ISW Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, May 17, 2025

ISW Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, May 17, 2025

The Russian delegation in Istanbul reportedly framed its demands for a final peace settlement as preconditions that Ukraine must meet before Russia will agree to a ceasefire. Most of Russia’s demands are contrary to US President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan.

Russia’s continued protraction of negotiations emphasizes its unwillingness to engage in good-faith negotiations for either a ceasefire or a final peace agreement.

Kremlin officials continue to signal that Russia is prepared to continue or even escalate its war against Ukraine should Ukraine and the West not agree to Russia’s demands for Ukraine’s surrender.

Russia continues to deny the current Ukrainian government’s legitimacy and is likely setting conditions to renege on any future Ukrainian–Russian peace agreement.

Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Lyman, and Russian forces recently advanced near Chasiv Yar, Toretsk, Pokrovsk, Novopavlivka, and Kurakhove.

Source: ISW

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