Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated in a meeting with U.S. President's special envoy Steve Witkoff that halting arms supplies to Ukraine is a key condition for stopping military actions. This was reported by Bloomberg, citing European and Russian sources. Putin's demand is only relevant during the ceasefire period.
According to sources, Moscow demands a complete halt to arms supplies to Ukraine, but the "minimal goal" of this is to negotiate the cessation of U.S. military aid. The Russian leadership aims to change the situation on the battlefield by cutting off military assistance to Ukraine.
However, a European source emphasized that European countries "are unwilling to agree to halt arms supplies to Ukraine during the ceasefire period," as such a step could enable Russia to rearm its military forces. According to the European perspective, this situation could pose a threat to global security and create even greater threats to Ukraine in the future.
Russia's clear position
According to Putin's position, temporarily halting arms supplies to Ukraine is necessary to achieve peace on the battlefield. This demand from Russia includes limiting Ukraine's military capabilities and stopping the military assistance being provided to it. If a peace agreement is reached, it is expected that assistance to Ukraine will be restored.
Europe's position
European countries oppose Russia's demands, as it seeks not only to halt arms supplies but also to reduce Ukraine's ability to resist aggressors. According to the European perspective, if assistance to Ukraine continues, the primary goal of the ceasefire should not be to diminish Russia's military power but to restore stability in the near future regarding the war.
An uncomfortable situation
Putin's demands reflect Russia's objectives it seeks to achieve. At the same time, the distinct positions of Europe and the U.S. may complicate Russia's strategy and lead to intense competition on the battlefield. Furthermore, a future peace agreement could assist both sides in obtaining aid and making decisions focused on the legal situation.
