Russia Sets New Terms for Ceasefire in Ukraine as Moscow Demands Full Donbas Withdrawal

Russia has stated that a ceasefire in Ukraine will only happen if Ukrainian troops leave the entire Donbas region. The comment came from Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov. He spoke in Moscow during a media interview on Friday. The main keyword ceasefire in Ukraine reflects the core of this story.

The statement matters because it sets Russia’s firm stance as fighting continues in the east. According to Reuters and Kommersant, Moscow insists it will take full control of all areas that remain under Kyiv’s hold. Ukraine still controls several large cities in Donetsk, even as Russia holds all of Luhansk and most of Donetsk.

Russia’s Conditions for a Ceasefire in Ukraine

Ushakov said a ceasefire in Ukraine will not be possible until Ukrainian units leave the whole Donbas. He said this could happen by talks or by force. His words show Moscow’s intent to keep pushing on the ground.

Russia now controls all of Luhansk and about 80 percent of Donetsk. Kyiv still holds cities like Sloviansk and Kramatorsk. These cities are heavily fortified and have seen repeated attacks.

According to Reuters, Ushakov said only the Russian National Guard may enter the areas now under Ukrainian control under a future peace plan. He said the Russian army may not be present. This shows a shift in what Russia claims it would place in these zones.

Russia’s National Guard has about 400,000 troops. It has been active in Ukraine since 2022. Some units are from Chechnya. They have played major roles in several operations. A law passed in 2023 allows the guard to use heavy weapons, including tanks and artillery.

How the New Terms Could Change the Conflict

The demand could reshape the path toward talks. Ukraine has rejected any plan that gives Russia full control of Donbas. Kyiv says Russian forces must withdraw before any talks can begin. The positions remain far apart.

Analysts say the new terms may push both sides deeper into a long war. Moscow wants control of all occupied areas. Kyiv wants the land back. This gap leaves little room for fast progress.

For civilians, the fighting continues to mean danger, loss, and uncertainty. Towns near the front face daily strikes. Aid groups say the needs keep rising as winter sets in.

The future of any ceasefire in Ukraine remains unclear. Both sides hold firm positions. The demand for full withdrawal from Donbas shows how far the conflict still is from any calm.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What are Russia’s new terms for a ceasefire in Ukraine?

Russia says a ceasefire can only happen if Ukrainian troops leave the whole Donbas region. Moscow says this is the only acceptable path. It wants full control of the area.

Q2: Who announced the ceasefire conditions?

Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov announced the terms. He spoke in Moscow during an interview. Reuters and Kommersant reported his statements.

Q3: Which areas of Donbas does Ukraine still hold?

Ukraine controls several large cities in Donetsk. These include Sloviansk and Kramatorsk. They remain major targets.

Q4: What role will the Russian National Guard play?

Russia says the guard may be deployed to areas Ukraine controls now. The army may not be present. The guard has heavy weapons and large forces.

Q5: Why is the ceasefire in Ukraine hard to reach?

Both sides have opposing demands. Russia wants full control of Donbas. Ukraine wants Russia to withdraw from occupied land.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, BBC, Associated Press, Kommersant