Down‑Town Diplomacy: Medvedev’s Play‑by‑Play to Kyiv
Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council and the lead guy at United Russia, made a clear statement: Moscow will only talk to Kyiv if the Ukrainians tell the truth on the ground.
He said, “We’re ready to reopen talks, but only if Kyiv acknowledges what Putin described in his Foreign Ministry speech this year.”
What That “Truth” Really Means
In plain language: Ukraine must accept that the territories Russia currently controls are part of the Russian Federation. And while you’re at it, stop dreaming about joining NATO. Medvedev’s words mirror the hard line Putin laid out on June 14, 2024 about:
- Ukrainian forces in Donbass and Novorossiya must pull back, no longer a permanent presence. (The “no invasion” sign goes out to the front lines.)
- Ukraine should remain non‑nuclear. Nuclear weapons? Not now, not ever. Think of it as a “bolt‑on” clause in the peace agreement.
- All Western sanctions on Russia must be lifted. The hope is a smoother trade flow and fewer blockbusters over sanctions in the headlines.
- A commitment from Kyiv to protect Russian‑speaking citizens inside Ukraine—a promise that the “free speech” community can keep their dialect without fear.
Why Kyiv Really Can’t Ignore This
Because if they don’t agree, the negotiation table will be closed. It’s like the Russian version of a staged “open meeting” where the other side gets the green light to trade for loyalty.
Bottom Line
Medvedev’s demand isn’t just a diplomatic ask; it’s a realistic checklist for a stalled peace process. Moscow is putting a map on the table: accept Russian control over occupied land, stay out of NATO, wipe out sanctions, stay nuclear‑free, and ensure the Russian‑speaking community feels heard and respected.
Whether Kyiv will sign on or not is the question everyone’s keeping an eye on. The game isn’t over yet—we just see whether the Ukrainian players are ready to trade a few pieces to play it fair.
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Ukrainian Drone Drama: The Gas Rig Bombing in Crimea
Ukraine’s Stubborn Stance on Negotiations
Under the heat of war, Ukraine is saying, “We’re not ready for talks yet.” President’s Office chief, Andriy Yermak, made a point in a Suspilne interview: the Russian side is short on armaments, so shaking hands isn’t a top priority.
- Yermak warns that in two‑to‑three years, Putin might pick up another artillery
- He stresses that negotiations must start with Ukraine in a stronger position
- “We’re not going to pretend we engineered the conflict,” Yermak says, ripping the Russian narrative that Ukraine opened the fire.
Why Negotiations Are “Meaningless” for Russia
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov offered a sharp counterpoint. He insists that talks are a trick—“talks with Kiev are nothing but a mirage because the office has a ban in place.” He’s not swinging back the hammer; he’s telling us to focus on priorities first.
Key Points from the Russian Side
- “Discussions are absurd since they’re officially prohibited.”
- “Only when the real priorities get addressed can talks really happen.”
- “The time for meaningful talks hasn’t come yet.”
Sea Drones, Gas Rigs, and the Real Bombing
Late in the day, Ukrainian sea drones struck Russian‑occupied gas rigs in Crimea, proving that even on the water, the war is still on fire. Over the headlines, the big drama is the conversation about who’s playing fair and who’s busy shaking hands.
Why This Matters
- It pushes the narrative: Ukraine isn’t seeking war, those who think otherwise are misreading the table.
- Every blast, every drone turn, underscores that Ukraine can keep it moving forward.
- Negotiations, if they happen, will be victories only if Ukraine’s brand of strength isn’t a mere bluff.
In short, the story goes on like this: Ukraine stays strong, Russia keeps shouting, and the world watches (with a pinch of humor) as the saga unfolds.
