Russian negotiators informed the Ukrainian delegation straight that their so-called "peace memorandum" is an ultimatum Kyiv can’t settle for, President Volodymyr Zelensky mentioned in an interview with Hungarian information outlet Valasz On-line revealed on June 10.
"They even informed our delegation: we all know that our memorandum is an ultimatum, and you’ll not settle for it," Zelensky mentioned. "Thus, the query shouldn’t be the standard of the Istanbul format, however what to do concerning the Russians' lies."
Zelensky mentioned Russia's aim is to erode Western assist for Ukraine and extend negotiations whereas persevering with navy aggression.
The remarks observe the second spherical of direct peace talks in Istanbul on June 2, the place the Kremlin submitted its memorandum itemizing circumstances for a ceasefire.
In response to Zelensky, the Ukrainian delegation in Istanbul had a mandate to barter humanitarian issues resembling a ceasefire, prisoner exchanges, and the return of kidnapped youngsters — however not the nation's sovereignty or territorial integrity.
"That is our personal constitutional matter. It’s my job to carry talks on territories — and (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's, who seized them. I can’t talk about my place on this with anybody else," Zelensky mentioned.
Russia's so-called "peace memorandum" calls for that Ukraine acknowledge Russia's annexation of Crimea, in addition to Kherson, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Luhansk oblasts — none of that are totally underneath Moscow's management.
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The Kremlin additionally insists on Ukraine's full navy withdrawal from these areas. Zelensky reaffirmed Ukraine's refusal to concede any occupied territory.
"We’ve got additionally mentioned repeatedly that if we obtain ample safety ensures stopping Putin from persevering with the struggle, then we could have time to resolve on territorial points. By diplomatic means, not with weapons," he mentioned.
Different Russian calls for embody Ukrainian neutrality, ending international navy help, recognizing Russian as an official language, granting amnesty for pro-Russian collaborators, and prohibiting international troops, contradicting EU-backed peacekeeping proposals.
Ukraine's counterproposal in Istanbul included an all-for-all prisoner swap, the return of Ukrainian youngsters kidnapped by Russia, the discharge of all civilians held in captivity, and freedom to pursue EU and NATO membership.
Kyiv additionally proposed utilizing frozen Russian property for reconstruction and mentioned it could take into account lifting sure sanctions if a ceasefire is achieved.
Whereas no ceasefire or political breakthrough was achieved, negotiations resulted in key humanitarian agreements, together with commitments to alternate prisoners of struggle (POWs) and the our bodies of fallen troopers.
As Ukraine and the U.S. proceed to push for an unconditional ceasefire, Russia has maintained maximalist calls for and rejected all such proposals.
U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly expressed frustration with Moscow's intransigence and rising violence however has but to impose any new sanctions on Russia.
The Kyiv IndependentOlena Goncharova