**Ukraine Warned of Further Military Advances if It Doesn’t Accept Russia’s Terms**
In a stark warning, Russia’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, Andrei Kelin, has told Ukraine that it must accept Moscow’s terms for ending the war or face further military advances and eventual “surrender.” This ultimatum was made in an interview with CNN on June 18.
Kelin’s comments come as Russia continues to reject a US-backed truce proposal supported by Kyiv. Instead, Moscow has intensified ground operations and aerial strikes against Ukrainian cities. The ambassador claimed that Russia is now on the offensive and that Ukraine is in retreat, citing the capture of around 600 square kilometers (230 square miles) of territory in May.
However, open-source intelligence group DeepState has reported that Russian forces occupied approximately 449 square kilometers (173 square miles) in May, which is still below Kelin’s claim. This discrepancy highlights the complexities and challenges of monitoring the conflict on the ground.
**Russia’s Demands**
Kelin outlined Moscow’s demands for a permanent ceasefire, which include recognition of Russia’s annexation of Crimea and four eastern Ukrainian regions – Kherson, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Luhansk. Ukraine would also be required to withdraw its military from these areas completely. The ambassador maintained that talks between the two sides are “stage by stage,” citing agreements on prisoner exchanges and humanitarian issues.
The Kremlin has long insisted on Ukraine’s neutrality and prohibition of NATO membership, which Kelin referred to as a “very threatening” alliance. He also reiterated claims for the “reestablishment of normal human rights” for ethnic minorities in Ukraine, including Russians, Hungarians, and Poles – a demand that Western officials have repeatedly dismissed as a false pretext for invasion.
**Capacity for Military Campaign**
When asked about Russia’s ability to sustain its military campaign, Kelin claimed that Moscow is spending only 5-7% of its budget on the war. He also stated that Russia is recruiting up to 60,000 volunteer soldiers monthly – figures that Western analysts have not independently verified. However, experts note that Russia’s spending on war and law enforcement agencies already exceeds expenditures on education, healthcare, social policy, and the national economy combined.
The ambassador’s remarks come amid reported preparations for a third round of negotiations with Ukraine after June 22, though no date has been officially confirmed. This development raises questions about the prospects for peace talks and the potential consequences of Russia’s ultimatum.
**What It Means**
Kelin’s comments highlight the stark reality that Ukraine faces significant pressure from Russia to accept Moscow’s terms or face further military advances. The ambassador’s ultimatum is a clear message that Russia will not stop until its demands are met, which has serious implications for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
As Western officials continue to engage with Russia on peace talks, it remains unclear whether Kyiv will be able to navigate these complex negotiations without compromising its values and interests. The international community must carefully consider the implications of Russia’s demands and be prepared to respond to any consequences that may arise from this situation.
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