Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly open to negotiating a ceasefire in Ukraine under U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has pledged to end the war. According to Kremlin insiders, Moscow may agree to freeze the conflict along current front lines while retaining control over most of the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions, as well as Crimea. However, key demands include Ukraine abandoning NATO ambitions and agreeing to neutrality. While Trump has expressed confidence in brokering peace, Ukraine insists on reclaiming all its territory, and Moscow remains steadfast in its territorial claims.
Despite speculation about concessions, the Kremlin is clear on certain red lines. Moscow may consider withdrawing from small areas in the Kharkiv and Mykolaiv regions but categorically rejects giving up significant territory. Sources suggest Russia might push Ukraine to limit its military capabilities and protect the Russian language. However, growing tensions, such as Ukraine’s recent use of U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles to strike Russian territory, risk further complicating negotiations and hardening Moscow's stance.
With Russia controlling over 18% of Ukraine and maintaining a firm hold on its land bridge to Crimea, Putin could frame a ceasefire as a strategic victory. However, experts warn that a long-term settlement addressing both nations’ security concerns will be challenging. As both sides show little willingness to compromise, the potential for a Trump-brokered resolution remains uncertain, with the Kremlin cautioning that any truce must align with "realities on the ground."
