Russia has outlined its conditions for a peace agreement with Ukraine, including recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea and the four annexed Ukrainian regions: Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. This was announced by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in an interview on April 28, 2025.
Lavrov stated that any agreement must legally guarantee Kyiv's commitments, with international mechanisms for compliance. He reiterated demands for the "denazification" and "demilitarization" of Ukraine, which involve changes to Ukrainian leadership and a reduction in its armed forces. Russia seeks guarantees against threats from NATO, the EU, or any state bordering its west.
Additionally, Russia demands the lifting of sanctions and the return of seized Russian assets in Europe and the United States. Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov indicated that Russia would continue its "Special Military Operation" until a final agreement is reached. These conditions echo initial demands made at the start of the full-scale invasion. Ukraine has rejected ceding territory and demands for reducing its armed forces.