Kremlin: Russia's terms for peace with Ukraine have not changed since 2024.

The Russian government has reaffirmed its stance on the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, stating that it has not altered its conditions for a potential peace agreement since 2024. According to reports from multiple sources, including Reuters and local Bulgarian media outlets, the Kremlin emphasized that Russia's demands remain unchanged despite the prolonged war, which has now lasted over four years. The core of Moscow’s position involves Ukraine withdrawing its military forces from four regions—Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia—which Russia claims as part of its territory. Additionally, Ukraine must publicly abandon its aspirations to join NATO, a condition that has been consistently reiterated by Russian officials.

President Vladimir Putin made these remarks during a television interview over the weekend, where he stated that Russia would continue its military efforts to achieve full control over the contested areas. He also dismissed what he described as a new Ukrainian proposal aimed at limiting combat operations within the war-torn regions. According to Putin, Ukraine had suggested mutual cessation of long-range strikes and restricting hostilities to the four disputed territories. However, this was rejected outright by the Russian leadership, who maintain their claim over these regions.

The Russian president further acknowledged that Russia is currently facing significant challenges, including fuel shortages due to frequent Ukrainian attacks. These attacks have intensified in recent months, targeting both military and energy infrastructure across Russia. Ukraine has justified these actions as a response to Russian aggression, aiming to weaken Moscow's strategic position ahead of future peace negotiations. Despite the increased pressure on Russian resources, Putin remains committed to his military objectives, indicating that Russia will not relent in its pursuit of territorial gains.

In addition to the military developments, diplomatic discussions between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko were highlighted as another point of interest. Their meeting took place before Lukashenko traveled to China for talks, suggesting that regional cooperation continues to play a role in shaping the broader geopolitical landscape. This interaction underscores the importance of alliances and partnerships in maintaining strategic stability amid the ongoing conflict.

The Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, reiterated the consistency of Russia's position during a press briefing, emphasizing that the terms laid out by President Putin in 2024 remain valid. He noted that these conditions are well known to the Kyiv regime, American negotiators, and are entirely consistent with Russia’s overall strategy. Peskov also pointed out that the Russian government does not intend to make any concessions on its core demands, reinforcing the notion that the current situation is unlikely to change without a complete withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the contested regions and a formal rejection of NATO membership.

Ukraine, however, has firmly opposed these conditions, viewing them as illegitimate attempts to annex Ukrainian territory. The country has repeatedly rejected Moscow's proposals, characterizing them as manipulative tactics used by the aggressor. As the conflict enters its fifth year, both sides show no immediate signs of de-escalation, with each continuing to pursue their respective goals through military and diplomatic means. The international community remains divided on how best to address the crisis, with some advocating for renewed peace talks while others emphasize the need for continued support to Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.