Russia drafts a Ukraine peace plan, incl. a prisoner swap
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Russia is preparing a peace memorandum for Ukraine outlining settlement terms, ceasefire options, and expected timelines, according to Maria Zakharova.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting of the Commission for Military Technical Cooperation with Foreign States via videoconference at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on May 23, 2025. (Alexander Kazakov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)
Russia is actively working on a draft peace memorandum aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The document is expected to detail the foundational principles for a potential peace agreement, including a timeline for implementation and provisions for a ceasefire.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova confirmed that the draft is still in progress and will be presented to Ukraine once completed, according to Reuters.
Additionally, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has been providing daily updates on the memorandum's development.
The initiative follows a recent conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, during which Putin expressed Moscow's willingness to collaborate with Ukraine on the memorandum, according to Reuters.
Recent talks yield limited progress
On May 16, Russia and Ukraine held their first direct peace talks since early 2022 in Istanbul. The meeting resulted in an agreement to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war each, marking the largest such swap to date.
However, discussions on broader peace remained stalled, with Ukraine, backed by Western allies, insisting on a ceasefire as a prerequisite, while Russia introduced new demands, including Ukrainian troop withdrawal from large areas, which Kiev deemed unacceptable, according to the Associated Press.
Despite the prisoner exchange, no concrete agreements were reached regarding a ceasefire or further negotiations. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that future meetings are yet to be agreed upon, according to the Associated Press.
Ongoing conflict undermines peace efforts
The conflict continues unabated, with recent escalations undermining peace efforts. On May 23, Russia and Ukraine conducted the first phase of a major prisoner exchange, each releasing 390 detainees, including soldiers and civilians.
This marks the largest swap of the three-year-old war and a rare moment of cooperation amid stalled ceasefire efforts. Despite this humanitarian gesture, hostilities persist along a 1,000-kilometer frontline, with Russia launching deadly missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian regions, including Odesa and Kherson, according to the Associated Press.
The exchange followed brief peace talks in Istanbul, which yielded no substantial progress. Russia and Ukraine still differ significantly on ceasefire terms. Moscow demands that Ukraine withdraw from annexed territories and halt mobilization efforts, while Kiev, backed by Western allies, insists on a ceasefire and continuation of arms support.
Russia proposed to send its draft of a long-term peace agreement after the prisoner exchanges conclude.
While Turkish officials view the swap as a confidence-building measure, further negotiations lack an agreed venue. Additionally, US President Trump acknowledged the swap publicly, hinting it might prompt further diplomatic developments, according to the Associated Press.
International mediation efforts continue
Turkey has reiterated its willingness to host and facilitate future peace talks. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Putin in Moscow to discuss efforts toward ending the war in Ukraine.
Fidan is expected to visit Kiev later this week to continue diplomatic efforts. Russia has indicated that, in addition to Turkey, nations like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman could potentially host future peace discussions, according to Reuters.
Despite these diplomatic overtures, the path to a comprehensive peace agreement remains fraught with challenges. Both sides continue to hold firm on their respective positions, and the ongoing hostilities further complicate the negotiation process.
