Russia has delivered a clear ultimatum to Ukraine. The Kremlin has told Kyiv to either accept President Vladimir Putin’s current peace terms or be ready to surrender later under worse conditions.

This warning comes as Russia intensifies its military offensive. Meanwhile, much of the global focus remains on the conflict between Israel and Iran.

Ukraine Strikes Back but Russia Gains Ground

In recent weeks, Ukraine has launched several high-impact attacks inside Russia. On June 1, a Ukrainian drone strike reportedly damaged about one-third of Russia’s long-range bombers and surveillance aircraft. Yet, despite these attacks, Russian forces have continued to advance on the ground.

According to Andrei Kelin, Russia’s Ambassador to the UK, Ukraine is now losing ground rapidly. Speaking to CNN, Kelin said, “We are now on the offensive and Ukraine is in retreat. In May alone, we took about 600 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory and we continue to gain more ground.”

He further warned, “For Ukraine, there is a choice: either they will take our conditions right now — a permanent ceasefire and a comprehensive settlement of the situation — or we will continue this drive and Ukraine will have to surrender under much worse conditions.”

Putin’s Demands Aim to Weaken Ukraine Permanently

In earlier direct talks held in Turkey, Russia shared Putin’s wide-ranging demands with Ukraine. However, these terms appear less like peace proposals and more like conditions for Ukraine’s defeat.

Putin’s demands include Ukraine giving up claims to all areas currently held by Russian forces. But he also wants territory that Ukraine controls today. Moreover, he seeks international recognition of regions Russia has held since 2014 — including Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk.

Russia has also demanded military restrictions on Ukraine. These restrictions would limit the size and strength of its post-war army, similar to what Germany faced after World War I under the Treaty of Versailles.

Additionally, Putin wants to redraw Ukraine’s borders. He has proposed creating a “buffer zone” along the new border inside Ukrainian territory, though he has not defined how wide that zone should be.

Kremlin Seeks Cultural and Political Control

Putin’s demands also extend to Ukraine’s culture and internal politics. He wants Russian to be reinstated as an official business language. He also calls for the return of the Russian-aligned Ukrainian Orthodox Church and a ban on Ukrainian nationalist groups.

Experts say these moves would erase key parts of Ukraine’s identity. For many Ukrainians, the terms are unacceptable and resemble a full surrender rather than a path to peace.