Russian sources reveal alleged conditions to end Ukraine war as spokesperson proposes date for ‘peace talks’

Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly open to ending the war in Ukraine, but only if certain conditions are met. According to three Russian sources familiar with the negotiations, Putin is willing to consider peace but won’t agree to just any deal.

Talks are ongoing between U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and President Putin. Trump has been trying to push both sides toward a ceasefire, but the discussions haven’t always gone smoothly. At one point, Trump allegedly shouted at Zelenskyy, accusing him of taking dangerous risks that could lead to a global war. He also called Putin “crazy” in another heated exchange.

Despite the tension, Ukraine has shown it’s willing to work toward peace. The country recently agreed to a prisoner swap with Russia, exchanging 1,000 prisoners of war in a move that many saw as a hopeful sign. But just when things looked promising, Russia launched a deadly overnight missile attack on May 24, killing at least 16 people, including children, according to Al Jazeera.

Now, Russia appears to be signaling a renewed interest in peace talks—but with conditions. Sources told Reuters that Putin’s demands include a formal agreement from Western nations to stop expanding NATO eastward. This would mean that countries like Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova would be blocked from joining the alliance.

In addition to halting NATO expansion, Russia also wants some of the international sanctions against it to be lifted. Another reported demand is for the protection of Russian-speaking communities within Ukraine.

One high-ranking Russian insider summed it up by saying, “Putin is ready to make peace, but not at any price.”

As part of the next steps, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has proposed that Ukraine and Russia meet for another round of direct peace talks. He suggested the talks take place in Istanbul on June 2. Lavrov urged all parties who genuinely support peace to back this proposal, saying Russia is prepared to have serious and detailed discussions on each part of the potential agreement.

This proposal comes shortly after Trump and Putin held a conversation where they agreed to begin drafting a memorandum that would outline the key terms of a ceasefire agreement. Whether or not these talks succeed, however, remains to be seen.