Medvedev: Peace talks aim for 'swift and complete Russian victory' | DW News

Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks: Istanbul Round Summary

Key Concepts: Peace talks, ceasefire, Russian demands, Ukrainian response, Kremlin's objectives, potential leaders' meeting, drone attacks on Russian airbases, internal Russian reaction, US involvement.

1. Istanbul Peace Talks Outcome

The latest round of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul concluded without a breakthrough. Despite over three years of fighting, no agreement was reached on ending the war.

2. Russian Demands for a Truce

• Kremlin's Terms: The Russian delegation presented a document outlining their terms for a truce.
• Withdrawal of Ukrainian Forces: A key demand is the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from four regions, which Ukraine has repeatedly rejected.
• Ukraine's Response: Kyiv stated it needs to evaluate the document before providing a response.
• Medvedev's Statement: Top Russian security official Dimmitri Medvedev stated the purpose of the talks is to ensure a "swift and complete Russian victory."

3. Ukrainian Proposal for Leaders' Meeting

• Face-to-Face Discussions: Ukraine's defense minister called for face-to-face discussions between Presidents Putin and Zelensky.
• Potential Involvement of Other Leaders: The meeting could potentially involve other leaders, such as the President of the United States.
• Proposed Timeline: Ukraine proposed holding the meeting between June 20th and 30th.
• Rationale: Ukraine believes key issues can only be resolved at the leaders' level, and further delegation work should aim to prepare for this meeting.

4. Analysis of Russian Demands

• Complete Capitulation: Francis Fel characterized the Russian demands as equivalent to complete capitulation by Ukraine.
• Specific Demands: These include recognition of annexed regions, complete withdrawal of Ukrainian troops (potentially handing over 1-2 million people to Russian occupation), limits on military size, return of Russian language to official status, refusal to join NATO, and refusal to demand reparations.
• Assessment: Fel deemed the demands not a serious peace proposal.

5. Moscow's Reaction and Objectives

• Medvedev's Extreme View: Medvedev stated Russia needs the negotiations to celebrate a "complete victory," including bringing down the Kyiv regime.
• Peskov's Diplomatic Stance: Kremlin spokesman Peskov said no breakthrough should be expected. He also criticized Zelensky's remarks about Russian negotiators.
• Ceasefire Unlikely: Both Medvedev's and Peskov's reactions suggest Moscow is not seriously considering a ceasefire in the near future.
• Ongoing Military Action: Russian forces have been launching massive nighttime drone strikes across Ukraine.

6. Drone Attacks on Russian Air Bases

• Lack of Official Reaction: There has been hardly any official reaction from Russia regarding the recent drone attacks on Russian air bases.
• Putin's Statement Delayed: President Putin will only make a statement after investigations are completed.
• Psychological Damage: Yuri Rashetto noted the attacks caused enormous psychological damage in addition to military and material damage.
• Failure of Secret Services: The attacks exposed a failure of Russia's secret services, a pillar of Putin's power.
• Hunt for Participants: A hunt is underway for suspected participants in the attacks to show the public that the secret services are active.

7. Ukraine's Next Steps and US Involvement

• Open to Leaders' Meeting: Ukraine is officially open to a meeting at the leaders' level.
• Russian Disinterest: Evidence suggests Russia is not interested in stopping on the battlefield, and Putin is not interested in meeting Zelensky.
• US Role: The situation is seen as an opportunity for the US to convince Donald Trump that Russia is not interested in peace and that he needs to put direct pressure on Russia.

8. Synthesis/Conclusion

The Istanbul peace talks failed to produce a breakthrough, with Russia presenting demands viewed as a complete capitulation by Ukraine. While Ukraine proposes a leaders' meeting, Russia's actions and statements suggest a lack of genuine interest in a ceasefire. The drone attacks on Russian air bases have exposed vulnerabilities and caused psychological damage within Russia. The situation underscores the need for strong international pressure, particularly from the US, to influence Russia's approach to the conflict.