On June 3, 2023, in a significant statement regarding the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, senior Russian security official Dmitry Medvedev emphasized that the primary goal of the peace talks is to ensure a swift and complete victory for Russia. The discussions, which took place in Istanbul, are not intended to reach a compromise but rather to solidify Russia's position in the ongoing conflict, according to Medvedev.
Medvedev, who serves as the deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, expressed his views via Telegram, asserting that the negotiations are focused on the "complete destruction of the neo-Nazi regime" in Ukraine. He referenced the Russian Memorandum that outlines specific demands presented to Ukraine during the Istanbul talks. Key points of this memorandum include requests for Ukraine to relinquish additional territory, declare itself a neutral country, adhere to restrictions on the size of its military, and conduct new parliamentary and presidential elections.
The peace talks, which were notably brief, lasting only one hour, resulted in an agreement on a new prisoner-of-war swap and the exchange of 12,000 deceased soldiers. However, the discussions did not lead to a consensus on a ceasefire, which Ukraine and its allies have been urging Russia to accept. This lack of agreement highlights the ongoing tensions and the challenges that lie ahead in achieving a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
In light of recent military developments, Medvedev's comments also included a warning about retribution following Ukraine's weekend strikes on Russian strategic bomber bases. He stated that "retribution is inevitable," reinforcing Russia's determination to continue its military advancements. "Our Army is pushing forward and will continue to advance," he declared, asserting that all necessary military actions will be taken, including destruction of strategic targets and elimination of threats.
The statements from Medvedev reflect the current state of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing Russia's uncompromising stance and its military objectives. As the situation continues to evolve, the international community watches closely to see how these developments will impact future peace negotiations and the overall stability of the region.
