The Kremlin stated Thursday that there is no realistic chance of a quick resumption of quiet negotiations on Ukraine, and demanded that five Ukrainian cities officially pass to Russian sovereignty along with additional political and security guarantees, according to a statement published on Telegram.
The Kremlin's latest statement, published Thursday afternoon, sets hard preconditions for any future diplomatic resolution of the war in Ukraine. The statement explicitly demands that five Ukrainian cities come under Russian sovereignty – a condition that goes beyond the current occupied territories – and requires additional political and security commitments from Kyiv. The Kremlin also said that regardless of who leads Ukraine's Defense Ministry, the priority is that Kyiv has decision-makers capable of reaching a settlement.
The Zioneer has previously reported on the Kremlin's shifting rhetoric. On July 11, the Kremlin spokesperson described the conflict as a 'full-scale war' rather than a 'special military operation,' acknowledging the escalation. On July 7, the Kremlin said it maintains working relations with the U.S. administration and hopes for peace.
The current demand for five cities has not been specified in detail. It remains unclear which cities are referenced, and whether this represents a new maximalist position or a reiteration of previously stated war aims.
- DevelopingKremlin spokesperson declares Russia-Ukraine war is now 'full-scale,' not an operation
- DevelopingKremlin: Russia maintains ties with US, hopes for peace in Ukraine, claims capture of Kostiantynivka
- DevelopingPutin says Russia ready for peace talks with Ukraine based on Istanbul agreements
- DevelopingRussia claims forces capture five settlements in eastern Ukraine
Source and signal
A single-sourced dispatch is never rated Confirmed or Strong. Its Signal strengthens only when a second, independent source corroborates it.
- Internal intake