Vladimir Putin and the Russian government are now demanding that Ukraine destroy all Western-supplied weapons used on the battlefield as a condition for reaching a peace agreement.
This latest demand adds to a growing list of preconditions set by the Kremlin for ending the war.
In the past, Russia has insisted that Ukraine withdraw its troops from the four partially occupied regions, drastically reduce the size of its military, and recognize Crimea as part of Russia. Ukraine would also be required to formally abandon any plans to join NATO.
“All these surpluses must be destroyed. All international algorithms are known. They must be reduced, disposed of, and guaranteed,” said Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko.
Ukraine has called the demands “unacceptable” and accused Moscow of deliberately stalling the peace process.
While both sides recently carried out a prisoner exchange, formal negotiations toward a peace agreement remain deadlocked.