Russia Demands NATO Ban for Ukraine in Peace Talks

Russia Demands Ukraine's NATO Exclusion in Peace Talks

Russia insists that any peace agreement must guarantee Ukraine's neutrality and its exclusion from NATO membership, Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko has stated.

Grushko told Russian news outlet Izvestia that Moscow would seek firm assurances on these terms, emphasizing that Ukraine's neutral status and NATO's rejection of its membership bid were key conditions for peace.

"We will demand strong guarantees for these agreements," Grushko stated. "Part of these assurances must include Ukraine’s neutrality and NATO’s explicit refusal to accept the country into the alliance."

The remarks come amid renewed diplomatic activity, as U.S. President Donald Trump prepares to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday. Discussions are expected to focus on ending the three-year conflict in Ukraine.

Speaking aboard Air Force One on Sunday evening, Trump confirmed that significant diplomatic efforts had been underway over the weekend.

"A lot of work has been done," Trump said. "We want to see if we can bring this war to an end."

He also indicated that territorial issues and energy infrastructure would be central to discussions.

"We will talk about land," Trump said when asked about potential agreements. "We will talk about power plants."

Trump further revealed that negotiations are already exploring potential "division of certain assets" between Russia and Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the United States and Ukraine have agreed to propose a 30-day ceasefire to Russia, in an effort to de-escalate hostilities.