Russia Continues Drafting Ukraine Peace Memorandum, Urges Kyiv to Respond

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova confirmed that Moscow is continuing to draft a peace memorandum regarding the Russian Ukrainian war and has called on Kyiv to finalize and submit its own version of the proposal.

Speaking at a press briefing, Zakharova stated: “Russia is working on a draft peace agreement that outlines the principles and terms of a potential settlement, along with a proposed timeline for signing the agreement and initiating a ceasefire, should mutual understanding be reached.”

She added that the memorandum will be delivered to the Ukrainian side once it is completed. Zakharova also expressed hope that Kyiv would present its own vision after receiving Moscow’s draft. She noted that previous agreements during the Istanbul negotiations were reached “with difficulty” due to Kyiv’s stance, accusing Ukrainian forces of escalating attacks on civilian areas in an attempt to negotiate “from a position of strength.”

Representatives from both sides met in Istanbul on May 16, where Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky announced an agreement to exchange 1,000 prisoners from each side.