**Russia Accused of Stalling Peace Process in Ukraine**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of deliberately stalling the peace process by failing to deliver a promised ceasefire memorandum. In a statement on May 29, Zelensky warned international partners that Moscow is trying to deceive those who still rely on diplomacy over pressure.
According to Zelensky, even the so-called “memorandum” promised by Russia for over a week has not been delivered. Ukraine and its allies have yet to receive it, despite Turkey hosting the first meeting where it was supposed to be presented. The Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said that Ukraine has already shared its position paper with Russia.
Zelensky called on international partners to apply more pressure on Russia, saying “Words don’t work with Moscow. They are doing everything to make these meetings meaningless. That is why sanctions and real pressure on Russia are essential.”
**Turkey’s Role in the Peace Process**
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who hosted the May 16 negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, said that Ankara expects Ukrainian and Russian positions to come closer. However, he also noted that Russia’s current demands for a ceasefire have put Moscow in “a relatively weaker position.”
Fidan met with Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov before his visit to Kyiv, where he will meet Zelensky. He shared Turkey’s vision of realistic conditions that could help make a ceasefire attainable.
**Russia’s Maximalist Demands**
Russia has repeatedly claimed that it would agree on a ceasefire if the “root causes” of war in Ukraine are addressed. This means its long-standing maximalist demands, including Kyiv withdrawing from four partially occupied Ukrainian regions it claims to have annexed.
The Russian memorandum reportedly includes a written pledge that NATO will not expand further eastward, effectively blocking Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova from joining. It also calls for the lifting of some Western sanctions and resolution of frozen Russian assets.
**Analysis**
The situation highlights Russia’s continued reluctance to engage in genuine negotiations with Ukraine. By failing to deliver on promises made during previous meetings, Moscow is trying to maintain its upper hand in the peace process.
Zelensky’s call for international pressure on Russia is well-founded, given the Kremlin’s track record of using diplomacy as a way to stall and deceive. The fact that Turkey has shared its vision of realistic conditions for a ceasefire is a positive development, but it remains to be seen whether Moscow will take genuine steps towards peace.
As the situation unfolds, it is essential for international partners to remain vigilant and apply consistent pressure on Russia to adhere to any agreements made during future negotiations. Only through sustained effort can Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity be protected.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
