Russia respects US interests, expects reciprocal recognition: Putin
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In unaired footage from a recent documentary, President Vladimir Putin discusses Russia’s objectives in Ukraine, highlighting the pursuit of lasting peace and protection of Russian-speaking communities.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin listens to Promsvyazbank CEO Pyotr Fradkov during their meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on Thursday, May 15, 2025. (Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)
Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow respects the national interests of the United States and expects a reciprocal approach from Washington. Speaking in footage filmed for the documentary “Russia. The Kremlin. Putin. 25 Years”, but not included in the final cut, Putin emphasized the importance of mutual recognition between the two powers.
"The Americans, the American people, and the American leadership, including the president, have their own national interests. And we treat it with respect, assuming that we will be treated in the same way," he stated in the video, which was released on Sunday.
Putin's comments were in response to a question about whether Russia and the US share any common ground.
Putin says lasting peac central goal in Ukraine
In the same unreleased footage from the documentary, Putin also outlined Russia’s long-term objectives in its ongoing military campaign in Ukraine, stressing that a sustainable peace is at the heart of Moscow’s strategy.
"This is the elimination of causes that led to this crisis, establishing the foundations for a long-term, sustainable peace, and safeguarding the security of the Russian state," Putin explained.
He added that Russia’s goals also include protecting the interests of people who consider Russia their homeland and who speak Russian as their native language.
The documentary, which aired earlier in May, marks Putin’s 25 years in power, offering insight into his perspective on both domestic and foreign policy challenges.
Russia outlines ceasefire conditions in Istanbul talks with Ukraine
The Russian Ministry of Defense revealed on Saturday the conditions presented by Moscow during the Istanbul negotiations with Kiev, as shared by the Clash Report platform on social media.
The outlined terms reflect Russia’s position on a potential settlement in Ukraine, with an immediate ceasefire as the primary demand.
Russia's ceasefire conditions
Neutrality modeled on Austria
The first condition proposed by Moscow is that Ukraine adopt a neutral status, similar to Austria’s model. This would prohibit the presence of foreign troops or non-Ukrainian military bases on Ukrainian territory, effectively excluding NATO or other military alliances from operating within the country.
No foreign troops or bases in Ukraine
Moscow emphasized that neutrality must be comprehensive, with Kiev legally committing to reject the stationing of foreign forces and equipment.
Territorial demands and border recognition
Among the key demands, Russia requires Ukraine to formally recognize its constitutional claims over five regions: Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and the Crimean Peninsula.
The Russian Defense Ministry stressed that the immediate ceasefire is contingent upon the complete withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from all five regions claimed by Russia.
Renunciation of war compensation claims
Moscow is also seeking a mutual legal renunciation of any compensation claims related to war losses, including economic damage and human casualties.
Protection of Russian-speaking citizens
Russia demands that Ukraine commit to European standards on minority rights, specifically to safeguard the rights of Russian-speaking citizens. In addition, Moscow calls for an end to what it terms “nationalist propaganda” within Ukrainian society.
Read more: Trump, Putin may soon finalize Ukraine peace agreement
