According to the German newspaper Bild, Russia wants to force Finland to leave NATO. Moscow also wants to eliminate NATO military bases in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. In addition, Russia wants to turn Moldova into a federation.
Bild reports that these proposals come from close associates of Russian President Vladimir Putin. They were presented during peace talks on Ukraine in Abu Dhabi. Russian officials claim that Western countries once promised not to expand NATO.
Recent statements reveal that one of Russia's main demands is Ukraine's renunciation of NATO membership. Moscow also wants to gain control of the entire Donbas and demilitarize the ports of Odesa and Mykolaiv. However, Ukraine could still join the European Union.
Russia wants to turn Moldova into a federation. This would include Gagauzia and Transnistria. These regions could hold independence referendums if Moldova joins the EU. Russian troops have long been in control of these areas.
Additionally, Russia wants Finland to leave NATO and demands the elimination of NATO military bases in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The media channel Nexta also reported on this.
In return, Russia promises to remove nuclear weapons from Belarus and withdraw Russian troops from Transnistria. Bild emphasized that this is one of several proposals being discussed informally.
As part of the Ukraine peace process, Russia has demanded discussions about European security arrangements. European countries have so far rejected this. The same positions are supported by U.S. President's special envoy Jared Kushner. Europe is now discussing who should represent it and with what positions.
Russia made similar demands at the end of 2021. This happened just months before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.