Russia wants only Ukraine's capitulation. Moscow's maximalist demands regarding Ukraine from 2021–2022 remain unchanged. According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), this became clear during the visit of Kirill Dmitriev, the Kremlin's special envoy for investment and economic cooperation, to the US. 

Dmitriev's visit followed US sanctions against Russia’s two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil.

Kremlin's unyielding demands: capitulation 

In the US, Dmitriev stated that Russia seeks solutions to the “root causes” of the war. ISW notes that Moscow uses this narrative to insist on:

• Replacing Ukraine’s government with a Russian-backed puppet administration.
• Obligating Ukraine to remain neutral, leaving the country defenseless against military aggression.
• Ending NATO’s open-door policy

"Complete annihilation of humanity"

Dmitriev, known as Putin’s negotiator, claimed that “the security of the whole world” depends on peaceful US–Russia relations and warned the Trump administration about “complete annihilation of humanity” according to ISW.

He also pushed for US–Russia economic cooperation, subtly referencing Russia’s nuclear capabilities.

Russian President Vladimir Putin began nuclear exercises on 22 October, which included launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles and cruise missiles, after their potential meeting with Trump in Budapest was cancelled. 

According to Dmitriev, the US must consider Russia’s “national interests” in peace discussions. He cited NATO expansion as an “existential threat” to Russia and framed the need to “protect Russian-speaking populations in eastern Ukraine.”

Dmitriev additionally repeated Russia’s proposal to build a tunnel between the US and Russia across the Bering Strait using Elon Musk’s technology, claiming economic cooperation could become the “foundation of peaceful US–Russia relations.”

Sweets with threats

Additionally, Kirill Dmitriev brought boxes of chocolates to the negotiations in the United States, with wrappers featuring quotes by Russian President Vladimir Putin. He shared this on his Instagram page.

The chocolates included phrases such as “Russia doesn’t abandon its own” and “Russia’s borders have no end anywhere.”

Other quotes included:

• “It is pointless to speak to Russia from a position of strength.”
• “The fewer teeth you have, the more you love porridge.”
• “When a person stops being amazed, it’s time for them to go to the cemetery.”

Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also said that Russia’s position on Ukraine has not changed since the Alaska summit in August 2025, rejecting any ceasefire that does not address the alleged “root causes” of the war.

Ukraine does not need Western help to capitulate, Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen said on 20 October during her arrival at the EU foreign ministers' meeting in Luxembourg, RFE/RL reports. She added that Ukraine has every capability to continue defending itself against Russian aggression and needs Western assistance only to strengthen that defense.

Finland: Ukraine doesn’t need Western help to surrender

Valtonen was asked about the risks linked to shifting moods of US President Donald Trump, which could indicate reduced support for Ukraine. She said the best response to this would be to strengthen Ukraine. Her comments came in light of reports that Trump allegedly asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to give up Donetsk oblast to Russia, including its Ukraine-controlled part, in exchange for freezing the conflict. Trump has denied making such a demand.

“The work is at a stage where everyone wants peace, and it’s clear that President Trump wants it especially strongly, because he promised it to his voters,” Valtonen said. “At the same time, it’s clear that Ukraine doesn’t need help from the West for any capitulation. On the contrary, Ukraine has all the means to continue its own strong defense, and of course, it needs our help for that.”

Valtonen emphasized that Ukraine has the means to defend itself and should be supported in doing so.

Kyiv’s growing defense industry benefits all of Europe, Finland says

Valtonen said Ukraine has shown its capacity not only for defensive struggle but also for broader transformation.

“Ukraine, in particular, has already demonstrated its capabilities. Not only does this lead to a strong defensive struggle, but, first and foremost, the country has in a few years become one of the most competitive defense sectors — one from which we all benefit,” she said.

She also stressed the need to continue the EU’s existing strategy "to strengthen sanctions against Russia’s military machine and help Ukraine not only in its own defensive struggle but also in protecting its civilian infrastructure,” Valtonen added.

Putin shouldn't be "a welcome guest" in the EU, Finnish FM says

Asked about a possible summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in the EU, Valtonen said that the location and format of the meeting remain unclear. However, she added:

“It is obvious that a war criminal like Putin should not be a welcome guest at a dinner in the EU.”

On the same day, Bulgaria's Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev said his country may provide Putin an air corridor to Hungary, if he heads there for a meeting with Trump.