**Ukraine and Russia Remain Far Apart on Peace Talks**
On June 2, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported that newly published Ukrainian and Russian memorandums reveal a significant gap between the two sides after their latest negotiations. Despite US President Donald Trump’s push for direct talks between Kyiv and Moscow to end the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, it seems that a lasting peace agreement remains elusive.
**Ukraine Proposes Ceasefire and Security Guarantees**
The Ukrainian memorandum, published on June 1, outlines four core proposals:
* An unconditional ceasefire on land, sea, and in the air
* Confidence-building measures such as returning all Ukrainian civilians and children and exchanging prisoners of war
* A long-term peace agreement with firm security guarantees and full territorial integrity
* Continued negotiations after the Istanbul meeting, including preparation for a Zelenskyy-Putin meeting
Ukraine also insists on its right to join any security alliance, including NATO. The country’s push for a ceasefire and humanitarian steps is a clear indication that it wants to focus on de-escalation rather than regime change.
**Russia Repeats Maximalist Demands**
On the other hand, Russia’s memorandum published on June 2 repeats many of its previous maximalist demands. These include:
* Ukrainian recognition of Russian control over all of Ukraine’s Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson oblasts, and Crimea
* Complete withdrawal from these territories
* Permanent Ukrainian neutrality
* Cancellation of all military alliances
* A total ban on foreign military presence
* Strict protections for Russian-speaking populations
ISW notes that these demands are consistent with the Kremlin’s longstanding goals: territorial gains, military and political control over Ukraine, and the installation of a pro-Russian government.
**Russia Still Seeks Total Ukrainian Capitulation**
The fact that Russia occupies 79.8% of the four contested oblasts, while Ukraine retains around 21,600 square kilometers, including major cities, suggests that the Kremlin is still pushing for total Ukrainian capitulation. ISW notes that Russian forces have not shown the ability to capture cities of this scale since early 2022.
**Commentary**
The publication of these memorandums highlights the significant gap between Ukraine and Russia on peace talks. While Ukraine pushes for a ceasefire, humanitarian steps, and lasting security guarantees, Russia repeats its maximalist demands aimed at achieving regime change. The fact that US President Donald Trump is pushing for direct talks between Kyiv and Moscow without addressing the fundamental issues at stake suggests a lack of understanding of the complexities of this conflict.
**Analysis**
The ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to significant human suffering, economic costs, and international tensions. As long as Russia continues to push for regime change and territorial gains, it’s unlikely that a lasting peace agreement can be reached. Ukraine’s push for security guarantees and full territorial integrity is a reasonable demand given the circumstances. The international community must take a more nuanced approach to this conflict, recognizing both sides’ concerns and working towards a comprehensive settlement.
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