Meduza Reveals Russia's 2022 Initial Demands for Ukraine's Surrender

Nov 4, 2024, 03:37 PM

Journalists from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) have obtained the earliest known document detailing Russia's demands for Ukraine following the launch of the full-scale invasion in 2022. The document, revealed for the first time by Meduza, outlines a proposed 'peace agreement' that Russia presented to Ukraine during the third round of talks in Belarus on March 7, 2022, 11 days after the full-scale invasion began. The terms included Ukraine's capitulation, the restoration of water supply to Crimea, the recognition of Donetsk, Luhansk, and Crimea as Russian territories, and a significant reduction of the Ukrainian army. Additionally, the proposal demanded the lifting of all Ukrainian and Western sanctions imposed since 2014. The agreement was essentially aimed at dismantling Ukrainian statehood and independence, offering only a ceasefire and a promise from Russia not to occupy more Ukrainian territory in return.