Ukraine demands Russia respond to document with peace proposals – Sybiha

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said this in a post on the social media platform X, Ukrinform reports.

"Russia has not responded to our document outlining Ukraine's vision for ending the war. We sent it ahead of the meeting. During the meeting, our delegation asked the Russians what their considerations were. They didn't provide any. Neither during the meeting nor after," he said.

Ukraine demands a response from Russia, Sybiha said, emphasizing that every day of Russia's silence confirms its desire to continue the war.

According to him, instead of responding to Ukraine's constructive proposals in Istanbul, "the Russian side passed a set of old ultimatums that do not move the situation any closer to true peace."

Sybiha said that this contradicts Russia's previous promises, including to the United States, that "it would put forward something realistic and doable this week in Istanbul."

Because of Russia's lack of a constructive approach, the Istanbul format turned into meetings about POW exchanges, he said.

"We welcome the progress in this area, but there could be much more tangible results in all areas if the Russians reciprocated Ukraine's constructiveness," Sybiha said.

The minister also stressed that Russia has so far rejected any meaningful formats for a ceasefire, which is "sufficient reason for our partners to impose new sanctions on Russia, already now."

"We must put an end to the killing. And if current meetings fail to produce such a result and advance peace, it becomes increasingly clear that a meeting of leaders is required," Sybiha concluded.

As a reminder, Ukraine's proposals include, in particular, the following provisions: an immediate and unconditional ceasefire; reliable and concrete security guarantees from Western countries to deter Russia in the future; the return of deported children and the exchange of all prisoners on an "all-for-all" basis and the release of all civilian hostages.

In addition, Ukraine does not undertake obligations regarding neutrality, the issue of NATO membership remains within the competence of the Alliance; Ukraine does not agree to any restrictions on the number or deployment of its Armed Forces or partner troops on its territory; and territories annexed by Russia since 2014 are not recognized.

The second round of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia took place in Istanbul on June 2. The parties agreed on an "all-for-all" exchange of seriously ill prisoners of war and soldiers aged 18 to 25, as well as an exchange of 6,000 fallen service members from each side.