NATO, sanctions, Russian language: Reuters sources in the Kremlin list conditions for ending the war

Sources close to the Kremlin have disclosed the conditions set by Russian President Vladimir Putin for ending the war.

This was reported by Reuters.

Among the proposals mentioned are:

• A written commitment by the West to halt NATO’s eastward expansion, ensuring that Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, and other former Soviet republics do not join the Alliance.

• Ukraine’s maintenance of a neutral status and guarantees for the “protection of Russian-speaking populations.”

• The lifting by the West of some anti-Russian sanctions and resolving the issue of frozen Russian assets.

“Putin is ready to make peace, but not at any price,” a high-ranking Russian source familiar with the Kremlin’s position told the agency.

According to this source, if the Russian president realizes he cannot achieve a peace agreement on his terms, he will try to demonstrate to Ukraine and Europe through military means that “tomorrow’s peace will be even more painful.”

At the same time, Putin believes that Russia can fight for years even under sanctions, and if he “sees a tactical opportunity on the battlefield, he would invade Ukraine even deeper,” the source noted.

A second source stated that the Russian leader is now “less willing to compromise on the issue of territories” and wants to gain control over four regions of Ukraine.

“Putin has hardened his stance,” said this source.

It’s worth noting that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently stated that a new round of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia will be announced in the near future.