Ukraine has confirmed its willingness to negotiate a peace deal with Russia but insists that any agreement must be based on firm conditions to ensure lasting security. Senior Ukrainian officials have made it clear that while Kyiv is open to a United States-proposed 30-day ceasefire, it will only accept terms that prevent further Russian aggression. Washington is currently discussing the proposal with Moscow, but Kyiv has set out its red lines.
Ukraine’s leadership has outlined four key conditions that must be met before any full-scale peace agreement can be reached:
| Ukraine’s Peace Terms | Explanation |
|---|---|
| No more territory ceded to Russia | Ukraine refuses to surrender any further land, including occupied areas. |
| Return of deported Ukrainian children | Thousands of children forcibly taken to Russia must be sent home. |
| Release of illegally detained civilians | Ukraine demands freedom for its citizens held by Russian forces. |
| International security guarantees | Global assurances are needed to prevent future Russian aggression. |
Although Kyiv is willing to accept a temporary freeze along the current battle lines, it refuses to recognise Russian occupation of Ukrainian regions. The Kremlin still aims to fully control Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, but Ukrainian officials have rejected any suggestion of handing over these territories. A senior Ukrainian source, speaking anonymously to the press, dismissed Russia’s demands as unacceptable.
The White House has stated that both Russia and Ukraine will need to make compromises, with some American officials calling Ukraine’s goal of restoring its pre-2014 borders “unrealistic.” Reports indicate that discussions in Saudi Arabia on March 11 between Ukraine and the United States included possible territorial concessions. However, President Volodymyr Zelensky has made Ukraine’s stance clear: no occupied land will be recognised as Russian territory. He has described this as Ukraine’s most important red line.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed readiness to accept a temporary ceasefire but only under conditions that weaken Ukraine. He insists that Kyiv must stop mobilising troops, training its military, and receiving military aid from the West. Ukrainian officials have rejected these terms, accusing Moscow of attempting to manipulate negotiations while continuing its long-term goal of domination.
| Russia’s Proposed Terms | Ukraine’s Response |
|---|---|
| Kyiv must halt troop mobilisation | Rejected – weakens Ukraine’s defences |
| Ukraine cannot receive military aid | Rejected – leaves Ukraine vulnerable |
| No military training allowed for Ukrainian forces | Rejected – prevents self-defence |
| Russia keeps occupied Ukrainian territories | Rejected – violates sovereignty |
A senior Ukrainian official emphasised that Kyiv is negotiating in good faith, while Russia is playing political games. The source stated that Ukraine’s willingness to engage in peace talks demonstrates responsibility and reason, adding that if Moscow refuses, it will expose its dishonesty to the world.
