Vladimir Medinsky, Russia's chief negotiator in the Russia-Ukraine peace talks, announced on Monday in Istanbul that Russia has submitted a two-part memorandum to Ukraine through Turkish mediation, outlining proposals for a ceasefire and an end to the war.

Details of the Russian Proposal

Medinsky described the plan as highly detailed, stating that

- The first part presents Moscow’s ideas for achieving lasting peace.

- The second part outlines proposed steps for a comprehensive ceasefire in various formats.

Following the hour-long negotiations, Medinsky noted that Ukraine is currently reviewing the proposal and will respond in due time.

Key Points of Russia’s Proposal

According to Russia’s TASS news agency, the memorandum includes

- Holding elections in Ukraine, followed by the signing of a peace treaty.

- Withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Donetsk, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia, while Russia retains sovereignty over Crimea, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Luhansk.

- Banning third-party military activity on Ukrainian soil.

- Restoring economic ties, including gas transit.

- Declaring Ukraine a non-nuclear state, prohibiting the deployment of nuclear weapons, and lifting sanctions on Russia.

Ukraine’s Demand for an Unconditional Ceasefire

Despite Russia’s proposal, Ukraine continues to insist on a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, which would serve as a precursor to negotiations without ongoing combat.

Medinsky also mentioned a new prisoner exchange plan, similar to one carried out in May, in which at least 1,000 prisoners were swapped between both sides. Additionally, the two countries agreed to exchange 6,000 bodies of fallen soldiers.

Temporary Truce for Humanitarian Recovery

Medinsky confirmed that a brief truce of 2-3 days would be imposed in certain areas along the front lines, allowing both sides to retrieve their dead, a measure currently under discussion by military experts from both nations.

Children’s Return & Negotiation Status

Russia also received a list of 339 children, whom Ukraine demands to be repatriated. Medinsky stated that these cases are under review, and efforts are underway to reunite them with their families.

End of Latest Negotiation Round

Both Russian state media and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that the latest round of direct peace negotiations ended after just one hour in Istanbul on Monday.

During previous direct talks on May 16, 1,000 prisoners were exchanged, and Ukraine provided Russia with an official list of children it claims were forcibly deported.

U.S. Efforts & Ongoing War

The U.S. has attempted to persuade both sides to accept a ceasefire, with Ukraine agreeing, but the Kremlin rejecting it outright.

This marks the second round of peace negotiations in Istanbul within two weeks, following a series of surprise attacks earlier in the week, with low expectations for any concrete progress in ending the three-year-long war.