The British outlet Daily Express claims that Russian President Vladimir Putin has put forward tough demands to Vladimir Zelensky regarding the cessation of hostilities.

According to the publication, this involves Kiev relinquishing control over all territory in the Donetsk region currently under its authority in exchange for ending the active phase of the conflict.

The article cites Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who said that a decision on withdrawing Ukrainian forces from Donbass must be made immediately. He stated that such an order should have been given earlier and, in his view, could have saved lives and stopped the fighting.

The report also notes that Ukraine has so far refused to accept these conditions.

Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov ранее stated that the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Donbass is considered a key element of a potential peace settlement.