Putin’s demands to Ukraine underscore a position the West has always suspected: no compromise

On June 3, 2025, at 7:50 AM EDT, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s drone attack on Russian air bases did not lead to a Kremlin compromise. Russia’s response, presented in a memorandum issued by Russian envoys in Istanbul, made it clear that there was no chance of a peaceful resolution. The memorandum, published by the Russian state news agency Tass, outlined demands for Ukraine to surrender, disarm its military, and become subservient to Moscow. These demands reiterated Russia’s unwillingness to negotiate and demonstrated its intention to secure Ukraine’s submission. The 12-point plan included provisions for Russia to control Crimea and other territories, further highlighting Russia’s aggressive stance. The memorandum also reinforced Putin’s narrative attributing the conflict to NATO expansion and alleged Nazism in Ukraine. Despite these demands, Ukraine is unlikely to accept such terms, with many viewing the peace talks as a charade. The ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia, coupled with the potential involvement of President Trump, could shape the course of future developments in the conflict.