Zelensky rejects Russian ceasefire, calls for 30‑day halt
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, rejected the proposal from the head of the Russian delegation, Vladimir Medinsky, for a two to three-day ceasefire to "collect bodies." "I think they're idiots, because the whole point of a ceasefire is to prevent people from being killed in the first place," Zelensky stated.
Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine has not changed its position — Kyiv demands an unconditional ceasefire for at least 30 days. According to him, Russia is only interested in a "brief pause in the war."
Russia proposes a "ceasefire"
Zelensky noted that even without a short-term ceasefire, the exchange of fallen soldiers' bodies continues. He described the Russian proposals as attempts to simulate diplomatic efforts aimed at delaying the next package of U.S. sanctions against Russia. "I really want our American partners to take strong steps and send a package of sanctions to the Senate, to push the Russians to cease fire with strong sanctions. They don't understand any other way. And we believe that this is fair," he added.
The President of Ukraine also confirmed a plan for a new, broad exchange of prisoners, detainees, and fallen soldiers' bodies. An exchange in the format "1,000 for 1,000" was agreed upon in Istanbul, and it is possible to extend it to "200 for 200." Ukraine raised the topic of additional groups — soldiers, political prisoners, and journalists. Lists of names are to be exchanged this week.
Second round of talks in Istanbul
On June 2, the second round of direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine took place in Istanbul to discuss ending a war that has lasted for almost 3.5 years. After the talks, Medinsky informed that Moscow proposed halting military activities on selected front sections "for two to three days in certain areas of the front line, so that commanders can collect the bodies of their soldiers." The Russian representative explained this was due to the heat and an epidemic threat in the so-called gray zone.
Shocking demands of Russia towards Ukraine
Additionally, Russia presented a draft memorandum with two scenarios for ending the war. The first envisages the gradual withdrawal of the Ukrainian Armed Forces from four partially occupied regions to an "agreed" distance from the borders of the Russian Federation.
The second option does not require the direct handing over of territories but includes 12 conditions, such as stopping mobilization in Ukraine, halting foreign arms supplies, guaranteeing the cessation of "sabotage" on Russian territory, among others.
Commenting on these proposals, Zelensky said they resemble an "ultimatum" from Russia.
