In the document, seen by POLITICO, Kyiv continues to push for a full and unconditional ceasefire, an all-for-all exchange of prisoners, the unconditional return of all Ukrainian children that were illegally taken to Russia, and the release of all civilian hostages.
In addition, Kyiv is demanding that the Kremlin undertake an obligation not to attack Ukraine again in future, and that Ukraine not be forced to surrender its sovereignty. Kyiv is to be allowed to move toward EU membership, and its NATO future is to be decided by the members of the alliance, not by Russia.
Territorial gains made by Russia since February 2014 must not be recognized by the international community, the document says, adding that the contact line — the 1,000-kilometer strip of land that has divided the warring parties since February 2022 — is the starting point for negotiations. Territorial issues will be discussed only after a full and unconditional ceasefire is agreed at a meeting between the leaders of Ukraine and Russia.
In return, Ukraine agrees that some sanctions may gradually be lifted from Russia, but with a mechanism for their resumption if Russia violates its promises. Kyiv says it will be ready to discuss the issue of territory only during a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The Ukrainians would also like U.S. President Donald Trump to attend the leaders’ meeting.
The Kremlin, however, had said ahead of the talks that it would not inform Kyiv of its own vision of peace or publish a memorandum ahead of the second round — and on Monday duly passed its suggestions to the Ukrainian side.
“We will take a week to study this document and give our assessment,” Umerov said.
