**Russia Offers Ceasefire to Ukraine, But With Conditions**
In a surprise move, Russia has expressed its willingness to consider a ceasefire in its war against Ukraine. However, the offer comes with some serious conditions that have been met with skepticism by Kyiv.
According to Vasily Nebenzya, Russia’s envoy to the United Nations, Moscow is ready to establish a ceasefire if Ukraine stops receiving Western weapons and halts mobilization efforts. This means that Kyiv would have to put on hold its military preparations and give up foreign aid to convince Russia to stop fighting.
The statement was made during a UN Security Council meeting convened by Russia itself. The Russian ambassador accused European nations of undermining peace efforts, further muddying the waters.
**Ukraine Rejects Conditions**
Ukraine has swiftly rejected Russia’s demand as “disingenuous”. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called the remarks a “slap in the face” to countries that advocate for peace. He argued that when the international community is calling for an immediate ceasefire, Russia’s conditions are unacceptable.
“We insist that the pressure on Moscow be increased already now,” Sybiha wrote on social media. “They do not understand normal attitude or diplomatic language; it is time to speak to them in the language of sanctions and increased support for Ukraine.”
**Next Round of Talks**
The rejection comes just days ahead of the next round of peace talks scheduled for June 2 in Istanbul. Russia plans to present a draft “ceasefire memorandum” at these talks, but Ukraine has asked that it be shared beforehand.
President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak stated that Kyiv is open to the talks but wants Moscow to share its proposal first.
**Russia’s Demands**
According to Reuters, Russia’s demands for ending the war include:
* Ukraine withdrawing from four partially occupied regions
* A pledge by Ukraine to abandon NATO ambitions
* The lifting of key Western sanctions
These conditions have been categorically rejected by Kyiv and its allies.
