Zelenskyy Denounces Russia’s Peace Proposal as 'Ultimatum' and Calls for Direct Talks with Putin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has strongly rejected a new ceasefire proposal from Moscow, characterizing Russia’s overture as “an ultimatum” rather than a genuine pathway to peace. As the bloody conflict enters its fourth year, Zelenskyy renewed his call for direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stressing that only top-level talks might achieve a breakthrough amid entrenched positions on both sides.

The two warring nations exchanged official memorandums this week, outlining their respective conditions for a ceasefire ahead of direct peace talks scheduled for Monday in Istanbul. This marks the second time in just over a fortnight that delegations from Ukraine and Russia have convened in hopes of finding common ground. However, both delegations have defined firm “red lines,” signaling that any near-term agreement remains elusive.

Following the latest meeting in Istanbul, President Zelenskyy delivered a pointed assessment, dismissing the negotiation process as “a political performance” and accusing the Kremlin of leveraging the talks to stall further sanctions and project an image of diplomatic engagement—particularly to the United States. “The same ultimatums they voiced back then — now they just put them on paper,” Zelenskyy told journalists, adding, “This document looks like spam. It’s spam meant to flood us and create the impression that they’re doing something.”

Zelenskyy noted that the current round of discussions bore a striking resemblance in “content and spirit” to earlier, unproductive talks also held in Istanbul early in the war. The Ukrainian delegation was led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, while the Russian side was headed by Vladimir Medinsky, a senior aide to Putin. According to Zelenskyy, progress is unlikely as long as dialogue remains limited to these mid-level contacts.

The Ukrainian leader made clear that he seeks a comprehensive ceasefire before embarking on any summit meeting with Putin. He also floated the possibility of including U.S. President Donald Trump in such talks, underscoring Washington’s central role as a mediator. “We are proposing a ceasefire before a leaders’ summit, with the U.S. acting as a mediator,” Zelenskyy explained during a press briefing in Kyiv.

Zelenskyy argued that establishing a truce ahead of any direct talks would be crucial: “If we meet and there is no mutual understanding, no willingness or vision on how to end this, then the ceasefire would end that same day. But if we see readiness to continue dialogue and take real steps toward de-escalation, then the ceasefire would be extended with U.S. mediation guarantees.”

Ukraine reiterated its readiness to participate in high-level talks at any time after Monday, suggesting possible venues such as Istanbul, the Vatican, or Switzerland. Yet, the latest round of negotiations in Istanbul appeared fruitless, lasting just over an hour and yielding little besides an agreement to exchange thousands of dead and wounded soldiers.

Despite stalled peace efforts, Zelenskyy indicated a glimmer of hope, announcing that a new prisoner exchange with Russia may take place over the coming weekend. As both sides brace for continued hostilities, the diplomatic impasse persists, with the toll of the prolonged war weighing heavily on the region.