Moscow, 21 March 2022 (TDI): President of Russia, Vladimir Putin has clearly informed about Russia’s detailed demands for restoration with its neighboring Ukraine. The demands were outlined by Vladimir Putin during a phone call with the Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
- First and foremost, Russia wants Ukraine to declare itself as a neutral country.
- It should not endeavor to join Nato. It is pertinent to note that the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky has already agreed to that.
- Ukraine must go through a disarmament procedure to guarantee that it will not pose a risk to Russia’s national interest and security.
- There must be protection for the Russian language in Ukraine.
- Further, President Putin underscored the “de-Nazification” of Ukraine as a significant feature for the restoration of peace.
- Aside from the abovementioned demands, a face-to-face discussion between Zelensky and Putin would be required before the agreement could be reached on the subject matter.
President Zelensky has stated that he is ready to meet the Russian President to negotiate one-on-one. Turkey is willing to contribute to a peaceful resolution of the issue.
President Erdogan stated that an immediate ceasefire will ease humanitarian concerns in the region along with an effort for a peace agreement.
Background of the Ukraine-Russia War
Russian Federation launched a military operation in Ukraine on 24th February after consulting its Security Council. Earlier, Russia also recognized the Republics of the Luhansk and Donetsk, much to the West’s chagrin.
The Donetsk and Luhansk are a part of the Donbas region that is pro-Russia territory. One of the main issues of contention between Russia and the EU/US is NATO’s beefed-up defenses in northeastern Europe and Ukraine’s intent to join NATO.
According to Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s stance regarding Ukraine is a matter of principle. Throughout 2021 and 2022, Russia and the West had been engaged in a diplomatic tussle related to Ukraine.
Consequently, despite the United States and EU sending strong messages to warn Russia, the threat of economic isolation couldn’t deter Russia to compromise on what it considers its national interest.
