Russia demands Ukraine’s refusal to join EU, NATO and Russian as state language to end war

This was stated by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, according to Russian media.  

"We are convinced that a settlement is possible only if the Ukrainian Armed Forces cease hostilities and the supply of Western weapons. To achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace, Ukraine must return to a neutral, non-aligned status and refuse to join NATO and the EU. The new territorial realities that have emerged as a result of the realisation of the "right of peoples to self-determination" must be recognized," Galuzin said. 

He also called the protection of the rights of Russian-speaking citizens and national minorities an important element of the settlement. 

"The state status of the Russian language should be enshrined at the legislative level. It is necessary to ensure that fundamental human rights, in particular the right to freedom of religion, are respected in Ukraine," Galuzin said. 

• On May 17, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov admitted that Moscow is receiving signals from the West to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine. 

• On May 23, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said that Ukraine is not capable of defeating Russia, and that an agreement between Moscow and Washington is needed to stop the war. 

• On May 24, Russian dictator's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said it is premature to talk about a peaceful settlement in Ukraine, and that Russia will continue the war until it achieves its goal. 

• On May 27, the Institute for the Study of War notes that the Russians are feigning interest in peace talks ahead of the Ukrainian army's counteroffensive to prevent Western assistance to Ukraine.