Kremlin Conditions Ukraine Peace Talks on Troop Withdrawal from Donbass

Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov stated that peace negotiations between Moscow and Kiev will remain stalled until Ukrainian military forces withdraw from the Donbass region. Speaking to journalist Pavel Zarubin, Ushakov emphasized that further diplomatic rounds are futile without this specific concession, asserting that Ukrainian leadership is aware of this necessity. The article notes that talks, mediated by the United States since President Donald Trump's return to office in early 2025, have slowed following a February meeting in Geneva. Despite US attention shifting toward the Middle East, Ushakov confirmed ongoing communication with Washington and hinted at imminent visits by Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The report contextualizes this demand within the broader conflict, noting that Russia considers Donbass, Kherson, and Zaporozhye as incorporated territories, while Ukraine refuses to cede land or recognize these annexations. Ushakov claimed that military action would cease upon Ukrainian withdrawal, framing it as a critical step for settlement. The piece highlights the entrenched positions of both sides, with Russia controlling most of Donetsk and all of Lugansk, according to recent Russian military reports.