On Tuesday, a high-ranking Russian official warned Ukraine that if it waits too long to start peace talks, the conditions for a settlement will become harsher. Sergei Shoigu, who is a key figure in Russia’s Security Council and was formerly the country’s defense minister, stated that Ukraine will face increasingly difficult terms if it delays negotiations.
Moscow has proposed that any peace agreement must involve Ukraine giving up around 20% of its land, which includes areas currently occupied by Russian forces. Additionally, Russia demands that Ukraine renounce any plans to join NATO, the Western military alliance. Ukraine has rejected these terms completely.
Shoigu pointed out that since Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed these peace terms on June 14, Ukraine has lost 420 square kilometers of territory and suffered significant casualties. He suggested that Ukraine’s chance for a favorable deal is diminishing as time passes.
Shoigu criticized Ukraine for hoping that European leaders might arrange a peace summit that would solve their problems without Ukraine making any concessions. He argued that this hope is costing Ukraine dearly in terms of both land and lives.
However, the specific numbers of Ukrainian casualties provided by Shoigu have not been independently verified, as neither side releases detailed figures on losses.
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Since Russia launched its invasion in 2022, it has taken control of about 18% of Ukraine’s land, including Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. Russian forces also control parts of four regions in southeastern Ukraine. Putin claims that these regions have historical and cultural ties to Russia and insists that Ukraine must cede them entirely.
Reports indicate that Putin is willing to consider a ceasefire if it acknowledges the current lines of control. However, he is also prepared to continue fighting if Ukraine and its Western allies do not agree to this proposal.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has stated that Ukraine is open to talks, but only if its sovereignty and territorial integrity are fully respected. This stance aligns with the position of the majority of United Nations member states, which recognize Ukraine’s borders.
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