New conditions for a 'European security order'
The Russian side has formulated serious demands aimed at changing the security architecture in Europe. According to data obtained by the publication BILD, these conditions were voiced by Russian representatives during unofficial negotiations on ending the war in Ukraine. Moscow outlined a similar position to European partners during talks held in Abu Dhabi.
Demands regarding territory and military presence
A key element of the Russian plan is the desire to retain control over occupied areas of Ukraine and to obtain the entire Donbas, including those parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions that remain under Kyiv's control. The military aspect of the proposal entails NATO's complete refusal to station its bases in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Moscow also demands that Finland leave the North Atlantic Alliance.
Status of Ukraine and the Black Sea region
Regarding Ukraine, Russia proposes granting it the status of a non-aligned state that renounces joining NATO. At the same time, the country's membership in the European Union is not excluded. The ports of Odesa and Mykolaiv are proposed to be demilitarised so that Ukraine cannot use them as naval bases. In addition, agreements guaranteeing freedom of navigation in the Black and Baltic Seas are proposed.
Plans for Moldova
Moscow's conditions also concern Moldova. Russia proposes transforming the country into a federal republic, which would include Moldova itself, Gagauzia and the unrecognised Transnistria. In the event of Moldova joining the EU, Transnistria and Gagauzia must be given the right to hold referendums on gaining independence.
Counter-proposals
In exchange for the fulfilment of the aforementioned conditions, the Russian side proposes to withdraw nuclear weapons from the territory of Belarus and to renounce the deployment of intermediate-range missiles there. Moscow is also ready to withdraw its troops from Transnistria.
Context of the negotiations
The publication BILD emphasises that the described points are only one of the proposals being discussed within the framework of unofficial negotiation processes. Currently, several groups of mediators are working in parallel, some of which are linked to military circles. These groups are competing with one another, and it is currently unknown whether Vladimir Putin has endorsed this specific version of the plan.
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