RUSSIA-UKRAINE TALKS STALL AS CEASEFIRE REMAINS OUT OF REACH

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE

Article Published on: 04TH JUNE 2025 | www.demodemagazine.com

Russia has downplayed hopes for a breakthrough in peace talks with Ukraine held in Istanbul, where negotiations lasted under two hours. While both sides exchanged prisoner swap lists and peace proposals, no significant progress was made. Ukraine’s call for an unconditional ceasefire was rejected by Moscow, which instead proposed limited truces lasting just two to three days. Russia also demanded Ukrainian withdrawal from four annexed regions as a condition to pause hostilities. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha criticized Moscow's demands as outdated ultimatums.

Meanwhile, Russia intensified its military push in the Sumy region, killing four people and wounding 20, including a seven-year-old girl. President Zelensky accused Russia of deliberately targeting civilians and urged stronger Western sanctions. Russian forces reportedly captured Andriivka village, while Ukraine’s SBU claimed an attack on the Crimean bridge using an underwater explosive. Hopes for a summit involving leaders from Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. remain unlikely, according to the Kremlin.