Russia Demands International Recognition of Occupied Regions as Russian Territory

Russia has demanded that Ukraine relinquish all territories occupied by Russia, including Crimea, and that these regions be internationally recognized as Russian. This was revealed by a Ukrainian official involved in recent negotiations in Istanbul, as reported by Reuters.

The talks, held in Turkey, marked the first direct dialogue between the two countries in over three years. While hopes were high for progress toward a ceasefire, the discussions only resulted in an agreement on a prisoner exchange.

Russia's demands include Ukraine withdrawing its troops from the occupied regions of Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Luhansk. Additionally, Russia insists that Ukraine become a neutral state, free of weapons of mass destruction and foreign military presence. Both countries would also forgo compensation for war damages.

These conditions starkly contrast with peace proposals from the U.S. and Ukraine's European allies. Ukraine has stated it will only negotiate after a ceasefire is established.