**Russia Sets Date for Next Round of Talks with Ukraine**
In a surprise move, Russia has proposed a specific date and venue for the next round of talks with Ukraine. Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky made the announcement on May 28, saying that he had personally called Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov to suggest holding a meeting in the coming days.
Medinsky emphasized that Russia is ready to begin substantive negotiations on each point of a future comprehensive agreement at this meeting. However, Ukrainian officials have not publicly commented on the call. The proposal comes after a May 16 meeting between Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul, where the two sides failed to reach an agreement on a 30-day ceasefire.
**Russia’s Demands Remain Unchanged**
Despite the lack of progress in previous talks, Russia’s demands for a ceasefire remain unchanged. They insist that Ukraine withdraw from four partially occupied regions it claims to have annexed. Additionally, Moscow is pushing for a written pledge that NATO will not expand further eastward, effectively blocking Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova from joining.
Other demands include the lifting of some Western sanctions, resolution of frozen Russian assets, and what Russia calls the protection of Russian-speaking Ukrainians. These conditions have been met with skepticism by Ukraine and its Western allies, who see them as non-negotiable.
**Russia’s Aggressive Actions Continue**
Meanwhile, Russia has intensified its attacks on civilians in recent days. On May 24-26, Russian forces launched a three-day wave of aerial attacks, firing more than 600 drones and dozens of missiles across Ukraine. The largest drone attack of the full-scale war was carried out on May 26, involving 355 Shahed-type attack drones and decoys.
**The Way Forward**
Despite calls for the continuation of peace talks, Russia’s actions suggest that it is not yet ready to make meaningful concessions. For now, it remains unclear whether Ukraine will accept Russia’s latest proposal or continue to push for a comprehensive agreement that addresses its core concerns.
One thing is certain: the fate of Ukraine and its people hangs in the balance. The international community must remain vigilant and continue to support Ukraine as it navigates these treacherous waters.
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