Moscow: Amid ongoing tensions in Eastern Europe, discussions about Ukraine’s future are drawing intense global scrutiny.
Russia has made its demands clear: it wants Ukraine to sever its ties with NATO and adopt a neutral stance with a limited military presence. These discussions come ahead of anticipated talks with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, as reported by Bloomberg on January 15, citing unnamed sources.
Trump has expressed openness to meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin soon after his inauguration, hinting that his rapport with Putin could help bring an end to the war in Ukraine. This approach has raised questions, especially considering Trump’s past remarks that appeared sympathetic toward Russia and critical of the Biden administration’s strong support for Ukraine.
While Russia acknowledges that individual NATO countries may continue sending weapons to Ukraine under bilateral agreements, it insists that these weapons should not be used against Russian forces or in efforts to reclaim occupied territories. According to Bloomberg, Russia is determined to retain control over about 20% of Ukraine’s territory, including Crimea, which it annexed in 2014. Additionally, there are reports suggesting that Russia may consider territorial exchanges in certain scenarios.
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At present, talks between Kyiv and Moscow remain limited. Ukrainian officials have confirmed ongoing negotiations about prisoner exchanges and the return of children deported during the conflict. Discussions in Qatar have also revolved around the protection of nuclear facilities, although details are scarce.
Trump’s approach to the Ukraine conflict has raised concerns among some observers, with suggestions that it may signal a shift in U.S. policy that could be less supportive of Kyiv. However, Trump’s team has pushed back against such claims. Keith Kellogg, Trump’s appointed peace envoy, emphasized that the goal is to preserve Ukraine’s sovereignty, not to concede to Russia’s demands.
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Reports about Trump’s peace plan have sparked controversy. Proposals, such as freezing the front lines, delaying NATO membership for Ukraine by two decades, and deploying European peacekeepers, have reportedly been rejected by Moscow.
As Trump prepares to take office, the future of U.S. involvement in the Ukraine conflict remains uncertain.
