Russia's Conditions for a Ceasefire with Ukraine
May 17, 2025
Russia has demanded that Ukraine withdraw its troops from four regions as a condition for a ceasefire, according to a senior Ukrainian official. The Russian requirements include international recognition of Crimea and the contested areas as Russian territory, alongside Ukraine's neutrality. Talks in Istanbul did not lead to progress on the ceasefire but resulted in an agreement on prisoner exchanges. The Ukrainian official dismissed the Russian proposals as 'unviable' and expressed doubts about Moscow's intentions.