**Russia Controlling Pace of Peace Negotiations with Ukraine**
Russian officials are dictating the terms and conditions of peace talks with Ukraine, according to a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). This has led to delays in the negotiations process, with both sides accusing each other of stalling.
On May 28, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced that Russia would submit its “peace memorandum” at a meeting in Istanbul on June 2. He claimed that this document addressed the “root causes” of the war, which he previously stated were due to NATO expansion and Ukraine’s alleged discrimination against Russian speakers.
However, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov responded by saying that Ukraine was ready for negotiations and had already submitted its own memorandum to Russia. This was contradicted by Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, who claimed on May 29 that Russia had not received Ukraine’s document.
**Russia Forcing Concessions from Ukraine**
ISW reported on May 29 that Russia is forcing Ukraine to make concessions on the timing and location of the negotiations. Initially, President Putin suggested resuming talks in Istanbul, but rejected a face-to-face meeting with Ukrainian leader Zelenskyy. This was seen as a major concession by Ukraine, as it fit into Russia’s narrative of resuming protocols where Russia demanded Ukraine’s surrender.
Even when US President Trump suggested moving the talks to the Vatican, Russian officials rejected this proposal and continued to insist on Istanbul meetings. The Kremlin has also refused calls from Ukraine, the US, and European states for a renewable ceasefire before negotiations begin.
**Russian Tactic: Blame Ukraine and Wait**
ISW assessed that Russian officials are withholding their memorandum until June 2, with the intention of blaming Ukraine for stalling if it refuses to attend without receiving Russia’s document in advance. The ISW report also suggests that Russian forces will continue to press along the frontline to extract additional concessions during negotiations.
US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg told Fox News on May 27 that the US had received Ukraine’s memorandum and was waiting for Russia’s version. This further underscores the unequal dynamic between the two sides, with Russia controlling the pace of the negotiations process.
**Analysis**
Russia’s strategy in these peace talks appears to be one of control and manipulation. By dictating the terms and conditions of the negotiations, they are able to exert pressure on Ukraine and extract concessions. This tactic has been used throughout the conflict, with Russia seeking to present itself as a victim while blaming Ukraine for the delays.
The US and European states have called for a renewable ceasefire before negotiations begin, but Russia has rejected this proposal, insisting that talks address both ceasefire and long-term peace simultaneously. This suggests that Russia is trying to use the negotiations process to extract further concessions from Ukraine, rather than genuinely seeking a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
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