Ukraine has received no response from Russia to its peace proposals handed over ahead of the second round of talks in Istanbul, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha said on 9 June during a joint press conference in Kyiv with Lithuanian counterpart Kęstutis Budrys, Suspilne reports.
Sybiha stated that Moscow has yet to reply to the “constructive proposals” Ukraine presented and accused the Kremlin of blocking the peace process.
“Instead, they (the Russian delegation, – Ed.) threw a list of ultimatums on the table in Istanbul, which are unacceptable to diplomats,” Sybiha said.
He emphasized the need to increase pressure on Russia and all entities aiding its war against Ukraine, pointing to the Kremlin’s actions as further proof of its unwillingness to pursue a peaceful resolution.
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Details of the Ukrainian memorandum
Suspilne previously obtained the full text of Ukraine’s memorandum presented during the Istanbul talks on 2 June. The document includes proposals for a ceasefire, monitoring of the truce, and a presidential meeting between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin.
It also calls for Russia’s unconditional return of all deported and displaced Ukrainian children, a full prisoner exchange, and the release of all civilian detainees. These measures are meant to cover all individuals affected since February 2014.
Defense Minister Rustem Umerov had disclosed on 28 May that the Ukrainian delegation had handed this memorandum to the head of the Russian negotiating team, Vladimir Medinsky.
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Russia’s conditions and response
During the 2 June session, Russia provided its own memorandum, which it claims includes steps for ending the war. According to this document, Russia demands a full withdrawal of the Ukrainian Armed Forces from Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts, and recognition of these territories as Russian. The memorandum also requires Ukraine to adopt a neutral status, stop receiving weapons, and cease intelligence cooperation.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described Russia’s memorandum as an “ultimatum.”