Ukrainian President rejects peace proposal, how does Russia react?

RT reported on June 4 that Ukrainian President Zelensky refused to consider Russia's latest peace proposal, considering it an unacceptable "ultimatum."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Photo: Britannica.

During the second round of direct Russia-Ukraine talks in Istanbul (Turkey) on June 2, Moscow and Kiev exchanged their peace proposals. Moscow proposed that Ukraine recognize five territories annexed to Russia in previous public referendums, withdraw its troops from these areas, pledge neutrality and limit its military capabilities.

Russia's ceasefire proposal also requires Kiev to stop mobilizing troops and transporting foreign weapons; and hold presidential elections.

However, Ukrainian President Zelensky on June 4 immediately rejected Russia's peace memorandum.

"This is an ultimatum and Ukraine does not take it seriously," leader Zelensky said.

President Zelensky declared that any territorial concessions to Russia would violate the Ukrainian Constitution.

Meanwhile, Russian chief negotiator Vladimir Medinsky defended the proposal, saying it was an opportunity to end the conflict.

“This is not an ultimatum but a real proposal that would allow for real peace – or at least a ceasefire – and make a big step towards achieving lasting peace,” Medinsky stressed.

President Zelensky also said that continuing such negotiations in Istanbul is pointless.

However, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that Mr. Zelensky had rejected the results of the negotiations because they focused not on financial aid or weapons supplies but on people.

Ms Zakharova was referring to an agreement between Moscow and Kiev to conduct the largest-ever prisoner exchange, which is expected to take place this weekend with the exchange of 1,200 people on each side.

>>> Readers are invited to watch more videos about the second round of direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul