Moscow has presented the United States with a list of demands aimed at reaching a deal to end the ongoing war in Ukraine and reset U.S.-Russia relations, according to sources familiar with the matter. While the exact details of Russia's proposals remain unclear, they reportedly align with previous demands made to Ukraine, the U.S., and NATO.

Discussions on these terms have taken place over the past three weeks through both in-person and virtual meetings. Russia's key conditions have historically included a ban on Ukraine joining NATO, restrictions on foreign military deployments in Ukraine, and international recognition of Crimea and four other occupied provinces as Russian territory. Additionally, Moscow has continued to push for limits on NATO’s eastward expansion, a longstanding point of contention in U.S.-Russia relations.

The proposal comes as former U.S. President Donald Trump awaits a response from Russian President Vladimir Putin on whether he will agree to a 30-day ceasefire, a move that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has said he would accept as a preliminary step toward broader peace talks. However, doubts remain over Putin’s commitment to a truce, with U.S. officials expressing concerns that Russia could use the ceasefire as a strategic opportunity to further divide Western allies and Ukraine.

The Kremlin’s demands echo those raised in previous diplomatic efforts, including negotiations with the Biden administration before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. At that time, Russia called for limitations on U.S. and NATO military operations from Eastern Europe to Central Asia, demands that were partially discussed but ultimately did not prevent the invasion.

In recent weeks, some officials have revisited a draft agreement from Istanbul in 2022, which was considered a possible foundation for peace talks. While some view this framework as a viable starting point, others in the Trump administration argue that an entirely new agreement is necessary.

Meanwhile, the war on the ground has intensified. Russian President Vladimir Putin made a surprise visit to the Kursk region, where he urged his forces to press their offensive and fully reclaim the area from Ukrainian control. Russian forces have reportedly pushed Ukrainian troops out of 86% of the territory they had gained in Kursk last year, including the key town of Sudzha.

Putin also signaled the possibility of establishing a security buffer zone in Ukraine’s Sumy region to prevent further incursions. Additionally, he stated that foreign fighters captured while fighting alongside Ukrainian forces in Kursk would not be entitled to protection under the Geneva Conventions.

Despite setbacks, Ukraine has continued its resistance, conducting strikes on Sudzha and insisting that its troops will operate in the Kursk region as long as necessary. However, reports suggest that Ukrainian forces are preparing to withdraw from the area by the end of the week.

As diplomatic negotiations continue, the outcome remains uncertain, with both sides maintaining firm positions on key issues.