Russia and Ukraine hold fast to their demands ahead of planned Putin-Trump summit
The maximalist demands reflect Putin's determination to reach the goals he set when he launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022.
Putin sees a possible meeting with Trump as a chance to negotiate a broad deal that would not only cement Russia's territorial gains but also keep Ukraine from joining NATO and hosting any Western troops, allowing Moscow to gradually pull the country back into its orbit.
The Kremlin leader believes time is on his side as the exhausted and outgunned Ukrainian forces are struggling to stem Russian advances in many sectors of the over 1,000-kilometer (over 600-mile) front line while swarms of Russian missiles and drones batter Ukrainian cities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also has stood firm in his positions, agreeing to a ceasefire proposed by Trump while reaffirming the country's refusal to abandon seeking NATO membership and rejecting acknowledgment of Russia's annexation of any of its regions.
A look at Russian and Ukrainian visions of a peace deal and how a Putin-Trump summit could evolve:
Russia's position
In a memorandum presented at talks in Istanbul in June, Russia offered Ukraine two options for establishing a 30-day ceasefire. One demanded Ukraine withdraw its forces from Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson — the four regions Moscow illegally annexed in September 2022 but never fully captured.
As an alternate condition for a ceasefire, Russia made a 'package proposal' for Ukraine to halt mobilization efforts, freeze Western arms deliveries and ban any third-country forces on its soil. Moscow also suggested Ukraine end martial law and hold elections, after which the countries could sign a comprehensive peace treaty.
Once there's a truce, Moscow wants a deal to include the 'international legal recognition' of its annexations of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in 2014 and the four regions in 2022.
Russia says a peace treaty should have Ukraine declare its neutral status between Russia and the West, abandon its bid to join NATO, limit the size of its armed forces and recognize Russian as an official language on par with Ukrainian -– conditions reflecting Putin's earliest goals.
It also demands Ukraine ban the 'glorification and propaganda of Nazism and neo-Nazism' and dissolve nationalist groups. Since the war began, Putin has falsely alleged that neo-Nazi groups were shaping Ukrainian politics under Zelenskyy, who is Jewish. They were fiercely dismissed by Kyiv and its Western allies.
In Russia's view, a comprehensive peace treaty should see both countries lift all sanctions and restrictions, abandon any claims to compensation for wartime damage, resume trade and communications, and reestablish diplomatic ties.
Asked Thursday whether Moscow has signaled any willingness to compromise to make a meeting with Trump possible, Putin's foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov responded that there haven't been any shifts in the Russian position.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economic Times
10 minutes ago
- Economic Times
Russian Forces Make Major Advances in Ukraine Ahead of Trump-Putin Summit
Russian troops have recently made significant advances in eastern Ukraine, escalating tensions just before the upcoming Trump-Putin summit. The meeting aims to explore discussions on potential peace, but Russia's ongoing advances raise concerns on its commitment. Ukrainian officials express concern that Moscow's actions signal a strategy to strengthen their position rather than seek genuine diplomacy. The summit could be a pivotal moment for the region's future stability. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Diplomatic Talks Shadowed by Military Action Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Strategic Intentions Behind Moscow's Moves FAQs: As anticipation builds for the upcoming meeting between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin , Russian military forces have launched significant offensives across Ukraine. These developments intensify concerns about Moscow's true intentions and the prospects for peace and escalating the Donetsk region, Russian troops have ramped up their military campaign, making important territorial progress. Using coordinated assaults, Moscow's forces broke through Ukrainian defenses near key villages including Kucheriv Yar and Zolotyi Kolodiaz. These advances represent some of the most substantial progress in recent weeks, enabling Russia to strengthen its position on contested Russian units in the Sumy region have pushed closer to the Ukrainian border. Verified reports and geolocated footage indicate advances around Oleksiivka and Yunakivka, signaling a broader push by Moscow into northern Ukrainian territory. These maneuvers are viewed as strategic moves to strengthen Russia's negotiating position by demonstrating ongoing battlefield timing of these offensives coincides with the Trump-Putin summit set for August 15 in Alaska. The meeting is observed as an opportunity to explore peace discussions, but the recent escalation complicates diplomatic efforts. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remains cautious, warning that Russia's enhanced military activity undermines hopes for a swift Trump has characterized the summit as a 'feel-out session' where he hopes to rapidly assess Putin's willingness to negotiate a resolution. Trump remains optimistic about assessing the potential for peace within minutes of the discussions, though many experts regard the meeting as an initial step rather than a decisive suggest that Russia's recent advances are part of a deliberate strategy to strengthen its bargaining position. By demonstrating continued momentum on the battlefield, Moscow may seek to pressure the West into accepting Russia's territorial gains or granting observers warn that Putin might use the summit to legitimize international recognition of Russia's control over disputed regions, complicating efforts for a lasting peace. This approach risks prolonging the conflict and deepening geopolitical divisions between Russia and Western countries.A1. Russian troops have advanced in several key areas of eastern Ukraine, increasing military pressure on Ukrainian forces.A2. The summit is intended to provide a platform for dialogue between the U.S. and Russia on conflict resolution and other issues.
