Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has signaled that he is not interested in compromise during the most recent round of Ukraine peace negotiations in Istanbul. Rather, his demands are for Ukraine’s capitulation. Putin wishes Kyiv to relinquish all territories it has claimed, limit its military, and drop NATO ambitions.
Ukraine, in making concessions, now confronts maximalist terms that resemble the punitive Treaty of Versailles. These maximalist terms indicate that Putin intends to exhaust Ukraine’s will by means of endless war, not negotiate peace.
Maximalist Terms Indicate Expansion, Not Settlement
Russia’s demands comprise complete domination of five Ukrainian regions — Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. Vladimir Putin also demands a new buffer area on Ukrainian soil, further reducing Ukraine’s size.
Together, Russia demands approximately 25% of Ukraine — significantly more than the 19% territory it already occupies. Putin insists that Ukraine caps its military strength, drops military alliances, and prohibits foreign troops from its territory. He even insists on making Russian an official language and restoring pro-Russian institutions.
Zelenskyy Offers Concessions, Putin Spurns All
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also indicated flexibility. He no longer insists that Russian-occupied territories be returned, but that the international community will not recognize the occupation. He has even proposed tolerance for Russia’s de facto control — without actual recognition.
However, Vladimir Putin is inflexible and he insists on more land that Russia already does not own. His position prohibits actual middle ground.
Russia Controls the Ceasefire Narrative
Ukraine prefers ceasefire conditions monitored by nations such as the US. Vladimir Putin prefers Moscow to have control in the United Nations Security Council, where Russia and China have veto rights. This would allow Moscow to decide peace conditions.
Ukraine’s Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak described Russian proposals as “unconstructive.” He alerted that Putin is employing negotiations to delay and carry on bombings, not negotiate.
Drone Strikes and Trump’s Ambiguity
Ukraine retaliated with drone strikes against five Russian airfields and the Kerch Bridge. The actions are meant to bolster Kyiv’s leverage at the negotiating table. However, US President Donald Trump has not hardened his policy on Putin.
Trump has instead ceased calling for an immediate ceasefire recently. He also supported Putin’s insistence on direct negotiations. Trump’s analysts believe that Trump places greater importance on ending the war sooner — not where it ends.
Kseniya Kirillova of the Jamestown Foundation argues Trump is putting pressure on Ukraine, the weaker party, to compromise. She cautions Putin wants to pressure a breakthrough in the summer and crack Ukrainian spirits before Trump loses his temper.
Stalemate or Surrender?
Russia President Vladimir Putin has drawn a red line. He demands Ukraine to surrender and Ukraine is fighting back through diplomacy and drone warfare. US President Donald Trump’s actions from here could determine the future.
But for now, peace remains far off — and not settlement, but surrender, seems to be Putin’s aim.
