Putin revives Lavrov ultimatum tactics in new negotiation gambit

Details emerge about Putin's scheme regarding negotiations, with Moscow reportedly aiming to use the next round of talks to secure concessions on NATO expansion, potentially demanding a reduction of the alliance's military presence in Europe to 1997 levels. The Kremlin has begun stating that Europe must be involved in the negotiation process between the US, Ukraine, and Russia, claiming its participation would be "decisive for reaching an agreement." Sources cited by The Telegraph suggest this mirrors the infamous "Lavrov ultimatum" issued before the full-scale war against Ukraine. Analysts view this as a return to Moscow's 2021-2022 demands, indicating Putin may seek to prolong the war by cycling through unrealistic conditions, including NATO non-expansion for the West and "denazification" and "demilitarization" for Ukraine, while introducing new territorial and political requirements.