Photo: OP
The Russian delegation in Istanbul has openly stated that their “memorandum” is an ultimatum that Ukraine is not ready to accept. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an interview with Válasz Online.
According to the Head of State, Moscow’s tactics are aimed at weakening Ukraine’s position and delaying the negotiation process. “They are professionals of lies and manipulations, and their memorandum is nothing but an ultimatum. It is important that the mediating countries focus not on sanctions and economic problems, but on the main thing – on the war, human lives and peace,” Zelenskyy stressed.
The Head of State emphasised that the Ukrainian delegation had a mandate only to discuss humanitarian issues – the exchange of prisoners, the return of abducted children and the ceasefire. Discussion of sovereignty and territorial integrity is beyond their mandate. “The memorandum is the basis for negotiations, but not for concessions on our territory,” he said.
Zelenskyy added that Ukraine does not recognise the occupied territories and emphasised: “If we receive security guarantees, we can resolve territorial issues diplomatically. But now the main thing is to stop the war, and this requires the will of both sides.” He also noted that Russia recognises the memorandum as an ultimatum and does not plan to accept it, which complicates the process.
The President expressed disappointment with the weakness of mediators, particularly the United States, which, according to him, has not shown strength in negotiations with Russia.
