As the Russian-Ukrainian conflict continues to escalate, Russia has reportedly opened a new 100-kilometer frontline, increasing pressure on Kyiv to accept a so-called ceasefire. The proposed ceasefire, according to reports, would effectively end the war under Russian terms—terms dictated from Moscow but played out on Ukrainian territory.
According to General Ilyin Siski, Chief of Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, military operations remain intense across the frontlines. Russia, he said, is actively attempting to seize more Ukrainian-held positions and has declared a "24-hour war" in several areas.
On May 15, Russian forces reportedly captured two additional positions in eastern Ukraine. However, Ukrainian officials dispute this, asserting that no territory has fallen into the hands of pro-Russian forces. Despite this, Russia continues to intensify its offensive, reportedly expanding the active combat zone to 1,100 kilometers along the Chomuk front, where fierce fighting remains ongoing.
At the same time, reports indicate that negotiations between Russia and Ukraine have resumed on Turkish soil. Observers suggest that Russia is escalating its military aggression in order to force Ukraine to accept its demands during these talks.
The terms being floated by Russian negotiators are severe. They reportedly demand that Ukraine surrender, halt all attempts to reclaim lost territory, and acknowledge the positions currently held by Russian and pro-Russian forces as non-negotiable.
Further conditions allegedly include Ukraine relinquishing any claims to territories annexed or controlled by Russia and ceasing to recognize the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic’s former boundaries. Russia is also said to be calling for the removal of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the establishment of a new government that would commit to friendly relations with Moscow.
Meanwhile, the international community remains divided on how to respond. There is speculation that part of the negotiation agenda may include Russia demanding the reduction or removal of Western-imposed sanctions, though no official statements have confirmed this.