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Yuri Zoria


ISW: Russia wants Ukraine out of its own cities, Ukraine says ‘let’s talk more’ in ceasefire negotiations memos

Ukraine seeks continued dialogue, Russia reiterates capitulation demands in the second useless round of the Trump-pushed talks.
isw russia wants ukraine out its own cities says 'let's talk more' ceasefire negotiations memos meeting ukrainian russian low-level delegations istanbul turkiye 2 2025 502904523_1200932882078001_3078666044217443158_n seeks continued dialogue reiterates capitulation
Meeting of Ukrainian and Russian low-level delegations in Istanbul, Türkiye, on 2 June 2025. Photo: Facebook/People’s Daily, China
ISW: Russia wants Ukraine out of its own cities, Ukraine says ‘let’s talk more’ in ceasefire negotiations memos

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported on 2 June that newly published Ukrainian and Russian memorandums highlight how far apart both sides remain after their latest negotiations the same day — with Russia repeating maximalist demands and Ukraine focusing on phased peace efforts and further dialogue.

This comes as US President Donald Trump pushes for Kyiv-Moscow direct talks allegedly to end the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. On 2 June, Ukrainian and Russian low-level delegations met in Istanbul for the second time this year to discuss possible ceasefires, yet the only concrete outcome was agreement on a POW exchange — including wounded, severely injured, and under-25 soldiers — and a 6,000-for-6,000 body exchange.

Ukraine pushes for ceasefire, humanitarian steps, and lasting security

Ukraine’s memorandum, published by Suspilne on 1 June, outlines four core proposals:

  • an unconditional ceasefire on land, sea, and in the air;
  • confidence-building measures like returning all Ukrainian civilians and children and exchanging prisoners of war;
  • a long-term peace agreement with firm security guarantees and full territorial integrity;
  • and continued negotiations after the 2 June Istanbul meeting, including preparation for a Zelenskyy-Putin meeting.

Ukraine also insists on the right to join any security alliance, including NATO.

Nothing new: Russia repeats lang-grab recognition, regime-change, disarmament demands

Russia’s memorandum, published by TASS on 2 June, is split into three sections. The first demands Ukrainian recognition of Russia’s control over all of Ukraine’s Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson oblasts, and Crimea — and complete withdrawal from these territories. It also calls for permanent Ukrainian neutrality, cancellation of all military alliances, a total ban on foreign military presence, and strict protections for Russian-speaking populations.

The second section outlines two ceasefire options. The first requires Ukraine to withdraw beyond current front lines in all four oblasts. The second demands Kyiv demobilize, end martial law, cancel all foreign military support and intelligence sharing, and organize presidential elections within 100 days of martial law ending.

The third section proposes a short ceasefire to recover bodies, followed by a 30-day timeline for Ukrainian withdrawal and eventual signing of a peace deal — only after Ukraine forms a new government.

ISW says this reflects Russia’s ongoing push for regime change, a demand the Kremlin has voiced since 2022.

ISW: Russia still aims for total Ukrainian capitulation

ISW notes that these demands are consistent with the Kremlin’s longstanding goals: territorial gains, military and political control over Ukraine, and the installation of a pro-Russian government. As of 2 June 2025, Russia occupies 79.8% of the four contested oblasts, while Ukraine retains around 21,600 square kilometers, including major cities like Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Kramatorsk, Kostiantynivka, and Sloviansk. ISW adds that Russian forces have not shown the ability to capture cities of that scale since early 2022.

“Russian forces have not demonstrated the capacity to seize cities of this size since early 2022, and the Russian military is almost certainly incapable of conducting a successful offensive operation to seize one of these cities after three years of war and degradation,” the think tank wrote.

Child deportation claims briefly raised, dismissed by Russia

ISW also summarizes that Ukraine presented Russia with a list of hundreds of abducted children, which Russia dismissed. Kremlin negotiator Medinsky said the list included 331 names and denied mass abductions. Ukraine has verified the deportation of at least 19,456 children, with only 1,345 returned. Russia’s children’s commissioner previously claimed 700,000 Ukrainian children had been “accepted” by Russia.

Russian delegates call abducted children issue “show for childless European grandmothers”
ISW notes these actions fit the legal definition of genocide under international law.