The Kremlin's three demands to end the war

In Istanbul, delegations from the Kremlin and Kiev exchanged memorandums outlining their respective visions for resolving the conflict.

"It would be a mistake to expect immediate decisions and progress. But work is ongoing. Some important agreements were reached in Istanbul," explained the Russian President’s spokesman, Dmitri Peskov, following the second round of negotiations in Istanbul, Turkey.

The spokesman was referring to a new pact aiming to achieve the largest prisoner exchange since the war began in February 2022.

The Russian memorandum calls for the recognition of Crimea, Donetsk, Zaporiyia, Lugansk, and Kherson as Russian territory. It also demands new elections to be held in Ukraine.

Lastly, the third demand is for Russia to require Kiev to reduce its military until it's no longer considered a threat to the Kremlin.

(MH with AmBar - Source: AFP/X - Photo: © Unsplash)