Zelenskyy dismisses Russian ceasefire memo as "ultimatum"

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected a Russian-drafted memorandum proposing terms for a ceasefire, calling it an “ultimatum” that neither Ukraine nor its allies would take seriously.

“It’s an ultimatum, and neither the Ukrainian side nor anyone else will take it seriously, because it is exactly that – an ultimatum,” Caliber.Az quotes Zelenskyy as saying per foreign media.

The memorandum, presented by Russia during talks in Istanbul on June 2, reportedly outlines a three-part plan. The first section includes key demands for a settlement, such as the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, and international recognition of these territories as part of Russia.

Zelenskyy singled out this condition as “the ultimate ultimatum,” adding: “It clearly contradicts the UN Charter, common sense, and the Constitution of Ukraine.”

Russia’s chief negotiator, Vladimir Medinsky, insisted the document was “by no means an ultimatum,” describing it instead as a “comprehensive proposal” aimed at achieving a long-term peace or ceasefire in Ukraine.

The latest Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul, held on June 2, 2025, concluded without significant breakthroughs. Russia reiterated its longstanding demands, including Ukraine's neutrality, demilitarization, and recognition of Russian control over occupied territories.

Ukraine rejected these terms, proposing instead a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, international security guarantees, and the return of displaced children. The only agreement reached was a prisoner exchange and the repatriation of 12,000 deceased soldiers. 

In parallel, Ukraine intensified its military efforts, launching drone strikes deep into Russian territory, damaging strategic bombers and the Crimean Bridge. These actions, part of "Operation Spiderweb," aimed to disrupt Russian military capabilities.

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev dismissed the talks, stating Russia seeks complete victory over Ukraine. U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg warned that such escalations increase the risk of broader conflict.

By Aghakazim Guliyev