Kathrine Frich
The demand comes alongside other key conditions from the Kremlin.
The demand comes alongside other key conditions from the Kremlin.
Putin Demands Russian Be Official Language in Ukraine
Vladimir Putin is pushing for Russian to be made an official language in Ukraine once the war ends.
According to reports from The New York Times, Moscow is asking for this to be a formal part of any peace deal.
Language and Religion at the Heart of Russia’s Demands
Russia also wants the Russian Orthodox Church to be allowed to operate freely in Ukrainian-controlled areas.
These cultural demands show that Putin’s goals go beyond territory. they’re also about influence, identity, and long-term control in Ukraine.
Troop Withdrawal and a Frozen Front Line
Putin has reportedly offered to stop fighting across most of Ukraine, if Ukrainian forces pull out of Donbas entirely.
He would agree to freeze the current battle lines and provide a written promise not to attack Ukraine or Europe again. But trust remains low.
NATO Membership Off the Table, Says Kremlin
Though Russia is open to Ukraine receiving “strong” post-war security guarantees, there’s one major condition: no NATO membership.
Putin is insisting that Ukraine remain outside the Western military alliance, despite support for it growing within Ukraine.
Zelensky Dismissed by Putin as ‘Illegitimate’
Another major roadblock is that Putin reportedly refuses to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
He sees him as the leader of an “artificial state” and an illegitimate president, which blocks efforts at a three-way summit involving the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia.
Trump Caught in the Middle of High-Stakes Talks
Sources say Donald Trump has tried to broker peace talks between the three countries.
But Putin’s refusal to speak directly with Zelensky makes this nearly impossible.
Trump is also under pressure to clarify his position on Ukraine as the conflict drags on.
What Russia Wants in Exchange for ‘Peace’
In short, Russia’s demands include:
- Ukrainian military withdrawal from Donbas
- Official status for the Russian language
- Full access for the Russian Orthodox Church
- No NATO membership
- A “frozen” frontline, and a written non-aggression pledge
It’s a long list, and Ukraine is unlikely to agree without major pushback.
Ukraine Holds Its Ground as Fighting Rages On
Despite these demands, Ukraine continues to push forward on the battlefield.
Recent reports show Ukrainian forces have taken out five Russian oil refineries in just 12 days. The military momentum may shift how leaders approach negotiations.
No Signs of a Real Peace Yet
Though there’s talk of deals and meetings, little progress has been made.
Putin’s demands are steep, and his refusal to meet Zelensky face-to-face stalls diplomacy.
For now, the war continues and peace remains a distant goal.
