. They added that it is still unclear what this means in practice.
Russia will also demand an official status for the Russian language in certain regions of Ukraine or throughout its territory, as well as the right of the Russian Orthodox Church to operate freely.
