Gerd Nonneman

The Russian Federation is working on "post-war arrangements" while simultaneously issuing ultimatums, reports journalist Pavlyuchenko, citing statements made by Dmitriyev during negotiations with U.S. representatives. Putin is reportedly open to declaring a so-called "energy ceasefire" before the end of the year. However, the Russian side has conditioned this on Ukraine completely halting all attacks on civilian infrastructure, as well as on oil and gas facilities within Russia. The Russian delegation has been instructed to draft a package of documents concerning the "post-war future." The Kremlin intends to incorporate these into a comprehensive treaty that—reportedly—would include "security guarantees" for both sides, as well as a new deterrence system in Europe. According to the Russian side, the plan is to have these documents finalized by the spring of next year. Dmitriyev stated that Putin is prepared to consider a "territorial compromise" that would allow Ukraine to retain control over the unoccupied parts of the Donbas. This, however, is strictly contingent upon the fulfillment of a broader list of demands from the Kremlin. These include: a significant reduction in the size and armament of the Ukrainian armed forces; concessions regarding the language issue; the restoration of the influence of the Russian Orthodox Church; and the complete withdrawal of NATO infrastructure from the Baltic states and Scandinavia. 😂😂😂 Furthermore, Russian representatives signaled that they might consent to the deployment of a "coalition of the willing" force into Ukraine—though only within its western regions, and strictly on the condition that Russia’s security demands are met.