The Kremlin wants to demilitarize Mykolaiv and Odesa: BILD reveals Russia’s demands in peace talks

This was reported on November 13, 2026, by the German publication BILD. According to its journalists, the Russian version of a so-called new European security order is being discussed in unofficial negotiating circles. Its provisions were also presented to European representatives during talks in Abu Dhabi.

What Russia is demanding regarding Mykolaiv and Odesa

Particular attention has been drawn to a clause concerning two strategically important Ukrainian cities on the Black Sea — Mykolaiv and Odesa.

According to the published provisions, Russia is proposing to demilitarize the ports in both cities. This would mean prohibiting Ukraine from using them as naval bases.

However, the published summary of the proposal refers specifically to demilitarizing the ports and banning the deployment of naval bases, not to a confirmed demand to withdraw all Ukrainian troops from the territories of Mykolaiv and Odesa.

Separately, the Russian proposal provides for agreements to ensure freedom of navigation in the Black and Baltic Seas.

For Mykolaiv, which has shipbuilding infrastructure and seaports and is historically associated with the development of the Ukrainian fleet, such a demand directly affects Ukraine’s ability to use its own port infrastructure for defense.

At the same time, the report does not disclose details of the proposed restrictions, mechanisms for monitoring compliance, or possible consequences for the civilian operation of the ports.

All of Donbas for Russia, Ukraine outside NATO

The territorial component of Russia’s proposal provides for Moscow to retain control over all Ukrainian territories it has already occupied.

In addition, the Kremlin is demanding that all of Donbas be handed over to it, including areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions that remain under Ukrainian control. These include, in particular, territories containing the cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.

In terms of foreign policy and defense, Ukraine is being offered non-aligned status, which would entail giving up its bid to join NATO.

At the same time, the possibility of Ukraine joining the European Union in the future is not ruled out in this version.

Thus, the Russian proposals address Ukrainian territory, the country’s right to choose its military alliances independently, and the use of its maritime infrastructure.

Russia wants Finland out of NATO and Baltic countries without Alliance bases

Russia’s demands go far beyond Ukraine.

Moscow is proposing that Finland leave NATO. The country became a member of the Alliance in April 2023, following the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Another clause concerns Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Russia wants NATO to agree not to deploy military bases in the territories of these three countries.

Thus, the Kremlin is attempting to extend negotiations on ending the war in Ukraine to the issue of NATO’s military presence in other European countries.

According to the version outlined by BILD, Moscow seeks to revise not only the terms of Ukraine’s future security but also the current balance of military and political power in Northern and Eastern Europe.

Moldova is being offered federalization and possible independence referendums

A separate section of Russia’s proposals focuses on neighboring Moldova.

The Kremlin is proposing to turn it into a federal republic comprising:

At the same time, the Russian proposal includes a special condition: if Moldova joins the European Union, Gagauzia and Transnistria must be given the opportunity to hold referendums on independence.

In effect, Moscow is proposing to link Moldova’s future European integration to the possible separation of parts of its territory.

What Russia is offering in return

In exchange for the demands listed above, the Russian side is proposing several steps of its own.

In particular, Moscow says it is prepared to withdraw nuclear weapons from Belarus and refrain from deploying intermediate-range missiles on its territory.

Reports on this proposal mention the Russian Iskander and Oreshnik missile systems.

Russia is also proposing to withdraw its troops from Transnistria.

Moscow presents these steps as concessions in exchange for its territorial and military-political demands on Ukraine and other European countries.