Russian invasion Negotiations

Russian demands presented: “Do everything to continue”

During Monday’s meeting in Istanbul, Russia submitted two different proposals for a ceasefire to Ukraine, writes AP. The first proposal requires Ukrainian forces to completely withdraw from all Ukrainian regions annexed by Russia.

An alternative proposal includes demands that Ukraine stop mobilizing and that Western military support cease. Ukraine should also suspend troop movements and lift current martial law so that elections can be held, which would pave the way for a peace agreement. In that situation, Ukraine would have to declare itself neutral, suspend its attempt to join NATO, disarm and recognize Russian as an official language along with Ukrainian.

All demands have previously been rejected by Ukraine and its allies, writes the news agency.

AFP writes that the proposal submitted to the Ukrainian delegation confirms Russia’s “maximalist claims” to occupied territories. The Crimean peninsula, which was occupied in 2014, is not mentioned at all.

After today's meeting, Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff Andriy Yermak wrote that Russia is uninterested in achieving a ceasefire. He therefore wants to see new sanctions.

"Russia is doing everything to continue the war," he wrote on Telegram, according to Reuters.

Hour-long meeting ends – new prisoner exchange is being prepared

Russia and Ukraine are planning a new, comprehensive prisoner exchange. Both sides confirmed this after Monday's meeting in Istanbul. The countries have agreed to release an equal number of seriously injured soldiers and soldiers younger than 25 years old. No specific number was mentioned.

In addition, the remains of 6,000 fallen soldiers will be returned from both sides, according to the announcement from the meeting, which lasted a little more than an hour.

The parties have not managed to agree on a ceasefire, but Russia has reportedly provided Ukraine with a document stating the country's demands for an unconditional ceasefire.