Time of India
23 minutes ago
- Time of India
No upper hand for US? Why Donald Trump has extended tariff truce with China for another 90 days
Experts believe Trump has not been able to effectively influence China with his trade war tactics. (AI image) US President Trump has extended the trade ceasefire with China by an additional 90 days, temporarily averting a potential economic confrontation between the world's largest economies. Trump said he has been "dealing very nicely with China" as Beijing said it was seeking positive outcomes. Through his Truth Social platform, Trump confirmed signing the executive order for the extension, maintaining that "all other elements of the Agreement will remain the same." Simultaneously, China's Ministry of Commerce announced their matching extension of the tariff suspension. The previous arrangement was due to lapse at 12:01 am Tuesday. Without this extension, the United States could have increased taxes on Chinese imports beyond the existing 30%, potentially triggering Beijing to elevate retaliatory duties on American exports to China. This extended pause provides additional time for both nations to resolve their differences, possibly setting the stage for a meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping later this year. American businesses engaged in Chinese trade have responded positively to this development. Also Read | 'China issue more complicated…': After tariff on India, will Donald Trump impose additional duties on China for Russia oil trade? What JD Vance said The US-China Business Council's president, Sean Stein, emphasised that the extension is "critical" for allowing both governments to negotiate a trade agreement. American businesses anticipate this will enhance their access to Chinese markets and provide the stability needed for medium and long-term planning. "Securing an agreement on fentanyl that leads to a reduction in US tariffs and a rollback of China's retaliatory measures is acutely needed to restart US agriculture and energy exports," Stein was quoted as saying by the Associated Press. What Trump's executive order on China said 'The United States continues to have discussions with the PRC (People's Republic of China) to address the lack of trade reciprocity in our economic relationship and our resulting national and economic security concerns,' said the executive order. 'Through these discussions, the PRC continues to take significant steps toward remedying non-reciprocal trade arrangements and addressing the concerns of the United States relating to economic and national security matters,' Trump's order said. 'Based on this additional information and recommendations from various senior officials, among other things, I have determined that it is necessary and appropriate to continue the suspension effectuated by Executive Order 14298 until 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time on November 10, 2025,' the order added. Why Trump is extending the rope to China Beyond the language of the executive order passed by Trump, experts believe Trump has not been able to effectively influence China with his trade war tactics. Trump's unfinished agenda includes securing a trade agreement with China, following his significant disruption of global trade through the implementation of substantial tariffs on nearly all nations. Trading partners, including the European Union and Japan, have conceded to asymmetrical trade agreements with Trump, accepting unprecedented US tariff rates (such as 15% on Japanese and EU imports) to avoid more severe consequences. Also Read | 'US has gone rogue on trade...': Jefferies' Chris Wood calls Donald Trump's 50% tariff on India a 'xenophobic autarky'; slams 'beggar thy neighbour' policy The United States has transformed from a predominantly open economy to one characterised by protectionist measures under Trump's trade policies. According to the Budget Lab at Yale University, the average US tariff has increased substantially from approximately 2.5% at the year's beginning to 18.6%, marking the highest level since 1933. So why is Trump being somewhat lenient in his policies with China? Experts feel the answer lies in critical minerals. China has challenged the effectiveness of US trade policies that relied on tariffs as leverage for negotiations. Beijing wielded significant influence through its control over rare earth minerals and magnets, which are essential components in various industries from automotive to aerospace, according to the AP report. The US has agreed to reduce restrictions on exports of computer chip technology and ethane for petrochemical production, whilst China committed to improving US companies' access to rare earth materials. "The US has realised it does not have the upper hand,'' Claire Reade, senior counsel at Arnold & Porter and former assistant US trade representative for China affairs was quoted as saying in the AP report. In May, the US and China avoided an economic crisis by lowering substantial mutual tariffs, which had previously escalated to 145% against China and 125% against the US. Also Read | Donald Trump tariffs: How much will India's fuel bill rise if it stops Russian crude oil imports & where would