Russia, led by Vladimir Putin, has turned down calls for an unconditional cessation of hostilities in talks in Istanbul, instead proposing specific terms for Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Ukraine. These terms include...

Street Talk

The latest chapter in the prolonged conflict between Russia and Ukraine unfolded today, as the two nations met for a peace summit in Istanbul. The discussions, stretching just over an hour, transpired amid escalating violence in the ongoing war.

By Jaxon Denis

Updated : Jun 03, 2025, 11:50 AM PST

In a disappointing turn of events, Russia has declined to approve a ceasefire without preconditions during the peace talks with Ukraine. This revelation comes from a Ukrainian negotiator, confirming Russia's stubbornness in upholding its stance. The meeting marked the second round of cross-border negotiations between the countries.

Sergiy Kyslytsya, Ukraine's delegate, expressed Russia's persistence in dismissing the proposal for an unconditional ceasefire. Instead of compromising, Russia tabled a peace memorandum, containing a series of unsavory conditions.

According to reports, Russia zealously insisted on several demands, such as:

Ukraine recognizing Crimea, Donbass, Kherson, and Zaporozhye as Russian land.
Ukraine banning all forms of Nazi propaganda.
Ukraine committing to neutrality and opting out of NATO.
Withdrawal of Ukrainian military forces from areas recently seized by Russia.
Holding national elections in contested territories.

Despite the impasse, both sides have agreed to kickstart a prisoner exchange. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian President, declared that the matter was broached during the talks. In addition, their chief of staff disclosed that Ukraine handed over a list of deported Ukrainian children to Russia, demanding their return.

In a surprising move demonstrating their audacity, Russia suggested a short-term ceasefire in specific locations. Their lead negotiator, Vladimir Medinsky, stated, "We have proposed a brief ceasefire in selected areas of the battlefront for two to three days, to enable commanders to recover the remains of their troops."

Ukraine countered this proposition by planning the next round of negotiations toward the end of the month. Rustem Umerov, Ukraine's Defense Minister, stated, "We invite the Russian side for another meeting, starting from June 20th to June 30th." Furthermore, both parties acknowledged the importance of facilitating a meeting between Presidents Zelenskyy and Putin.

Tensions heightened in Russia following one of Ukraine's brazen attacks of the war. Ukrainian drones purportedly targeted Russian military bases across Siberia, the Arctic, and the Far East - over 7,000 kilometers away from Ukraine. The aerial bombardment is said to have inflicted almost $2 billion in damage, damaging approximately 40 Russian military aircraft.

Ukrainian MP Kira Rudik asserted the strikes signaled a direct message to Russia, which has launched hundreds of missiles and drones at Ukraine. President Zelenskyy hailed the operation as "brilliant," emphasizing such setbacks could potentially coerce Russia into seeking peace.

Featured Topics- Russia's Unyielding Stance- Ukraine's Demands- The Ongoing Battle for Ceasefire- Ukraine's Aggressive Counterattack- Russia's Anxious Reaction- The Case of Misappropriated Ukrainian Children- The Next Stage of Negotiations

Interesting Insights* Russia has demanded complete withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from contested regions, an end to mobilization and foreign weapon supplies, and international recognition of Crimea and contested territories [1][3].* Ukraine has reaffirmed its stance, emphasizing its intention to join NATO, refusal to accept Russia's annexation claims, demands for prisoner exchange, and the return of deported children [1][2].* Despite the profound differences between the contending parties, protracted resolution remains elusive due to the maximalist demands presented by Russia [2][3].

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