"Putin's Ceasefire Demand: Return of Crimea"

The key to bringing Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table to end the war in Ukraine lies in the fate of Crimea. Crimea has been strategically important to Russia since its annexation in 2014, and Putin is unlikely to negotiate until its control is threatened. While Ukrainian advances towards Crimea could force negotiations, it would likely only be a temporary delay as Putin's long-term goals remain unchanged.