Russia-Ukraine Peace Proposal: Key Conditions, Prisoner Exchange, and Future Talks

Russia Suggests New Peace Deal to End Ukraine War

Russia has shared a new peace proposal that includes many conditions for a potential ceasefire with Ukraine. This memorandum outlines steps for ending the war, restoring economic ties, and moving towards long-term peace.

Here are the main points of Russia’s proposal and Ukraine’s response:

🔹 1. Ukraine Must Withdraw Troops from Russian-Controlled Territories

Russia is asking for the complete withdrawal of Ukrainian military forces from the regions it now claims as part of its territory:

Donetsk

Luhansk

Zaporizhzhia

Kherson

Crimea

This, according to Russia, is a starting point for any ceasefire agreement.

🔹 2. Recognition of Russian Control Over Disputed Regions

Russia wants Ukraine and the international community to officially recognize these five regions as part of Russia. These include:

Crimea (annexed by Russia in 2014)

Donetsk and Luhansk (claimed since 2022)

Zaporizhzhia and Kherson (partially occupied by Russia)

🔹 3. End to Sanctions and Economic Restrictions

The first part of the Russian memorandum focuses on lifting all current economic sanctions and banning any new sanctions between Russia and Ukraine. Moscow believes that ending these restrictions is essential for rebuilding trust and peace.

🔹 4. Restore Economic Ties, Including Gas Transit

Russia has also suggested that both countries should restart economic cooperation, particularly in the energy sector. Gas transit through Ukraine to Europe is one key area Russia wants to resume.

🔹 5. Limit on Ukraine’s Military and Foreign Weapons

Another demand in the proposal includes:

Reducing the size of Ukraine’s army and weapons stockpile

Banning any military support from Western countries, including arms and intelligence sharing

🔹 6. No Foreign Military Activity in Ukraine

Russia also wants Ukraine to become neutral—meaning:

No joining of any military alliances like NATO

No presence of foreign (third-party) military forces in Ukraine

🔹 7. End to Mobilisation and Start of Demobilisation

According to the Russian plan, Ukraine must:

Stop recruiting new soldiers (mobilisation)

Start demobilising its current troops

This is seen as a step toward building peace and reducing tensions.

🔹 8. National Elections in Ukraine and Signing of Peace Treaty

Russia proposes that free national elections be held in Ukraine, followed by the signing of a peace agreement based on the election results.

Ukraine’s Response: Prisoner Swaps and Return of Children

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has announced some positive developments in humanitarian talks:

🔹 1. Large-Scale Prisoner Exchange

Ukraine and Russia have agreed to exchange 1,000 military prisoners each.

A second phase could involve an additional 200 servicemen from both sides.

Both countries are currently preparing and exchanging lists of prisoners of war (POWs).

🔹 2. Return of Servicemen’s Remains

Ukraine is preparing for the exchange of fallen soldiers’ remains.

Zelenskiy said this will need careful coordination and respect for all involved.

🔹 3. Return of Abducted Children

Ukraine has listed nearly 400 children it wants returned from Russian-controlled areas.

So far, Russia has agreed to work on returning 10 children.

Discussions on more returns are still ongoing.

🔹 4. ‘Spider’s Web’ Drone Operation Boosts Ukraine’s Image

Zelenskiy also mentioned that Ukraine’s “Spider’s Web” drone mission inside Russian territory helped regain trust among its international partners. The successful operation has shown Ukraine’s technological strength and strategic intelligence.

Conclusion

Russia’s new memorandum outlines strict political and military conditions for peace, while Ukraine focuses on humanitarian progress and keeping Western support. Although the two sides are far from a full agreement, recent prisoner swaps and child return discussions are small but hopeful signs of progress.