In Russia, it has once again been confirmed that work is ongoing on the so-called “memorandum” regarding the possible ceasefire in Ukraine
This happened amid prolonged and widespread shelling of Ukrainian positions by Russian armed forces, which has raised concerns among the international community and Ukrainian defenders. Statements were made by Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who on Tuesday during a briefing confirmed that the Russian Federation is still working on a draft of a document aimed at establishing a peaceful framework. These words came at a time when Russian military forces carried out massive combined strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure and military targets. According to the diplomat, the work on the memorandum includes several key components: principles for resolving the conflict, possible timelines for reaching a peace agreement, and the potential for a unilateral or agreed ceasefire regime. Zakharova emphasized that once the preparation is complete, all documents will be immediately submitted to Kyiv for discussion by the Ukrainian side. She expressed hope that Ukraine is conducting similar work and intends to inform Russia about its developments simultaneously upon receiving the Russian draft. "Russia is working on this memorandum, and as soon as it is ready, we will immediately hand it over to the Ukrainian side," Zakharova stated. She added that the sides need to intensify consultations to reach an agreement and possibly lay the groundwork for a broader future peace treaty. Recall that in recent weeks, numerous reports have appeared in the information space about the possible settlement of the conflict. However, actual steps by Russia, including massive strikes on Ukraine, are far from a formal peace negotiation process. For example, during the night attack on May 24, Russian forces launched 14 Iskander-M ballistic missiles and 250 attack drones against Ukrainian territory. Ukrainian forces managed to intercept six missiles and 128 drones, with another 117 destroyed or lost due to electronic warfare systems (EW). The following night — May 25 — Russian troops intensified their activities with new strike weapons: 9 Iskander-M and KN-23 missiles, 55 Kalibr cruise missiles X-101, as well as larger-caliber X-22 and guided aviation missiles X-59/69. As a result of this attack, 12 people lost their lives, another 60 were wounded, and local residents and Ukrainian defenses suffered significant damage. Earlier, during the night of May 26, Russia launched another massive attack using more than 360 air assault means. Military aircraft and air defense systems shot down 9 cruise missiles and neutralized 288 drones — though the level of complete enemy elimination remains unsatisfactory. At the same time, Ukraine continues to insist on its position regarding the need to define clear conditions and procedures for a potential ceasefire and states that it is ready for constructive dialogue. President Volodymyr Zelensky, considering the prolonged and ruthless shelling, stated that Ukraine is open to negotiations but under strict, stable, and favorable conditions for itself. On May 19, after consultations with U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced his principled readiness to "work on a memorandum" with Ukraine, which, according to him, would facilitate a quick ceasefire. On the same day, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine is waiting for Russian proposals in the format of a memorandum: "If Russia provides this document — we will analyze it and formulate our comments." However, amid the absence of real efforts from Russia and numerous reports of temporary truces, Ukrainian citizens and experts are increasingly questioning Russia’s true intentions regarding conflict resolution. The rhetoric about a "draft memorandum" in May, as well as Putin’s words about "restoring contacts and working toward peace," are increasingly raising doubts in the global community about the Kremlin’s real goals. Overall, the situation remains tense: Ukrainian defenders continue fighting Russian forces, who show remarkable persistence in using strike means, while Ukrainian authorities and international partners are trying to reduce the level of conflict and find paths toward peace — although no concrete results have been achieved at this stage. All eyes are on when real steps and documents will emerge that could move the situation off the dead point and start a long-term resolution.