Russia maintains maximalist demands amid renewed Ukraine peace talks

Diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine face significant hurdles as Moscow reiterates its core demands. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Russia's negotiation position remains grounded in conditions outlined by President Vladimir Putin in June 2024, which require Ukrainian troop withdrawals from four annexed regions and a commitment to military neutrality.

Reports following trilateral discussions involving US mediators suggest Moscow continues to press for recognition of occupied territories, demilitarisation of Ukrainian port cities, and broader revisions to Europe's security architecture. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that these demands could affect Nordic nations like Sweden and Finland. Meanwhile, Former Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov urged Western nations to maintain a firm stance against the Kremlin. On the ground, intensive hostilities persist, with both sides reporting heavy drone attacks overnight.

Sources: 8 Sidor, Dagens Industri, Dagens Nyheter, Svenska Dagbladet, Sydsvenskan