Ukraine has submitted a detailed proposal for ending the war with Russia, centered on a full ceasefire monitored by international partners, but accused Moscow of dragging its feet and possibly setting the stage to sabotage upcoming peace talks.
According to a senior Ukrainian official speaking to the New York Times (NYT) on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the negotiations, Kyiv’s memorandum outlines a ceasefire “on land, at sea, and in the air,” with international observers tasked with overseeing compliance.
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The proposal was sent to both the US and Russia ahead of a possible second round of direct peace talks in Istanbul on Monday. While Washington has acknowledged receipt of Ukraine’s terms and called them “reasonable,” the Kremlin has so far refused to submit its own.
President Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, confirmed that the US is still waiting for Moscow’s memorandum. He also urged Kyiv not to walk away from the talks even if Russia refuses to share its proposal in advance.
“You need to show you’re serious,” Kellogg told ABC News.
Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha said at a press conference in Kyiv that any talks must be “substantive and meaningful,” and that Ukraine needs to see Russia’s terms before agreeing to send a delegation.
He warned that proceeding without such transparency would leave Kyiv vulnerable to an “ambush” – where Russia could spring unacceptable demands and then blame Ukraine for rejecting them.
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Russia’s delegation is reportedly still prepared to attend Monday’s talks in Turkey. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow’s memorandum “could not be made public” ahead of the meeting, but did not offer a clear reason.
Meanwhile, Ukraine and Western observers remain skeptical of Russia’s intentions. The Kremlin skipped the first round of talks in mid-May, sending low-level officials instead of senior leadership.
On the battlefield, Russia has intensified drone and missile attacks, including a strike that destroyed a postal facility in Odesa overnight. Ukrainian authorities said 90 drones and two ballistic missiles were launched on Friday alone.
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