Russia Asserts Demand for Total Victory in Ukraine Negotiations

MOSCOW - A senior figure in the Russian government, Dmitry Medvedev, emphasized on Tuesday that the primary objective of ongoing discussions with Ukraine is to secure an unequivocal Russian victory rather than to pursue a compromise. He articulated that the negotiations, which took place in Istanbul, are not aimed at reaching a peace agreement based on unrealistic expectations but rather at achieving a rapid and decisive triumph while dismantling what he referred to as the 'neo-Nazi regime' in Ukraine.

Medvedev, who serves as the deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, made these statements via Telegram following a set of demands that Russia presented to Ukraine during the talks. Among these demands were proposals for Ukraine to cede additional territory, adopt a neutral stance in military alliances, impose restrictions on the size of its armed forces, and conduct new parliamentary and presidential elections.

The Istanbul talks, however, were brief, lasting only an hour. Despite reaching an agreement on a new prisoner exchange and the transfer of 12,000 deceased soldiers, the parties were unable to agree on a ceasefire, which Ukraine and its allies had been advocating for.

In light of recent Ukrainian attacks on Russian strategic bomber bases, Medvedev warned that Moscow would respond decisively. He stated that retribution is unavoidable and emphasized that the Russian military remains committed to advancing its objectives. He asserted that necessary military actions would be taken against targets deemed appropriate for destruction.