European Union officials are considering a series of demands for Russia as a condition for peace talks regarding the war in Ukraine, including a full withdrawal of Russian forces from several neighboring countries.
The proposals, outlined in a document circulated by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallasová, represent a significant escalation in the bloc’s position and respond directly to what diplomats describe as Russia’s own maximalist demands concerning Ukraine. The move highlights the increasing complexity of potential pathways to a negotiated end to the conflict.
According to diplomatic sources who spoke with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the EU is prepared to mirror Russia’s uncompromising stance. “Europe is just reacting to maximalist demands from Russia towards Ukraine,” one diplomat noted, emphasizing that achieving peace cannot solely rely on concessions from Kyiv.
The proposals are expected to be discussed at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on February 23.
The document stipulates that any limitations placed on the size of Ukraine’s armed forces or troop withdrawals from specific areas must be mirrored by Russia. It also explicitly rules out the recognition of occupied territories and calls for their demilitarization.
Beyond Ukraine, the EU is demanding an end to Russian interference in other countries, including a halt to disinformation campaigns, cyberattacks, acts of sabotage, airspace violations and meddling in elections. The proposals specifically call for a Belarus free of nuclear weapons and a ban on the Russian military presence in Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, and Armenia.
The demands reflect the long-standing presence of Russian forces in separatist regions such as Abkhazia and South Ossetia in Georgia, and in Transnistria, Moldova, as well as military bases in Armenia and Belarus.
The EU is also insisting on adherence to international law, including accountability for war crimes, access for international investigators, and the primacy of international obligations over Russian domestic legislation.
Reparations and Compensation for Ukraine
The proposals also address the issue of reparations, calling for Russia to compensate Ukraine and European states and companies for damages caused by the war, including environmental harm. Approximately 210 billion euros (over $225 billion USD) in Russian assets have been frozen by the EU, and the document suggests using the revenue generated from these assets to aid Ukraine’s recovery.
Domestically, Russia would be required to hold free and fair elections under international supervision, release political prisoners, and return deported civilians and abducted Ukrainian children.
The EU’s stance, according to the unnamed European diplomat, is a direct response to Russia’s own uncompromising demands. Moscow continues to insist on controlling the entirety of the Donbas region in Ukraine, and has resisted calls to reduce its military presence or provide compensation for war damages.
Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly seeking to facilitate a peace agreement between Kyiv and Moscow, with a goal of reaching a resolution by June. The push for a deal comes as Trump faces key elections in November that will serve as a referendum on his performance.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that his country is facing greater pressure to make territorial concessions than Russia is.
