Putin Ready to End Ukraine War, But Demands Halt to NATO Expansion – Reuters
Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly ready to end the war in Ukraine, but with strict conditions—chief among them being a written commitment from Western powers to halt NATO's eastward expansion. This claim was made by Reuters, citing three Russian sources in its report.
Putin has long argued that NATO’s expansion poses a threat to Russia’s security, calling it one of the key reasons behind Russia’s aggression. He has repeatedly referred to Ukraine’s potential NATO membership as a “red line” for Russia.
Putin’s Main Conditions for Ending the War:
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A permanent halt to NATO’s eastward expansion, meaning countries like Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, and other former Soviet republics would be barred from joining NATO.
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Ukraine must be declared a neutral state.
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Sanctions imposed on Russia must be lifted.
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A resolution regarding Russia’s frozen assets.
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Guarantees for the protection of Russian-speaking people in Ukraine.
Reuters reported that these demands have been presented in a “take it or leave it” fashion. One source stated that if Western powers refuse these conditions, Putin aims to prove through military victory that “peace tomorrow will be harder and costlier.”
The source also added that if Putin sees any strategic military opportunity, he will not hesitate to advance deeper into Ukraine. The Kremlin believes Russia can sustain this war over the long term despite sanctions.
Putin Less Interested in Land Compromises Now
Reuters also reported that Putin is no longer interested in territorial compromises. He now seeks full control over the four Ukrainian regions—Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia—that Russia has already occupied. This indicates that he is not willing to budge from his maximalist demands.
Gesture Toward Compromise After Talk with Trump
Last week, after holding discussions with former U.S. President Donald Trump, Putin expressed interest in drafting a memorandum for a peace process with Ukraine, but emphasized that the “core issues” must be resolved.
Putin and his associates often use the term “core issues” to refer to their firm demands, including:
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Recognition of all Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories,
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The fall of Zelenskyy’s government,
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Constitutional amendments in Ukraine to limit its military,
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Granting cultural recognition to the Russian language,
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Complete cancellation of NATO membership ambitions,
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Banning foreign military assistance to Ukraine.
Reuters' report reiterated several of these demands, especially those regarding the Russian language, NATO membership, and occupied territories.