it buy from? Explained The substantial tariff rates nearly halted commerce between China and the United States, triggering a concerning downturn in global stock markets. During discussions in Geneva in May, both nations agreed to reduce their rates, with the US lowering to 30% and China decreasing to 10%, whilst continuing negotiations. Since demonstrating their mutual capacity to inflict economic damage, both nations have maintained diplomatic dialogue. "By overestimating the ability of steep tariffs to induce economic concessions from China, the Trump administration has not only underscored the limits of unilateral US leverage, but also given Beijing grounds for believing that it can indefinitely enjoy the upper hand in subsequent talks with Washington by threatening to curtail rare earth exports,'' said Ali Wyne, a specialist in US-China relations at the International Crisis Group. "The administration's desire for a trade detente stems from the self-inflicted consequences of its earlier hubris." US-China trade deal: What's the road ahead? Experts feel that the prospects of a comprehensive agreement between Washington and Beijing addressing major US concerns remain uncertain. These concerns include China's inadequate intellectual property protection and their government's support policies, which US officials argue provide Chinese companies unfair competitive advantages globally and have led to a substantial US-China trade deficit of $262 billion in the previous year. Also Read | India-US trade deal: With Donald Trump's 50% tariffs looming, India reviews market access offers for US; three-pronged strategy to protect exporters Limited agreements appear more feasible, according to Reade, such as Chinese commitments to increase American soybean purchases and enhance controls on fentanyl-related chemical exports, whilst maintaining the supply of rare-earth magnets. However, Jeff Moon, who previously served as a US diplomat and trade official and currently heads China Moon Strategies consultancy, suggests that more complex issues will persist, noting that "the trade war will continue grinding ahead for years into the future.' Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays , public holidays , current gold rate and silver price .
Time of India
25 minutes ago
- Time of India
'We are victims, not terrorists': Baloch leader reacts to US action against BLA; 'Pakistan sheltered Osama'
Mir Yar Baloch reacts to US designating BLA as 'foreign terrorist' organization. Baloch leader Mir Yar Baloch reacted to the United States' decision to designate the Balochistan Liberation Army as a foreign terrorist organization and said Baloch people are not terrorists but victims of Pakistan-sponsored IS-Khurasan, "a deadly proxy nurtured by the ISI". The Baloch leader said Balochistan showed unwavering goodwill towards the United States historically, while Pakistan sheltered Osama Bin Laden . "The Baloch are not terrorists. They are a nation that has endured 78 long years of state terrorism, economic plunder, radioactive poisoning from Pakistan's nuclear tests, foreign invasion, and brutal occupation by the extremist and artificial state of Pakistan," Mir Yar Baloch said. "We are also victims of Pakistan-sponsored IS-Khurasan, a deadly proxy nurtured by the ISI, that has now issued a so-called fatwa calling for violence against peaceful Baloch political parties and their activists. This is yet another stark example of how Pakistan weaponises radical groups to crush legitimate political voices, suppress democratic aspirations, and destabilise the region," he said. "Throughout history, the Baloch have shown unwavering goodwill towards the United States. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your Finger Shape Says a Lot About Your Personality, Read Now Tips and Tricks Undo Even during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, Baloch people never raised arms against America or the Soviets. After 9/11, NATO supply lines passed through Balochistan, yet not a single attack was carried out by Baloch freedom fighters or civilians on American personnel or convoys," Baloch wrote on his X post. BLA, also known as the Majeed Brigade, was designated a "specially designated global terrorist" organization in 2019. But the new designation of a 'foreign terrorist' is more severe. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the move 'demonstrates the Trump Administration's commitment to countering terrorism'. 'Terrorist designations play a critical role in our fight against this scourge and are an effective way to curtail support for terrorist activities,' the statement said. Commenting on how Trump is now leaning towards Pakistan now, Mir Baloch said if the US recognizes Balochistan's independence, then the US would get a genuine ally. "In contrast, the Pakistani military and the ISI orchestrated anti-American rallies, chanting 'Death to America' while sheltering terrorists. For a decade, Osama bin Laden lived under the protection of Pakistan's military in Abbottabad. Pakistan's own leaders have admitted waging a fake jihad against the interests of the United States and the West, deceiving allies while breeding extremism," the Baloch leader said.
