When the American and Russian delegations begin negotiations regarding the cessation of war in Ukraine, each side will have its own list of demands. Reports TSN. This information is conveyed by Kontrakty.UA.
This is reported by The Telegraph.
Kremlin's Demands Regarding Ukraine
Moscow insists that Ukraine must withdraw troops from the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions, as well as renounce NATO membership.
Previously, Putin stated that Kyiv should reduce its military capabilities, which may include restrictions on long-range missiles, heavy weaponry, and Western support. Russia may also demand a reduction or even complete withdrawal of NATO forces from Poland, Romania, and the Baltic states.
Additionally, Moscow insists on lifting sanctions that have severely impacted the Russian economy, as well as unfreezing 300 billion dollars of assets belonging to the Russian Central Bank.
Furthermore, the Kremlin aims to restore the supply of Russian gas to Europe via the "Nord Stream-1" and "Nord Stream-2" pipelines.
Prisoner Exchange: What Moscow May Demand
Russia may insist on large-scale prisoner exchanges. Previously, Moscow and Washington have conducted such exchanges, for instance, the release of American teacher Mark Fogel in exchange for Russian hacker Alexander Vinnik.
Moscow is likely to seek the release of another convicted hacker, Vladimir Dunaev, who has been accused in the U.S. of involvement in cyberattacks.
In response, the U.S. may demand the release of Ksenia Khavana, who is accused of treason in Russia due to donations to a charity that aids Ukraine.
Also on the potential exchange list could be American citizen Stephen Hubbard, a Michigan native, who was sentenced in Russia to six years and ten months in prison for participating in combat on Ukraine's side. The Kremlin may use his case to pressure the U.S. for an exchange involving Russian citizens detained in the West.
Moreover, Moscow may insist on halting support for Russian opposition figures and dissidents who have found refuge in the U.S. and Europe. Such demands could include restrictions on political and financial support for Alexei Navalny's supporters.
The Middle East
Expanding Russia's influence in the Middle East is an important strategic goal for the Kremlin, and negotiations with the U.S. could be a key moment for strengthening Moscow's position in the region.
Since the onset of the war in Ukraine, cooperation between Russia and Iran has significantly intensified. Tehran has become the main supplier of weapons for the Kremlin, including ballistic missiles, Shahed drones, and other munitions. According to Ukrainian military sources, Russia has launched over 8,060 Iranian drones, which has seriously impacted combat operations.
In light of this, Moscow may demand the lifting of U.S. sanctions against Iran, which would open the way for Tehran to expand its energy exports. Allowing more Iranian oil into the global market could stabilize prices and create financial benefits for both countries.
Furthermore, Iran and Russia remain key players in the conflicts in Syria and Iraq. Moscow has already lost significant influence in the region following the ousting of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, yet its military presence remains.
One of Russia's possible demands could be the withdrawal of American troops from Syria, especially from eastern regions where the U.S. supports Kurdish forces. According to NBC, the Trump administration is considering options for a rapid military withdrawal within 30, 60, or 90 days, which would favor the Kremlin.
Another possible concession could involve ending the blockade of Syrian oil exports and potentially recognizing Assad as the legitimate leader of Syria, which could strengthen Moscow's influence in the region.
Africa and South America: The Kremlin's Geopolitical Game
Russia is also actively expanding its presence in Africa, gradually displacing traditional partners in the region, such as the U.S. and France.
Moscow employs private military companies, notably the former "Wagner Group," which has restructured into the "African Corps." Russian mercenaries assist African regimes in combating extremists, and in return, the Kremlin gains access to natural resources, including gold, uranium, and rare earth metals.
Moscow may insist on lifting sanctions against Russian companies engaged in mineral extraction in Africa. At the same time, the U.S. may face pressure to lift the blockade on Russian investments in the region's energy and oil sectors, which was imposed by the Biden administration.
Prospects for a Trump-Putin Meeting
It is anticipated that Trump and Putin may meet soon, allowing the Kremlin to re-enter the global arena and strengthen its international standing.
If negotiations do take place, Russia could circumvent European sanctions and negotiate favorable terms for a peace agreement.
At the same time, Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Ukraine will not recognize any agreements between the U.S. and Russia if it is not involved in the negotiation process.
"We cannot recognize any arrangements without our participation. We will never agree to a deal made behind our backs," Zelensky stated.
Ukraine and its allies in Europe insist that without reliable security guarantees, Russia may resume its invasion, even if a formal settlement of the conflict is achieved.
The negotiations in Saudi Arabia mark another important step in the Trump administration's shift in U.S. policy towards isolating Russia and are aimed at paving the way for a meeting between the president and Putin.
It is worth noting that negotiations between the U.S. and Russia have begun in Saudi Arabia. Representatives of the states will discuss a range of cooperation issues.