Moscow Calls Kyiv's Peace Demand ‘Unconstructive' as It Pushes for Closed-Door Talks
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Thursday dismissed Ukraine's demand for the immediate release of Russia's draft memorandum on a potential peace settlement, calling the request 'unconstructive.' He stressed the importance of creating a conducive environment for serious, closed-door negotiations.
'Russia has proposed a meeting in Istanbul next Monday to begin discussing settlement proposals. In this context, insisting on the immediate handover of documents is counterproductive. Either there is a readiness to negotiate, or a different stance must be adopted,' Peskov told reporters.
Peskov emphasized that Moscow refuses to discuss the content of the documents publicly, citing the need for confidentiality in such sensitive matters. He reiterated Russia's support for continued direct negotiations with Ukraine.
❗️ Ukraine still hasn't responded to June 2 Istanbul talks proposal — Kremlin spox Peskov
He added that Russia will not publicly discuss Ukraine's settlement details pic.twitter.com/IhE2A62ecc
— RT (@RT_com) May 29, 2025
No Putin–Trump Talks Planned, Channels Remain Open
Commenting on US–Russia relations, Peskov noted there are currently no plans for a new conversation between President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump. However, he said communication lines remain open, and a call could be quickly arranged if necessary.
He also referenced Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's statement on Wednesday, outlining Moscow's proposal for renewed talks with Ukraine, including a memorandum detailing Russia's position on the conflict's core issues.
Lavrov: Russia Open to Dialogue
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reaffirmed Moscow's openness to dialogue, even with nations led by adversarial governments.
'We have never refused dialogue, even with countries adopting hostile positions against Russia, whether at the regional or local level,' Lavrov said during a meeting of the United Russia party's International Cooperation Committee.
Separately, the Foreign Ministry confirmed Lavrov had discussed preparations for the upcoming June 2 negotiations in Istanbul with US counterpart Marco Rubio during a phone call.
Lavrov stated that Russia had drafted a comprehensive memorandum addressing the root causes of the conflict, arguing that any viable resolution must tackle these issues in a credible and lasting manner.
Russia Rejects Ukraine's Demand for Immediate Disclosure of Peace Proposal as 'Unconstructive'
Russian Forces Capture New Towns in Donetsk and Kharkiv, Inflict Heavy Losses
On the battlefield, the Russian Defense Ministry announced the capture of three additional towns as part of its ongoing military campaign launched in February 2022.
In a statement, the ministry reported that units from the Western Group of Forces seized Stroyevka in Kharkiv, Southern forces took control of Gnatovka, and Central forces captured Shevchenko Pervoye in the Donetsk People's Republic.
Russian MoD releaeses footage from recently-liberated Gnatovka in the Donetsk Republic pic.twitter.com/E3EfP4hpmu
— RT (@RT_com) May 29, 2025
The statement added that Russian strikes targeted Ukrainian troop concentrations across several regions, resulting in over 630 Ukrainian military casualties. It also reported the destruction of armored vehicles, artillery systems, ammunition depots, and strategic infrastructure, including drone manufacturing facilities and fuel stations.
Air defense systems reportedly intercepted seven US-supplied JDAM guided bombs and shot down 132 Ukrainian drones.
The Russian military operation, which began on February 24, 2022, is officially framed by Moscow as an effort to 'protect the people of Donbas,' whom it claims have faced years of persecution by Ukrainian authorities.
The Defense Ministry also stated that Russian forces had repelled Ukraine's counteroffensive, despite extensive Western military and financial support to Kyiv.
Russian forces reportedly destroyed large quantities of NATO-supplied equipment, including German Leopard 2 tanks and US and British armored vehicles.
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