Putin's secret demands: peace only with military victories?

Putin's secret demands: peace only with military victories?

Charkiw, Ukraine - In the past few days, the situation between Russia and Ukraine has achieved a new dynamic, since the Kremlin again sets conditions for an armistice. As ksta.de , Russia has so far not submitted a specific draft for the "memorandum" to end the hostility. While US President Donald Trump originally called for unconditional ceasefire, President Vladimir Putin blocked these efforts and replied with increased air raids. Russian armed forces also carry out nightly attacks that are again demanding civilian victims.

Trump warned Putin that he plays “with the fire”, which was considered by Russian media with threats and malice. The Kremlin provides conditions that go beyond Ukraine and, among other things, requires the assurance that Ukraine and other former Soviet republics are not allowed to join NATO, as well as a neutral status for Ukraine. In addition, the cancellation of western sanctions and the clarification of Russian assets in the EU are requested. These demands arouse concern, in particular the "protection" of the Russian -speaking population in Ukraine, which is interpreted as an excuse for the possible annexation of several Ukrainian regions.

reactions from Ukraine

Ukrainian MPs such as Kira Rudik emphasize that Ukraine is ready for an unconditional ceasefire. In addition, Andrij Jermak, head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office, criticizes Moscow's hesitation with regard to concrete suggestions for peace. President Wolodymyr Selenskyj, who is waiting for official proposals from Russia, made it clear that the United States will not accept the claims for a deduction of the Ukrainian troops. In Kyiv there is also a growing distrust of the Russian approach.

Selenskyj has requested NATO invitation for the entire Ukraine in its internationally recognized borders, and also brought a NATO protection guarantee into play for vacant areas to enable an armistice. However, this proposal from Kiev has not yet been officially recorded by NATO, which is reported to have the Ukrainian considerations on the strategy of warfare.

reactions from western side

In Germany, Chancellor Friedrich Merz has lifted the range of reach for arms deliveries to Ukraine, which re-sparked the debate about the delivery of more modern weapon systems, such as Taurus marching aircraft. Merz criticizes Russia's refusal to conduct peace talks and confirms that Germany wants to increase the pressure on Russia in order to weaken its war machinery. His office excludes the recovery from Nord Stream 2 to Russia and announces that military support for Ukraine should be expanded.

The pressure on the western governments grows to strategically support Ukraine. While some US Republicans are pushing Trump for harder measures, there are skepticism and concerns about possible sanctions against Russia and concern that Trump could provide a consistent answer to the aggressive Russian actions.

Overall, the current location remains tense, with a clear need for diplomacy and a serious examination of the conditions that are set up by both Russia and Ukraine. The coming weeks will be crucial for the direction that this conflict will be.