Sun Mar 16 22:44:18 UTC 2025: ## Russia Demands Ukraine Neutrality and NATO Exclusion in Peace Deal

**Moscow, March 17, 2025** – Russia has issued a stark demand for Ukraine’s neutrality and exclusion from NATO membership as a precondition for any peace agreement, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko. In remarks published Monday, Mr. Grushko stated that Russia will seek “ironclad security guarantees” ensuring Ukraine remains neutral and that NATO countries explicitly refuse to admit it into the alliance. This latest statement reinforces Russia’s previously stated demands for a negotiated settlement to the ongoing conflict.

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