Kremlin Links Ukraine Ceasefire to Kyiv’s Withdrawal from Donbas

Post by : Saif Nasser

Russia has once again set strict terms for ending the fighting in Ukraine. On Friday, Kremlin foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov said a ceasefire can only happen if Ukrainian forces fully withdraw from the entire Donbas region. His comments were published by the Russian newspaper Kommersant and quickly drew global attention.

This statement suggests that Russia is not ready for a compromise. Instead, it is demanding full control over Donetsk and Luhansk, the two regions that make up Donbas. Moscow already controls all of Luhansk and about 80% of Donetsk, but several major cities—like Sloviansk and Kramatorsk—remain under Ukrainian control and are heavily defended.

Ushakov stated clearly: “A ceasefire can only come about after the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops.” He said that if Ukraine does not agree to this through talks, Russia will use force to take the territory.

A New Idea for Control in Donbas

According to Kommersant, Ushakov also discussed what a peace plan might look like. He suggested that the Russian army may not need to stay in the Ukrainian-controlled parts of Donbas after a deal. Instead, the Russian National Guard—known as Rosgvardiya—could take charge.

He explained that, under such a plan, there might be no Russian or Ukrainian army troops in those areas. However, Russian police and the national guard would be present to “maintain order” and manage daily life.

The idea signals that Russia wants long-term control in the region but may be open to limiting its military presence. Still, any form of Russian policing force in Ukrainian territory would be unacceptable to Kyiv.

Who Are the Russian National Guard?

Rosgvardiya is a powerful internal security force with around 400,000 members. It was involved in Ukraine from the very start of the war in 2022. Some of its units come from Chechnya, a region known for strong and loyal fighters who have played a major role in Russia’s military campaign.

In 2023, Russia passed a law allowing the national guard to use heavy weapons such as tanks and artillery. This shows that Rosgvardiya has gained more responsibilities and greater combat strength.

What This Means for Peace Talks

Ushakov’s comments make it clear that Russia wants complete control over Donbas before agreeing to stop fighting. For Ukraine, leaving these areas is not an option. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly said Ukraine will not give up its territory.

This means the space for peace talks remains very narrow. Both sides are locked into positions that they see as essential for their national future. Russia wants recognized control of Donbas. Ukraine wants to protect its people and keep its land.

The international community continues to hope for dialogue, but Friday’s remarks show that Moscow is not softening its stance.

A Conflict with No Easy End

As winter deepens, the war continues to take lives and disrupt daily life for millions. Cities in Donbas remain at the center of the conflict. The possibility of Rosgvardiya replacing the Russian army in some areas raises new questions about how Russia imagines its long-term presence in Ukraine.

For now, a ceasefire appears distant. Both countries remain firm, and the battlefield continues to shape the future of the region.