1. Ceasefire Before Any Territorial Negotiations
President Volodymyr Zelensky has reaffirmed that Ukraine will not concede any territory, including Donbas, before a durable ceasefire is in place and respected. Kyiv warns that a premature “territory swap” would give Russia a strategic base for future offensives. Only after a verified cessation of hostilities would Ukraine consider any territorial discussions.
2. War Damages Compensation
Ukraine demands that Russia pay for the destruction caused by its invasion, estimated between $500 billion and $1 trillion. Kyiv and its allies point to frozen Russian assets in Europe as leverage, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz insisting that Moscow must compensate Ukraine before regaining access to these funds.
3. Binding Security Guarantees
Ukraine insists that NATO and EU membership remain the only sustainable guarantees against future aggression. Kyiv rejects Russian demands to reduce its 900,000-strong army or limit Western arms supplies. Until lasting security arrangements are secured, Ukraine relies on Western military financing and arms purchases, particularly from the United States.
4. Return of Abducted Children and Prisoners
Nearly 20,000 Ukrainian children have been abducted by Russia; so far, 1,453 have been returned with help from Qatar and other mediators. While prisoner exchanges have been more successful — over 2,000 prisoners swapped since US mediation began — thousands remain in captivity, with Russia blocking access to detention sites.
5. Maintaining Sanctions Pressure
Kyiv and its European allies insist on keeping primary and secondary sanctions on Russia until meaningful peace terms are reached. They warn that easing trade restrictions too early would allow Moscow to regroup militarily. They also see threats of new US sanctions as a key tool to push Putin into serious negotiations.
