‘Words Do Not Work With Moscow’ – Kremlin Has Not Shared Ceasefire Memo With Kyiv, Zelensky Says

Russia has not yet shared a ceasefire memorandum with Ukraine and its partners, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated in his evening address to the nation, reacting to claims earlier in the day by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov that Ukraine has yet to respond to Moscow’s proposal.

“Words do not work with Moscow. Even the so-called ‘memorandum,’ which they promised and allegedly spent over a week preparing,” Zelensky said. “No one has seen it yet. It has not been shared with Ukraine. It has not been shared with our partners. They haven’t even shared the new agenda with Turkey, the country that hosted the first meeting. Although they promised the exact opposite, and above all, they promised it to the United States, to President Trump.” 

Zelensky described this as another act of Russian deception, emphasizing the need for stronger sanctions and increased pressure on Moscow. He also noted that he had spoken with American and European leaders earlier that day.

“Everyone must speak honestly — especially those who supported the ceasefire. Russia is dragging out the war and doing everything possible to deceive countries that still believe they can influence Moscow with words instead of pressure,” Zelensky stated.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced on Wednesday that Moscow proposed holding a second round of talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul on June 2.

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Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called on Russia to immediately hand over its “memorandum” with ceasefire proposals to Ukraine, rather than waiting until Monday.

On Wednesday, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov sent a document outlining Ukraine’s position on the ceasefire to Vladimir Medinsky, the head of the Russian delegation, he announced on Facebook.

“Unfortunately, the Russian side attempted to delay the process,” Umerov said. “However, international pressure proved effective.

“Following strong statements from President Trump, European leaders, and President Zelensky, who demonstrated global unity in achieving peace for Ukraine, Russia finally announced the completion of its ‘memorandum’. Despite this, they continue to delay its transfer. I handed over our document, which reflects Ukraine’s position, to the head of the Russian delegation. They have received it,” the minister stated.

“We are not opposed to further meetings with the Russians and are awaiting their memorandum,” Umerov, who headed the Ukrainian delegation during the recent Istanbul talks, said in a post on X.

The Kremlin, in turn, said it was Kyiv that was delaying the process by not responding to their memorandum, which Zelensky said his office had not received.

“As far as I know, no response has been received yet [from Kyiv]... we need to wait for a response from the Ukrainian side,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters. He called Ukraine’s demand for Russia to present peace conditions ahead of the talks “non-constructive.”