‘The Russians have not shared their ‘memorandum' with anyone,' says Ukrainian president
Ukraine's president said Sunday that his government will strive to achieve “at least some progress on the path toward peace” during talks set to take place in Istanbul, despite not receiving any ceasefire memorandum from Russia.
In a video address, Volodymyr Zelenskyy reviewed recent developments in the Russia-Ukraine war, noting his meeting with Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, who will lead the Ukrainian delegation in Monday's negotiations.
“We discussed our expectations for the meeting in Istanbul on Monday.
“We continue to propose a full and unconditional ceasefire, along with all dignified and rational steps that could lead to a lasting and reliable peace. The Ukrainian proposal we presented to the Russians is logical and realistic,” he added.
“The Russians have not shared their ‘memorandum' with anyone. We don't have it, the Turkish side doesn't have it, and the American side doesn't have the Russian document either. Despite this, we will attempt to achieve at least some progress on the path toward peace,” he said.
Zelenskyy also revealed details of drone strikes conducted Sunday by Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) targeting several Russian military airfields.
“Just now, I received a report from the head of the Security Service of Ukraine, Vasyl Maliuk. A brilliant operation was carried out. It took place on enemy territory and was aimed exclusively at military targets – specifically, the equipment used in strikes against Ukraine,” he said.
According to Zelenskyy, the operation involved 117 drones and an equal number of operators, and “34% of the strategic cruise missile carriers stationed at air bases were hit.”
He claimed that Russia lost more than 40 warplanes.
“We will defend ourselves by all means available to us – to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. Not for a single second did we want this war,” he added.
