Putin Outlines Peace Conditions: NATO Guarantees and Sanction Lifting

Russian President Vladimir Putin has outlined essential demands for ending the conflict with Ukraine, stressing that Moscow is not prepared to seek peace “at any cost.”

The conditions proposed by Putin include:

1. Written Guarantees from the West: A legally binding commitment that NATO will refrain from expanding eastward, specifically prohibiting Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova from joining the alliance.
2. Neutral Status for Ukraine: This status should be formalized in international agreements.
3. Protection of Russian Speakers: Ensuring the rights of Russian-speaking citizens in Ukraine, which may involve repealing Ukrainian laws viewed as discriminatory by Moscow.
4. Lifting of Western Sanctions: The removal of certain sanctions imposed since 2022.
5. Resolution of Frozen Assets: Addressing the issue of approximately $300 billion in assets of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation that have been frozen.

These statements coincide with Russia’s proposal for a new round of talks with Ukraine scheduled for June 2 in Istanbul, highlighting Moscow’s strategy to blend diplomatic efforts with military pressure.

Putin’s demand for a legally binding agreement that prevents NATO from expanding eastward underscores Russia’s enduring view that such moves threaten its security. Moreover, the issue of unfreezing the Central Bank’s assets is complicated by their involvement in a $50 billion G7 loan for Ukraine.