Russia Sets Punitive Terms in Ukraine Peace Talks, Ceasefire Elusive

In a brief but tense round of peace negotiations in Istanbul, Russia presented Ukraine with stringent demands to end the ongoing war, underscoring Moscow's unyielding stance. The talks, lasting barely an hour, marked only the second direct negotiation since March 2022.

According to a leaked memorandum, Russia insisted on Ukraine ceding significant territory, including Crimea and four other regions, and imposing limits on Kyiv's military capabilities.

Ukraine rejected these terms as tantamount to surrender, while both sides agreed on limited humanitarian measures, including prisoner exchanges and the return of fallen soldiers' remains.

Russia's Demands Signal No Compromise

The Russian memorandum, reported by Interfax, outlined conditions that would require Ukraine to recognize Moscow's control over Crimea, annexed in 2014, and the regions of Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson.

Russia currently controls Luhansk fully but holds only about 70% of the other three regions. Additionally, Moscow demanded Ukraine adopt neutrality, forgo NATO membership, grant the Russian language official status, and enact laws banning the glorification of Nazism, a charge Kyiv dismisses as baseless.

Russia proposed two ceasefire options: a full Ukrainian withdrawal from the contested regions or a halt to military redeployments, foreign aid, and satellite communications, alongside lifting martial law and holding elections within 100 days. Both options were deemed unacceptable by Ukraine.

Humanitarian Agreements Amid Stalemate

Despite the lack of progress on a ceasefire, the delegations agreed to exchange prisoners, prioritizing the youngest and most severely wounded, and to repatriate the bodies of 12,000 deceased soldiers.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, hosting the talks, called the meeting a success and expressed hope for a future summit involving Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, and U.S. President Donald Trump.

However, Zelenskiy emphasized that only a direct meeting between himself and Putin could address the core issues. Ukraine raised concerns about 400 children allegedly abducted to Russia, with Moscow agreeing to work on returning only 10, claiming the children were moved for safety.

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Escalating Conflict and Ukrainian Drone Strikes

The talks come amid intensified fighting. In May 2025, Russia advanced at its fastest pace in six months, launching its largest drone attacks of the conflict. In response, Ukraine conducted a bold operation named "Spider's Web" on June 1, deploying 117 drones to target Russian nuclear-capable bombers at airfields in Siberia and northern Russia.

Satellite imagery indicated significant damage, though accounts of the extent varied. Western analysts described the strikes as among Ukraine's most audacious, targeting part of Russia's nuclear "triad." Neither the U.S. nor the UK was informed of the operation beforehand, highlighting Ukraine's operational secrecy.

Zelenskiy said the strikes bolstered allies' confidence in Ukraine's resolve, stating, "We demonstrate our strength because the enemy does not want to stop."

Did You Know?
Ukraine's "Spider's Web" operation targeted Russian Tu-95 and Tu-22M bombers, critical to Moscow's nuclear arsenal, marking one of the deepest strikes into Russian territory since the war began.

Ukraine's Peace Roadmap and Global Reactions

Ukraine presented its peace plan, seen by Reuters, which rejects any restrictions on its military, opposes recognition of Russian-held territories, and demands reparations.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, leading Kyiv's delegation, said the Russian terms would be reviewed but offered no immediate comment.

Kyiv proposed further talks before June's end, but the gap between the two sides remains wide. U.S. President Trump, who has urged an end to the conflict, warned that the U.S. might withdraw mediation efforts without progress.

Real-time updates indicate ongoing Russian drone strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure and Ukrainian counterattacks, with no immediate ceasefire prospects.