Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of engaging in “yet another deception” by failing to provide its peace settlement proposal before a possible meeting between Moscow and Kyiv.
“Even the so-called ‘memorandum’ they promised, which they seemingly prepared for over a week, has not been seen by anyone,” Mr. Zelensky stated in his nightly video address.
“Ukraine has not received it. Our partners have not received it. Even Turkey, which hosted the first meeting, has not received the new agenda.”
“Despite assurances to the contrary, especially to the United States and President (Donald) Trump: Yet another Russian deception.”
He proposed a second round of direct discussions to be held on Monday, once again in the Turkish city of Istanbul.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, who has maintained positive relations with both nations, informed reporters that Russia’s invitation for further talks raised Ankara’s hopes for peace.
“The pathway to a resolution lies in increased dialogue and diplomacy. We are utilizing all our diplomatic resources and potential for peace,” Mr. Erdogan’s office quoted him as saying.
In Washington, the White House announced that Mr. Trump, who has been urging both sides to reach an agreement, hoped that the proposed meeting in Istanbul would proceed as planned.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated today that Moscow had not received a response from Kyiv regarding its attendance at negotiations on Monday in Istanbul.
Mr. Zelensky remarked in his address that Russia was “doing everything to render the meetings ineffective,” and urged Ukraine’s allies to increase pressure on Moscow.
Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi indicated that without reviewing Russia’s memorandum, Kyiv would deduce that “it is likely filled with unrealistic ultimatums, and they fear exposing their delays in the peace process.”
When asked to comment on Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha’s call for Russia to provide the memorandum immediately, Mr. Peskov labeled the suggestion as “non-constructive.”
“Here, one must either confirm readiness to continue negotiations or do the opposite,” Mr. Peskov stated.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, as quoted by TASS news agency, mentioned that the composition of the delegation for the next meeting would remain unchanged from the first round.
The Russian delegation during the initial round included a presidential adviser, a senior diplomat, and high-ranking military and intelligence officials.
Mr. Zelensky had proposed a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the first session in Istanbul.
However, Mr. Putin did not attend, which led Mr. Zelensky to withdraw and leave a delegation of officials to represent Ukraine.
