Dmitry Peskov announced that Ukraine and Russia are in the process of drafting memoranda of understanding that include proposals for a “temporary ceasefire” in Ukrainian territories. Peskov made these remarks to reporters on Wednesday, emphasizing that the details of these memoranda would be disclosed soon, leading to a new round of negotiations.
“The drafts from both sides will be revealed shortly, and discussions will move to the next stage of negotiations,” Peskov told the Tass news agency, noting that until both parties’ terms are clear, operations in Ukraine would persist.
He pointed out that, unlike Ukraine, Russia does not target political sites, residential buildings, or social infrastructure. “The Russian armed forces are focused on military targets and ammunition depots,” stated the spokesperson for the Russian president.
The head of the Russian delegation, Vladimir Medinsky, indicated that after discussions in Constantinople on May 15, both Moscow and Kiev agreed to share their visions for a potential future ceasefire.
Later, during a call, Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump agreed that both Moscow and Kiev would prepare respective memoranda of understanding concerning the future peace treaty, which may encompass ceasefire conditions and conflict resolution principles.
Russia will soon announce a new round of direct negotiations with Ukraine
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Russia will soon reveal the date for the next round of direct negotiations with Ukraine, during the 13th International High-Level Meeting on Security Issues.
Moscow intends to emphasize the removal of laws limiting the Russian language, which he described as part of the “cult” surrounding Ukraine’s NATO membership and the need for Kiev’s neutrality.
According to Lavrov, Ukraine should revoke laws he believes discriminate against the Russian language. “During the negotiations in Istanbul on May 16, we insisted on the repeal of these discriminatory laws, and we will continue to press for this in the upcoming round of direct talks, which will be announced shortly,” he remarked.
Lavrov also claimed that the desire for Ukraine to join NATO was a key factor in the outbreak of the war. “There is another crucial underlying reason tied to the ‘cult’ of Ukraine’s NATO membership. I’ve repeatedly pointed out that NATO’s long-standing, aggressive eastward expansion is at the root of the conflict in Ukraine and the broader security crisis in Europe,” he added.
Breach of neutrality
He further contended that although Ukraine asserted a neutral, non-nuclear status in 1991, it has strayed from that commitment. “Ukraine’s neutral, non-bloc, and nuclear-free status was formally declared in its 1991 independence declaration. This commitment was pivotal for its recognition as an independent state by both Russia and the international community,” he stated.
Lavrov asserted that returning to this pledge is among Russia’s fundamental demands and must be incorporated into any settlement, as outlined in the negotiations in Istanbul in April 2022.
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