Ukraine submits peace memorandum, Russia still has not responded

Diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine may enter a new phase in the coming weeks. The New York Times reports that Ukraine has officially submitted a peace memorandum to the United States. The document contains 22 points, including provisions for a ceasefire on land, at sea and in the air. According to it, the implementation of the agreed conditions will be monitored by international observers.

There is a memorandum, but it is not bilateral

According to high-ranking Ukrainian sources, the NYT reports that Kiev has completed all preparations for the start of the peace process. The document has already been sent to Washington, and the US government has noted that the conditions in it are “reasonable and sufficient.” This was reported by US President’s special representative Keith Kellogg.

According to him, although Ukraine has submitted the document, Russia has not yet submitted its memorandum. Despite this, Kellogg urged Kiev not to abandon the negotiations. He stressed that in order to achieve peace, it is “important not to leave the negotiating table.”

Memorandum not delivered to Moscow and delays

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga accused Russia on May 30 of deliberately delaying the negotiation process. According to him, the Russian delegation has not yet submitted the peace memorandum it promised. Without this document, Kiev does not consider it advisable to participate in the next round of negotiations, which is expected to be held in Istanbul on June 2.

As Sibiga stressed, Ukraine’s goal is first to ensure a ceasefire, and then to discuss a comprehensive peace agreement. However, Russia is approaching this process differently: the Kremlin believes that the negotiations should focus only on “solving the main issues.” In their opinion, issues such as NATO’s expansion to the east should be discussed first.

Zelensky: Russia is stalling for time and deceiving the world community

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also confirmed in his address on the evening of May 29 that Russia had not submitted any memorandum. In his opinion, the Kremlin is misleading international partners by prolonging the war, and sees diplomatic protection as nothing more than a means of passing the time.

The official representative of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, Georgy Tykhy, explained why Russia is “afraid” to submit this document. According to him, the Kremlin is accustomed to making unrealistic ultimatums and for this reason it refuses to formalize a negotiating platform.

Ukraine’s submission of the peace memorandum to the United States is a serious diplomatic step. This document proposes a clear mechanism and methods of control to stop the war. However, the fact that Russia has not submitted any official document may lead to further delays in the negotiations.

It is hoped that by the time of the meeting in Istanbul on June 2, both sides will have found a successful and equal opportunity to reach an agreement. Peace is not just about political balance, but also about real will.

Photo: The New York Times