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Russia has stated that any negotiations with Ukraine must adhere strictly to the conditions outlined during the Istanbul talks, refusing compromises despite battlefield setbacks and Ukraine’s territorial gains.
ISW reported on this development:
“Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matvienko said on December 24 that Russia is open to compromises in negotiations with Ukraine. However, she emphasized that the terms presented during the Istanbul talks in March 2022 remain unchanged,” the report states.
Matvienko reiterated that Russia will not deviate “one iota” from its demands. In Istanbul, Russia called for Ukraine to adopt neutrality, ruling out NATO membership, and demanded a cap on the Ukrainian Armed Forces at 85,000 troops—a limitation similar to restrictions imposed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles after World War I.
“Russia’s demands in Istanbul were detailed extensions of the ultimatums Putin issued months before the full-scale invasion, including Ukraine’s ‘demilitarization’ and neutrality,” Matvienko said.
She reiterated Putin’s conditions during the “Direct Line” annual televised conference on December 19. Analysts suggest that similar statements from senior Russian officials are likely in the coming weeks to influence both domestic and foreign audiences.
According to ISW, this renewed rhetoric highlights Putin’s confidence in victory over Ukraine. “This remains unchanged despite the significant defeats suffered by the Russian army since then,” the report notes.
Read also: On Christmas morning, Russian forces launched over 70 missiles and more than 100 drones at Ukraine
