Rustem Umerov says Kiev expects a response from Moscow

Ukraine has formally submitted its ceasefire terms to Russia, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov has announced.

Russia and Ukraine held their first direct talks in three years in Istanbul on May 16, agreeing that each side would draft a document outlining its vision for a ceasefire.

"I handed over our document to the head of the Russian delegation, which reflects the Ukrainian position. They received this document," Umerov, who led the Ukrainian delegation in Istanbul, wrote on X on Wednesday.

"We are not opposed to further meetings with the Russians and are awaiting their 'memorandum,' so that the next meeting won't be empty and can truly move us closer to ending the war," the minister added.

Umerov reiterated that Kiev is ready for an unconditional ceasefire. He added that Ukraine has not yet received Russia's memorandum and accused Moscow of trying to delay the negotiations.

Russia's top negotiator, Vladimir Medinsky, has denied that Moscow is stalling the peace process. Writing on Telegram, he said he had called Umerov on Wednesday and proposed "a date and location for the exchange of memorandums."

"We are ready to begin substantive discussions on a framework agreement for a potential ceasefire," he stated.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has proposed holding the next round of talks on June 2 in Istanbul. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed on Wednesday that Russia is "finalizing" its version of the memorandum and will not discuss its contents publicly. "It would be highly inappropriate to discuss this matter through the media," Peskov said.

President Vladimir Putin has stated that for a full ceasefire to be achieved, Ukraine must halt its mobilization, stop receiving foreign weapons, and withdraw its forces from Russian territory. He also insists that Kiev must abandon its plans to join NATO and formally recognize Crimea and four other regions as part of Russia.

(RT.com)