The report highlights recent statements by Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, who wrote on both his Russian- and English-language Telegram channels that Russia is participating in the Istanbul talks not to find a resolution, but to achieve a “swift victory and complete destruction” of the Ukrainian government. Medvedev added that this was the purpose of the Russian delegation’s memorandum shared during the talks.
He also made an open threat, writing: “Everything that is meant to explode will definitely be blown up, and those who must be destroyed—will disappear.” According to ISW, this appears to be a warning aimed at those who may criticize Russia’s response to Ukraine’s June 1 drone strikes on targets deep inside Russian territory.
ISW also noted a statement from Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who said on June 3 that the Russian memorandum in Istanbul was intended to “eliminate the root causes” of the war and urged the public not to expect any “immediate results” from the latest round of talks.
Peskov added that a possible meeting between Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy could only happen after “technical details” of a ceasefire or long-term peace deal are ironed out.
Analysts at ISW emphasized that Russian state propaganda has long been preparing the Russian public not to expect meaningful outcomes from the peace process—even as Kremlin officials try to mislead U.S. and Western counterparts by pretending to be interested in real negotiations.
Despite Russia’s participation in recent bilateral meetings with the United States and its engagement in U.S.-led mediation efforts, ISW says the Kremlin has shown no willingness to compromise on any of its long-standing demands.
Instead, Russia continues to push for sweeping territorial and political concessions from Ukraine without offering any reciprocal steps. The so-called memorandum presented by Moscow reportedly reflects these maximalist demands, with no indication of compromise.
“Russia remains committed to its goal of total Ukrainian capitulation,” ISW concluded, “and will likely continue to pursue that goal as long as Putin believes he can defeat Ukraine militarily.”