Despite extensive discussions, both Russia and Ukraine seem to be sticking to their original negotiating stances. Moscow has described Ukraine’s lack of acceptance of proposals as “delusional” while insisting on significant concessions from Kyiv.
The latest face-to-face talks between Russia and Ukraine on Monday concluded much like those from three weeks ago, showing little progress towards peace, except for an agreement regarding prisoner exchanges.
Without prior publication of demands, which Ukraine had done, this week’s discussions were clouded in speculation about Russia’s proposals. Now that they are public, it’s evident peace talks aren’t advancing, with both sides presenting quite different ideas on reaching a ceasefire and what that might entail.
Ukraine continues to advocate for an “unconditional and lasting ceasefire,” as reiterated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday. Kyiv argues that a peace conference is futile without a ceasefire, as ongoing violence undermines any goodwill necessary for negotiation.
Russia has rebuffed this stance, recently revealing a “memorandum” that effectively asks for Ukraine’s capitulation in exchange for ending hostilities. According to the Kremlin’s summary of this document, to stop the fighting, Kyiv would need to relent on several crucial points, including the withdrawal of troops from Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporozhye, and Kherson—areas currently partially under Russian control.
The Russian demands also include lasting military and political neutrality for Ukraine, a ban on foreign troops in Ukrainian territory, a prohibition on nuclear weapons, limits on the future size of Ukrainian forces, and the recognition of Russian as an official language.
Moscow has made it clear that it won’t even consider a ceasefire until Ukraine starts withdrawing its forces from the southeast of the country.
These requirements might come off as excessive, but Russia has characterized Ukraine’s negotiating position as “delusional.” Dmitry Medvedev, the former president of Russia and now a prominent defense official, commented on the talks from Monday.
Both Turkey and the U.S. reiterated on Monday that Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Zelensky, and Donald Trump should meet in person to break the impasse and promote peace. A White House representative confirmed that President Trump continues to support such a meeting, emphasizing its importance for progress.
She mentioned: “The president is open to it, but he hopes both leaders will come together to the table.”
The Kremlin wasn’t enthusiastic about this idea, with Putin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, stating on Tuesday that a meeting seems unlikely in the near future. Peskov indicated that Putin would consider personal involvement once technical details were resolved between the parties, casting doubt on a prompt resolution.
Meanwhile, both sides are actively targeting each other’s infrastructure. Ukraine conducted a counterattack on Russian-held energy facilities, resulting in widespread power outages that affected “hundreds of thousands.” President Zelensky remarked that Russia’s persistent attacks on Ukrainian cities demonstrate a lack of genuine interest in achieving peace.
Overnight, Zelensky called for a ceasefire following strikes in the city of Smee that killed three civilians, highlighting the need for awareness of Russia’s so-called desire to end the conflict and urging the West to take decisive action and exert global pressure on Russia.
