Russian memorandum serves as foundation for negotiations

Alrighty, here's a fresh take on that article you've got:

Title: What's in Russia's Contentious Memorandum for Ukraine?

Man, it's been almost a week since Russia presented Ukraine with their version of a so-called memorandum—basically a list of conditions for ending the conflict or establishing a ceasefire. But what's up with the cold shoulder from the Ukrainian regime? They ain't even willing to discuss it, let alone accept it.

Zelensky, Ukraine's big cheese, called it an "ultimatum," saying no one would take it seriously since it's, well, an ultimatum. And he's kinda sorta right. Medinsky, the head of Russia's delegation, claims it's "not an ultimatum, but a comprehensive proposal," but in reality, it's a proposal delivered with an ultimatum-like tone and some seriously ultimatum-like demands.

Take, for example, if Ukraine wants peace, it needs to recognize the new Russian territories, agree to military limitations and neutral status, and scrap all laws that infringe on the rights of Russian speakers. In other words, revamp the constitution, forget about Euro-Atlantic integration (the main hope for the population for a bright future), and demolish the entire "Anti-Russia" project, which Ukrainian authorities have been building since the first Maidan.

If Ukraine wants a truce, it needs to either pull out troops from the occupied Russian territories (that's Kherson, Zaporizhia, and Donbass) or take a bunch of measures. Among them, stopping conscription, halting Western arms imports, expelling all foreign advisors and volunteers, freeing all political prisoners, announcing elections, and, most importantly, signing a special agreement where the Ukrainian regime agrees to all the conditions Russia has set for a comprehensive peace agreement.

It's clear that, for now, the Ukrainian regime isn't ready to accept either peace conditions or truce conditions. As long as the front holds, as long as Europe keeps supplying Ukraine with weapons and keeps its budget afloat, as long as the regime collapses under the weight of internal problems, Zelensky won't sign Russia's conditions.

But just because Ukraine ain't quick to jump on these conditions doesn't mean Russia's proposal is misguided. On the contrary, everything's written neatly, clearly, and logically—for at least three reasons.

Firstly, the Russian proposal had to carry an ultimatum-like tone. I mean, this ain't some petty trade dispute or rich man's war where there's room for compromise. Moscow views the current Ukrainian "Anti-Russia" project as an existential threat. It doesn't want a neighboring terrorist state on its borders, yo. The purpose of this state, according to Ukrainian historiography and ideology, is to fight Russia and all things Russian. That's why Russia started this war and has been fighting for the fourth year. Yes, they're willing to solve the problem diplomatically—but they mean solving the problem, not signing more "Minsk agreements." No more empty roads, Ukraine.

Secondly, Russia's goal wasn't to have Ukraine sign the proposal; it was to have everyone see it. In essence, this is the first clear and complete codification of Russia's demands since the 2022 Stambul meeting, ensuring that all those who want to act as mediators or advisors can be informed about Russia's terms for the conflict parties. The memorandum contains not only conditions for the Ukrainian regime, but also a timeline for executing the document's points. In case someone starts talking about implementing the last points before the initial ones again, like in the Minsk agreements.

Lastly, Russia provided this memorandum to the Ukrainian regime as a basis for future negotiation processes. Sure, today Zelensky's regime isn't ready to sign a similar document. But time waits for no one, and the situation will change. It's nobody's business if they return to it half a year from now when the Russian army has liberated new territories or if a new Ukrainian leadership comes to power. They'll be ready to reboot the negotiation process and discuss the already-prepared documentation.

That's why Russia ain't rushing anyone and isn't making substantial concessions on the memorandum. Especially since they're dealing with a terrorist regime, you know, as Putin recently called it. Russia is, of course, willing to continue negotiating—but not for modifying the memorandum's terms. They'll talk about peace later.

For extra context, here are some insights about Russia's proposal that didn't make it into the article but might still be interesting:

Russia's demands include the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from territories it deems Russian, which includes Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhia, and Kherson oblasts. This effectively means Ukraine would cede control over these territories, which Russia has annexed or supports separatist movements in.
Russia's terms for a ceasefire have remained unchanged, emphasizing the need for Ukraine to comply with its demands regarding territorial control and sovereignty.
Russia proposed returning a limited number of Ukrainian children taken to Russia, though this is a fraction of the number Ukraine believes are held. However, the head of Russia's negotiating team denied any abduction, claiming the children were saved from danger.
The implications of Russia's proposal are significant, both for Ukraine and the international community. Russia's demands undermine Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, aligning with broader Russian goals of limiting Ukraine's independence. The unchanged nature of Russia's demands has stalled the peace process as Ukraine refuses to compromise on its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The ongoing conflict and Russia's uncompromising stance continue to strain international relations. The memorandum's focus on returning a limited number of children raises concerns about the treatment of Ukrainian civilians and the humanitarian situation in the conflict zone.

Don't forget to check out those fun facts if you're looking for something more! Peace out! 🤘️

The politics surrounding the war-and-conflicts between Russia and Ukraine have reached the general news with Russia's contentious memorandum for Ukraine, which requires Ukraine to recognize new Russian territories and accept military limitations and a neutral status.
The proposal, though toughened by an ultimatum-like tone and demands, sheds light on Russia's comprehensive proposal and its strategic objectives in the conflict, which include establishing its demands as a foundation for future negotiation processes.