Russia has set a tough condition during negotiations with the United States: the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) must completely withdraw their troops from the territories of the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics (DPR and LPR), as well as the Zaporizhia and Kherson regions. This was reported by the Haqqin publication, citing sources close to the Russian delegation. The statement was made as part of the second round of consultations that began in Riyadh on March 24, 2025, where representatives of the two countries are trying to find ways to de-escalate the conflict in Ukraine. The condition for the withdrawal of troops has become Moscow's key demand, emphasizing its uncompromising position on the fate of the regions included in the Russian Federation in 2022. 

It is noted that one of the Russian officials involved in the process has disclosed possible scenarios for further actions. According to him, Moscow expects that the administration of US President Donald Trump, who took office in January 2025, will be able to put pressure on Kyiv and achieve the fulfillment of this requirement.

"Either Trump will convince them to leave, or we will be given a signal: enter into long negotiations and in parallel use force to consolidate control," - noted the source.

He stressed that the second option is extremely undesirable for Russia, since crossing rivers such as the Dnieper remains a complex and costly operation. The official added that Moscow is trying to avoid such an outcome, but is prepared for it if diplomacy fails.