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ISW: Putin’s territorial demands make peace negotiations unsustainable

Russia maintains its demand for Ukraine to replace its government and cede territory while expressing openness to Western dialogue.
byMaria Tril
11/01/2025
2 minute read
isw putin revives zelenskyy “illegitimacy” claim derail potential talks russia's ruler vladimir speaking expanded meeting ministry defense board moscow 16 2024 kremlinru ranting mod hlo minister meanwhile restated ukraine withdraw
Russia’s ruler VLadimir Putin speaking at an expanded meeting of the Ministry of Defense board in Moscow on 16 December 2024. Screenshot: kremlin.ru
ISW: Putin’s territorial demands make peace negotiations unsustainable

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported on January 10 that peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia are unlikely to succeed due to Putin’s demands. These demands include Ukraine’s demilitarization and the cession of significant territory in eastern and southern Ukraine to Russia.

This analysis comes in the context of former President Trump’s claim that he could end the war in Ukraine within “24 hours,” potentially through negotiations involving Ukrainian territorial concessions to Russia.

The prospect of such negotiations has sparked mixed reactions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly said that ceding territory to Russia is ‘unacceptable’ for Ukraine and Europe. Supporting this position, approximately 84% of Ukrainians believe no territorial concessions should be made, even if this prolongs the war.

In response to Trump’s statement about arranging a meeting, Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claimed on January 10 that Russian President Vladimir Putin is “open to contact with international leaders” without preconditions.

However, the ISW reported that Putin’s core demands remain unchanged from those outlined in June 2024 and reiterated during his December 19 Direct Line presentation.

These demands include:

  • The replacement of President Zelensky’s government under the guise of “denazification”
  • Ukraine’s complete demilitarization
  • The cession of significant territory in eastern and southern Ukraine to Russia, including areas Russia does not currently control

Putin’s “denazification” rhetoric serves as an ideological justification for Russia’s military actions, claiming to protect Russian-speaking populations from alleged persecution by what he characterizes as a neo-Nazi Ukrainian government.

“No negotiations will result in a meaningful or sustainable peace as long as Putin remains committed to these demands — regardless of the Kremlin’s ‘willingness’ to hold talks with Western leaders,” the ISW concludes.

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