Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine continue, with both sides outlining their demands. A leadership-level meeting, potentially including the US President, is proposed for late June 2025 to advance discussions toward a potential ceasefire and peace agreement.
Ukraine seeks a complete ceasefire, exchange of prisoners of war, the return of deported children, and the release of civilian prisoners. They also aim to continue their path towards EU membership and NATO accession, prioritizing security guarantees to prevent future Russian aggression.
Russia demands the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions. They also seek international recognition of occupied territories, including Crimea. Moscow also requires Ukraine to hold elections before signing a peace agreement. Russia wants a halt to Western arms supplies to Ukraine, this concerns the exchange of information, and the lifting of martial law before any peace agreement.
Defense Minister Rustem Umerow stated that Ukraine has provided Russia with a list of hundreds of Ukrainian children deported by Russia, and Russia has stated they will review each case. Umerov stated, "We believe that further work by the delegations makes sense if it aims to prepare a meeting of heads of state... We have proposed to the Russian side to hold a meeting at the level of heads of state before the end of the current month, from June 20 to 30. This is very important for the negotiation process." The outcome of these negotiations will be vital for regional stability and international relations.