Russia insists on NATO suspension and army reduction in talks
Russia is demanding that Ukraine suspend all contacts with NATO and reduce the size of its army. According to Bloomberg, discussions between the parties are taking place in Qatar. Moscow insists that Ukraine not use weapons supplied by NATO countries against Russia.
Bloomberg also reports that security issues concerning nuclear facilities in both Ukraine and Russia are being discussed in Qatar. The Ukrainian side is raising issues about the illegally deported children and prisoner exchanges. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has refused to comment on these talks.
Russian demands
Russia is firm on its demand that Ukraine reduce its army size and abandon efforts to join NATO. Moscow also wants Ukraine to cede to Russia the occupied territories, which account for about 8% of the country's area. Konstantin Malofeev, a Russian oligarch, claims that the Ukrainian army should be limited to police functions.
Change in Putin's stance
Bloomberg reports that a year ago, Putin was willing to agree to Ukraine's NATO membership. However, recent successes of Russian troops on the front have led him to impose more demanding conditions. Russia wants Ukraine to adopt a neutral status in its constitution.
