Putin Demands NATO Halt Expansion, Sanctions Relief in Exchange for Peace in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has set out strict conditions for ending the ongoing war in Ukraine, according to three senior Russian sources close to the Kremlin. These conditions include a formal written pledge from Western powers to halt NATO’s expansion towards the east and the lifting of a substantial portion of the sanctions imposed on Russia.

Putin’s renewed interest in a peace deal comes amidst intensified conflict in eastern Ukraine and growing international concern. U.S. President Donald Trump, who spoke to Putin for over two hours last week, has expressed frustration with Russia’s reluctance to engage in ceasefire negotiations. Trump warned that Putin is “playing with fire” and has suggested further sanctions if Moscow stalls peace efforts.

According to the sources, Putin has agreed to work on a memorandum with Ukraine outlining the framework for a potential peace deal, including the timeline for a ceasefire. However, Kyiv and European officials accuse Moscow of dragging its feet while making military gains.

Russia’s list of demands includes:

• A halt to NATO’s eastward expansion

• Ukraine’s neutral status

• Partial lifting of sanctions

• Return of frozen Russian assets

• Protection for Russian-speaking populations in Ukraine

Putin reportedly believes that unless a peace deal is reached on his terms, continued military operations could force more painful concessions from Ukraine and the West in the future.

While Western leaders uphold NATO’s “open door” policy, Kyiv remains firm in its ambition to join the alliance. Putin, meanwhile, insists that the West misled Moscow during the post-Cold War period about NATO’s intentions—a claim Western officials deny.

With Russia now controlling nearly 20% of Ukraine, and war costs mounting on both sides, the coming weeks could be crucial in determining whether diplomacy or military escalation will shape the outcome.