The Russian and Ukrainian memorandums, which present the vision of Moscow and kyiv concerning the procedure to reach peace, are “diametrically opposed,” Russian president Vladimir Putin said on Friday.
“There is no surprise. (…) These are two diametrically opposed memorandums. But the negotiations are organized and carried out precisely in order to find grounds of understanding, “he said at a press conference on the sidelines of a regional summit in Minsk, Bélarus.
The Russian president said that the Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were “in permanent contact”, in particular to agree on a place and a date for a third cycle of direct talks, after those of May 16 and June 2 in Turkey. These discussions, the first direct between Moscow and kyiv on the outcome of the conflict since the spring of 2022, did not lead to major advances, but each party had presented a memorandum in early June, a sort of ideal plan to reach a peace agreement after more than three years of large Russian -scale offensive.
Ukraine still demands that the Russian army withdraw from the five regions which it partially or completely occupies, while Russia wants kyiv to renounce NATO and recognize control of these territories. Unacceptable conditions for kyiv.
The Russian president also said he had “deep respect” for his American counterpart Donald Trump, whom he described as “courageous”, ensuring “appreciating” that the White House tenant “sincerely wishes to find a solution” to the conflict in Ukraine.
“Thanks to President Trump, relations between Russia and the United States are beginning to balance on certain points. Everything is not settled in the field of diplomatic relations, but the first steps were taken, ”he also congratulated.
