Ukraine still hasn’t received Russia’s «memorandum» — Umerov

Following the negotiations in Istanbul, Ukraine was expecting a so-called «memorandum» in which the Russian side was supposed to outline its vision for steps toward a ceasefire.

On the evening of Wednesday, May 28, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov stated that Russia had still not provided the text of this document.

The head of Ukraine’s Defense Ministry, who participated in the recent talks in Türkiye, emphasized that only after pressure from U.S. leader Donald Trump and Ukraine’s European partners did Russia stop delaying the process.

«The Russians finally reported that they have completed their „memorandum.“ However, they are dragging out the delivery of the document, ” Umerov said.

At the same time, he noted that he had already provided the head of the Russian delegation with a document reflecting Ukraine’s position, which the Russians received.

«We confirm Ukraine’s readiness for a complete and unconditional ceasefire and further diplomatic work. We are not opposed to meetings with the Russians and expect their „memorandum“ so that the meeting is not empty and can genuinely bring the end of the war closer, ” the Defense Minister stressed.

Umerov reminded the Russians that they have at least four days left before their departure to deliver the document to the Ukrainian side for review.

«Ukraine has always been and will always be maximally constructive. Meetings between the parties must yield results. That is why every meeting must be properly prepared, ” he noted.

The Ukrainian minister recalled that the Russian side promised to deliver the «memorandum» immediately after the exchange.

«We call on the Russian side to promptly fulfill this promise and stop attempting to make the meeting destructive. Diplomacy must be substantive, and the new meeting must produce results, ” Rustem Umerov concluded.