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Ukraine Presents Peace Plan for Talks with Russia in Istanbul: Key Demands from Kyiv

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Rescuers work
Rescuers work at the site of a trolleybus depot damaged by a Russian drone strike, in Kharkiv, Ukraine, May 30, 2025. REUTERS/Sofia Gatilova

On June 2, Ukraine and Russia are scheduled to meet for a new round of peace negotiations in Istanbul—talks that could prove decisive in the context of ongoing war. According to Reuters, the Ukrainian delegation has prepared a detailed draft agreement to be presented to the Russian side. The document outlines a comprehensive roadmap for ending hostilities, returning deported children, and resolving core issues such as territorial integrity, security guarantees, and sanctions. Reuters has published the original text in full. Below is a translated and adapted version, preserving the structure, tone, and meaning of the original, rephrased to suit unique content requirements for Google AdSense.

I. Core Principles of the Agreement and the Negotiation Process

1. Full and Unconditional Ceasefire

Ukraine demands a complete and unconditional cessation of hostilities—in the air, on land, and at sea—as a fundamental precondition for starting any peace process.

2. Humanitarian Confidence-Building Measures

Kyiv insists on the immediate and unconditional return of all Ukrainian children who were deported or forcibly displaced from occupied territories. Additionally, a comprehensive prisoner exchange based on the “all for all” principle is proposed, along with the release of all civilian hostages held by Russia.

3. Preventing Future Aggression

A key goal of the negotiations is to establish a durable framework for long-term peace and security. The agreement must include mechanisms to ensure that acts of aggression are never repeated.

4. International Security Guarantees

Ukraine seeks robust and legally binding security guarantees with the involvement of the international community, including the United States and European partners. These guarantors should oversee and enforce the implementation of any agreements reached.

5. Sovereignty and Geopolitical Choice

Ukraine firmly rejects any limitations on its right to determine its own foreign policy. The country reserves the right to pursue integration with the European Union and the Euro-Atlantic community. NATO membership remains subject to consensus among current members, but Russia cannot dictate the size, deployment, or operational parameters of Ukraine’s armed forces—or of friendly foreign troops operating within Ukrainian territory.

6. Territorial Integrity

Ukraine does not recognize any territorial acquisitions made by Russia since 2014. The line of contact as of now will serve as the starting point for negotiations. However, discussions on territorial matters will only commence after a complete and unconditional ceasefire is achieved.

7. Sanctions and Reparations

While the possibility of easing sanctions on Russia is not ruled out, Ukraine proposes a gradual, phased approach. A snapback mechanism should be built in, allowing sanctions to be reinstated if agreements are violated. Russia’s frozen sovereign assets must either be used to fund reconstruction in Ukraine or remain frozen until full reparations are paid.

8. Implementation Framework

The parties are expected to agree on a realistic, clearly defined roadmap outlining each step of implementation and enforcement. This roadmap should be balanced, actionable, and fully monitored by international partners.

II. Next Steps: Ceasefire and Preparing the Leaders’ Summit

Following the Istanbul meeting, talks will continue with a focus on:

  1. Establishing the modalities and international monitoring mechanisms for a full ceasefire.
  2. Implementing further confidence-building humanitarian measures.
  3. Preparing the structure and agenda for direct negotiations between the leaders of Ukraine and Russia.

Reuters notes that participation by the United States and key European nations is considered essential for this next phase.

III. Ceasefire Mechanism

• Ukraine proposes a full ceasefire in all domains—air, land, and sea—for an initial period of at least 30 days, with the option to extend for successive 30-day periods.
• The ceasefire should be monitored by the United States and supported by neutral third-party nations.

IV. Confidence-Building Measures

Once the initial exchange of prisoners takes place following the Istanbul talks, Ukraine envisions an expanded process continuing under the “all for all” model.
Additionally:

• Russia must unconditionally return all deported and forcibly displaced Ukrainian children.
• All civilian detainees held by Russia—dating back to 2014—must be released.

These measures aim to restore humanitarian trust and signal readiness for deeper negotiations.

V. Leaders’ Summit

A direct meeting between the President of Ukraine and the President of Russia is envisioned as a key step toward concluding the final peace agreement. The leaders would address:

  1. Permanent cessation of hostilities: terms, enforcement, and penalties for violations.
  2. Security guarantees and mechanisms to prevent renewed aggression.
  3. The status of occupied territories and broader territorial issues.
  4. Economic recovery, compensation mechanisms, and reconstruction efforts.
  5. Legal and diplomatic consequences for breaches of the agreement.
  6. Final signature and formal conclusion of a peace treaty.

According to Reuters, the document reflects Ukraine’s strategic effort to seek a negotiated settlement—on its own terms. Kyiv insists on upholding its sovereignty, returning all occupied territories, and involving international guarantors to ensure lasting peace. Russia’s official response to this proposal remains unknown, but the mere release of such a structured document signals Kyiv’s determination to push diplomacy forward and to globalize the peace process through multilateral engagement.


This article was prepared based on materials published by Reuters. The author does not claim authorship of the original text but presents their interpretation of the content for informational purposes.

The original article can be found at the following link: Reuters.

All rights to the original text belong to Reuters.

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