Moscow: Russia has issued a warning to Ukraine, suggesting that further alignment with Western nations could compel Moscow to take responsive actions. A Russian presidential aide, Vladimir Medinsky, has emphasized that it would be more beneficial for Ukraine to reconsider its Western integration and accept Moscow's terms for peace to avoid further territorial losses.

According to Anadolu Agency, Medinsky expressed these views in an interview with the Wall Street Journal following recent negotiations in Istanbul. He highlighted historical Russian resilience in prolonged conflicts, referencing the Great Northern War of 1700-1721 as evidence of Moscow's capacity to endure protracted wars. He described the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has persisted since 2022, as a familial dispute, likening it to a quarrel between two brothers over intelligence and significance.

Medinsky, who has been leading Moscow's delegation in peace talks, noted that the conflict exacerbates differences between the two nations, thus underscoring the urgency for resolution. In the recent rounds of talks in Istanbul on May 16 and June 2, both Moscow and Kyiv exchanged proposals for a potential peace agreement.

Russia's memorandum reportedly includes demands for international recognition of regions under Russian control, cessation of arms supplies to Ukraine, demobilization, elections, a neutral and non-aligned status for Ukraine, and protection of rights for Russian-speaking individuals. Ukraine, aiming for integration with the European Union and NATO membership, has labeled the Russian document as an "ultimatum."