Ukraine Hesitates as Russia Refuses to Reveal Peace Terms

By: M. Zgouridi

Ukraine has not confirmed its attendance at the second round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks, which are set for Monday, after Moscow refused to make its proposed terms public beforehand. According to Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Kyiv needs to think about Russia's stance in advance so that it can prepare a thoughtful and serious response.

Russia maintains that its proposal must remain confidential until negotiations begin. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said both nations’ proposals will be addressed behind closed doors—a move widely viewed as an attempt to avoid early criticism or international opposition.
This deadlock places Ukraine in a diplomatically sensitive position. While dependent on continued U.S. military and intelligence support, Kyiv is reluctant to engage in negotiations that could legitimize Russian demands—reportedly including NATO non-expansion guarantees and the ceding of major Ukrainian cities still under Kyiv’s control.

Donald Trump’s special envoy, Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, has urged Ukraine to participate, suggesting that future high-level talks involving Trump, Putin, and Zelensky could follow. However, Moscow’s refusal to agree to a ceasefire has raised serious concerns.

Compounding the tension, the military situation on the ground is escalating. Russia has reportedly deployed 50,000 troops near the northeastern city of Sumy, raising fears of a summer offensive. While President Zelensky doubts Russia’s capacity to launch a full-scale assault, he remains cautious.
Analysts like Tatiana Stanovaya of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center see Moscow’s secrecy as a deliberate tactic to shape the process and pressure Ukraine into accepting unfavorable compromises under diplomatic duress.