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Rosenberg: Uncompromising Putin ups demands for peace with Ukraine
Vladimir Putin has renewed demands for a new European security arrangement as part of discussions on ending the war in Ukraine. The article argues that bringing Europe’s wider security into the talks shifts attention towards Moscow’s priorities, while a ceasefire remains unresolved.
The Kremlin is again citing proposals made in 2021 that would have restricted Nato enlargement and reduced its military presence in central and eastern Europe. Putin’s foreign policy aide has suggested Russia may add further demands, while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas says a ceasefire should come before broader security discussions. European participation in the next round of talks has not been confirmed.
In short
- Putin is reviving demands to reshape European security.
- The proposals include limits on Nato enlargement.
- Europe’s role in the next peace talks remains uncertain.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Russia could argue that a durable settlement must address the wider European security concerns it says contributed to the conflict, rather than focus only on a ceasefire that might leave the underlying dispute unresolved. Discussing Nato’s posture and military presence could, in this view, create reciprocal limits and reduce the risk of future confrontation, provided Ukraine and other affected states have a meaningful say.
The case against
Ukraine and its supporters could argue that broad security negotiations while the war continues risk rewarding force and allowing Moscow to expand the terms of discussion before agreeing to stop fighting. A ceasefire first would protect lives and establish a basis for talks, while decisions about Nato and the security of European states should not be made over the heads of those directly affected.