Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy accused Russia of continuing a trend of deception in peace negotiations as Kyiv awaits the promised delivery of a peace proposal. During a recent address, Zelenskiy expressed frustration that the memorandum, which had been hinted at for over a week, has yet to be presented to either Ukraine or its partners.
The Stalemate Continues
Zelenskiy remarked, “Even the so-called ‘memorandum’ they promised has still not been seen by anyone.” He noted that allies, including Turkey, have not been privy to these developments. This adds to the backdrop of distrust between Ukraine and Russia as the two countries navigate tense talks.
Responses from Moscow
In contrast, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed a memorandum had been drafted, suggesting a potential second round of direct talks on 29 May in Istanbul. However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that no response from Kyiv regarding attendance had been received, leading to further speculation about the genuineness of Russia’s intentions.
The Call for Action
- Zelenskiy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, emphasised the need for stronger sanctions against Russia, urging, “We need to end this eternal waiting.”
- The ongoing conflict has seen Ukraine suffer drone strikes ongoing for three nights, which officials described as a weekend of terror.
While both parties appear to be inching towards dialogue, skepticism remains high in Kyiv regarding Russia’s commitment to genuine negotiations. As Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi pointed out, the absence of the memorandum implies it could be filled with unrealistic demands.
In the Shadows of History
The current state of affairs echoes previous peace attempts that have often faltered due to mistrust. Zelenskiy urged international partners to ramp up pressure on Russia, reflecting a common sentiment in Ukraine that more needs to be done to hold the Kremlin accountable for its actions.
In a rare moment of critique, even Donald Trump remarked on Russia, saying that “something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY!” This statement highlights the shifting dynamics, as international leaders grapple with the ongoing crisis.
The situation remains fluid, and as plans for another meeting in Istanbul are being contemplated, eyes remain firmly fixed on both reported proposals and actual sanction progress.