Russia May Withdraw from Peace Talks if Ukraine Doesn't Withdraw Troops from Parts of Donetsk and Luhansk Regions

Sources close to the Kremlin have informed Bloomberg that Russia may withdraw from peace talks scheduled for early March 2026 if Ukraine does not agree to a precondition involving the withdrawal of its troops from parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions under its control. The Russian side insists on a preliminary peace agreement that stipulates the transfer of the entire territory of these regions to Russian control. This demand, according to the sources, could become a decisive factor determining the future course of the war. The news indicates a hardening of Russia's position ahead of the negotiations and creates significant uncertainty regarding their conduct and potential outcomes.