A representative of Russian President Vladimir Putin made a statement that could become an important step in the process of exploring ways to end the bloodshed on Ukrainian soil
According to him, Ukraine and the Russian Federation will soon work out their visions in detail regarding the possibility of reaching a ceasefire, specifying all conditions and circumstances. This news has gained significant attention amidst the prolonged negotiation processes taking place in a complex and tense atmosphere, with participants on both sides offering differing assessments. Vladimir Medinsky, head of the Russian delegation and somewhat of a messenger for Vladimir Putin, expressed satisfaction with the results of recent meetings in his official comments. He stated that the parties involved have committed not just to discussing the possibility of a ceasefire but also to informing each other about specific models and prospects for such a scenario. Medinsky noted that each side is currently preparing its vision in full detail, and after these are presented, the parties agreed to continue negotiations in this direction to identify the most acceptable compromise. According to official information, the Ukrainian side, based on comments from diplomats, expressed a desire to engage in direct dialogue between the leaders of Ukraine and Russia. At the same time, the Russian side, including Vladimir Medinsky, confirmed that Russia took this initiative into consideration and does not object to further high-level negotiations. It is worth recalling that recently, peace talks took place in Istanbul between Ukrainian and Russian delegations. During these discussions, Russian representatives again proposed a series of conditions that are unfavorable and unacceptable to the Ukrainian side. For instance, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov reported that the discussions included the possibility of a large-scale prisoner exchange under the "thousand for a thousand" format — meaning the release of 1,000 Ukrainian and 1,000 Russian soldiers in a single exchange. Sources within Ukrainian diplomatic circles indicate that Russia put forward demands that appear unrealistic and go far beyond the previously discussed conditions. Among the main Russian demands are the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from certain occupied territories, in order to create conditions for declaring a ceasefire. Recent media statements also suggest that Russia insisted that U.S. representatives should not be involved in the negotiating process, further increasing tensions and indicating the complex and delicate diplomatic game unfolding around the Ukrainian conflict. It remains difficult to predict how further negotiations will unfold and whether the sides will be able to reach a compromise. One thing is clear: the greatest challenge remains finding a balance between the ambitions of both countries and the Ukrainian people's desire for peace and security. Nonetheless, any positions, even progressive and hopeful ones, require careful development and the right diplomatic steps for their implementation. Time will tell whether these efforts can lead to a lasting and just peace — or whether, on the contrary, the conflict will inevitably enter a new phase of destabilization and arduous negotiation battles.