Conditions Set by Russian Intelligence Chief for Ending Ukraine Conflict

In a recent meeting involving US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin, the chief of Russia's foreign intelligence agency, Sergei Naryshkin, outlined several prerequisites for concluding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. According to Naryshkin, Ukraine would need to renounce its aspirations for NATO membership and forfeit territories annexed by Russia.

Naryshkin emphasized that Russia's objectives in the war remain unchanged, following extensive discussions between Witkoff and Putin in Saint Petersburg. He stated that the peace agreement conditions include allowing Ukraine to adopt a neutral status devoid of nuclear weapons, as well as the demilitarization and denazification of the Ukrainian state. Furthermore, Naryshkin insisted on the elimination of all discriminatory laws enacted after the 2014 political upheaval that ousted pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych amid pro-Western protests.

Additionally, a resolution must acknowledge the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Russian Federation within its current borders. Following Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, it also claimed control over the regions of Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia in 2022, although it does not fully control any of these areas.

In his remarks, Naryshkin applauded the resumption of dialogue between Russia and the United States, highlighting ongoing efforts to mend bilateral relations and address the Ukraine conflict, following communications between Putin and US President Donald Trump. Conversely, he accused Germany, France, and the United Kingdom of exacerbating the war's situation. He noted a perceived increase in NATO activities at the borders, particularly regarding Belarus, which shares a boundary with Poland.

Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterated that both Russia and the US are diligently working towards a peaceful resolution for Ukraine. He criticized Europe for its military support to Ukraine, suggesting that such actions indicate a desire to prolong the conflict. The European Union and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, however, refute this notion, asserting their commitment to achieving peace through strength.