Russia Set to Present Peace Memorandum to Ukraine

Russia is finalizing a draft memorandum aimed at establishing a peaceful settlement. Konstantin Kosachev, Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council and member of the International Affairs Committee, announced in an interview with the Russian Defense Ministry’s Zvezda TV channel that the draft will be submitted to Kyiv within days. His comments, made on May 24, 2025, signal a potential shift in diplomatic efforts to end hostilities that have persisted since February 2022.

While Kosachev indicated that the memorandum is nearing completion, he refrained from disclosing its contents, highlighting the sensitive nature of the negotiations. The document reportedly incorporates previous Russian proposals, which include demands for Ukraine’s demilitarization, recognition of new territorial realities, and the establishment of a neutral status for the country. The decision to keep the details confidential reflects the complexities involved in reaching a mutual agreement.

This announcement comes on the heels of a significant prisoner exchange, which occurred on May 23-24 in Istanbul. The “1000 for 1000” deal, facilitated by Turkey, marked the largest such exchange during the ongoing conflict, underscoring the urgency and potential for diplomatic breakthroughs.

As talks resumed in May 2025, tensions remain high. Previous dialogue efforts, including meetings in 2022, have faltered due to deep-seated disagreements. Moscow continues to advocate for the consolidation of control over the four regions it annexed in 2022, while Kyiv remains steadfast in its demand for the full restoration of its territorial integrity within the borders recognized in 1991.