Russia has laid out new conditions for any potential settlement with Ukraine, demanding that Kyiv withdraw from four partially occupied regions and renounce its NATO aspirations.
This was stated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in an interview with Newsweek on October 7.
Russia’s Prerequisites for Settlement
Lavrov outlined several key conditions, including the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR), Luhansk People’s Republic (LPR), Zaporozhzhia, and Kherson regions—territories that Russia has partially occupied and claims as part of its territory.
Additionally, Moscow demands that Ukraine adopt a neutral, non-bloc, non-nuclear status, abandon NATO membership ambitions, and recognize the current territorial realities.
“President Vladimir Putin listed the prerequisites for settlement: complete AFU withdrawal from the DPR, LPR, Zaporozhzhia, and Kherson Oblasts; recognition of territorial realities as enshrined in the Russian Constitution; and Ukraine's demilitarization and denazification,” Lavrov said.
He also called for the protection of Russian-speaking citizens in Ukraine and the removal of all sanctions against Russia.
Lavrov criticized Ukraine for escalating tensions, referring to a reported "armed incursion into Russia’s Kursk Oblast" on August 6, which he framed as a response to Russia’s conditions.
He also accused the U.S. and NATO of supporting Ukraine in a strategic effort to weaken Russia.
“Under the circumstances, we have no choice but to continue our special military operation until the threats posed by Ukraine are removed,” Lavrov stated.
The Stalled Peace Process
Lavrov referenced the 2022 Istanbul Agreements, initially discussed by Russian and Ukrainian delegations, as a potential foundation for a peaceful resolution. These agreements included Ukraine’s neutrality and security guarantees while acknowledging the territorial realities at the time.
However, Lavrov noted that the situation has changed significantly in the last two years.
On the other hand, Ukraine remains firm in its stance, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy demanding the complete withdrawal of Russian forces from all internationally recognized Ukrainian territories, including Crimea, which has been occupied by Russia since 2014.
