**Russia’s Demands at Ukrainian Peace Talks Spark Concern**
The diplomatic efforts in Istanbul between Ukraine and Russia have come to a close, according to sources. The talks lasted for less than two hours, raising concerns about the seriousness of Moscow’s intentions.
A Ukrainian source has revealed that Russia is making “unrealistic” demands, which go beyond any previous discussions. These demands include forcing Ukrainian troops to withdraw from their own territory as a condition for a ceasefire. This move has sparked alarm in Ukraine, given the ongoing conflict between the two nations.
Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, has repeatedly called for Ukraine to retreat from four Ukrainian oblasts – Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson – which he claims Russia annexed in 2022. This move was widely condemned as illegal by the international community.
**The Annexation Conundrum**
Russia’s annexation of these territories was based on sham referenda held in late 2022. The Kremlin incorporated them into its constitution, but this has no legitimacy globally. As a result, Ukraine views Russia’s demands as highly problematic and unrealistic.
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