Maria Zakharova stated during a press briefing, “Russia continues to work on drafting a memorandum for a peace agreement, outlining the terms and principles for settlement, as well as the timeline for signing the peace and suspending the ceasefire, should suitable understandings be reached.”
She noted that the memorandum will be delivered to the Ukrainian side as soon as it is finalized.
She added, “We expect Kyiv to send us its feedback after receiving our memorandum.”
Zakharova also confirmed that the agreements reached during the Istanbul negotiations were attained “with difficulty” due to Kyiv’s stance.
She pointed out the increase in attacks by the Kyiv regime on civilian sites, aimed at demonstrating its capability to negotiate from a position of strength, although she emphasized their insignificance.
She affirmed that the Kyiv regime demands tougher sanctions against Russia and the continuation of military supplies to obstruct the settlement process.
Zakharova mentioned that several European officials do not wish to achieve a peaceful resolution in Ukraine.
On another note, she stated that the prisoner exchange with Ukraine, framed as 1000 for 1000, was successfully conducted with the assistance of Belarus according to the agreement made in Istanbul.
A meeting between representatives from Moscow and Kyiv took place in Istanbul on May 16, where Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky announced an agreement for the prisoner exchange of 1000 for 1000.
