Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of failing to deliver a promised memorandum, a development that he claims is undermining peace efforts and misleading international mediators. Zelenskyy made these remarks following a meeting with Ukrainian defense and diplomatic officials.

According to Anadolu Agency, Zelenskyy stated that despite ongoing coordination with the United States, European countries, and Trkiye in preparation for upcoming talks, Russia's delay signifies an attempt to sabotage the peace process. He emphasized that Moscow's actions represent a pattern of deception aimed at avoiding accountability and called for tougher sanctions. Zelenskyy warned that Russia is making efforts to render the meetings ineffective.

The second round of direct Russia-Ukraine peace talks is proposed by Russia for June 2 in Istanbul. The initial round took place on May 16, during which a major prisoner exchange occurred, and both parties agreed to exchange written proposals. Although Russia has expressed readiness to present its memorandum, Ukrainian officials maintain that they have not received any document yet.