Russia Seeks NATO Ban for Ukraine in Proposed Peace Deal

Moscow demands Ukraine's neutrality and exclusion from NATO as part of conditions for a potential ceasefire agreement.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko stated that Ukraine must remain neutral and be excluded from NATO membership for a peace agreement to be reached.
The proposed deal also includes a 30-day ceasefire, which has been accepted by Ukraine and U.S. negotiators but awaits further discussions with Russia.
Moscow opposes any deployment of NATO or European troops in Ukraine, even under the guise of peacekeeping missions, citing potential conflict escalation.
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are expected to hold talks this week as part of ongoing U.S.-led efforts to mediate a ceasefire and broader peace agreement.
European leaders, including those from the UK, France, and Australia, have expressed willingness to send peacekeeping forces, but Russia insists on barring foreign military contingents from Ukraine.