On the 4th, Russian President Putin stated during a video conference with Russian government officials that a recent series of attacks by Ukraine on Russia were aimed at disrupting peace talks.
He said that on the eve of the second round of talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul, Turkey, Ukraine deliberately attacked Russian civilians with the purpose of disrupting and sabotaging the negotiations.
He indicated that this series of attacks shows that "the Ukrainian regime is becoming a terrorist organization, and its supporters are becoming accomplices of terrorists."
Putin pointed out that Ukraine has suffered significant losses on the battlefield and is retreating across the board, attempting to intimidate Russia through "terror activities" to force a ceasefire and hold a meeting between Russian and Ukrainian leaders. However, a ceasefire could be used by the Ukrainian side for forced mobilization, replenishment of weaponry, and planning terrorist attacks.
Furthermore, on the 4th, Zelensky stated to the media regarding the second round of Russia-Ukraine talks that the ceasefire memorandum submitted by the Russian side in Istanbul was "an ultimatum, not a proposal to ease the situation."
He stated that even if the Russian side does not agree to Ukraine's proposal for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, he is still willing to hold a meeting with Putin. If, after the meeting, the Russian side still does not show a willingness to ceasefire, strict sanctions should be imposed on Russia.
On the 2nd, delegations from Russia and Ukraine held the second round of direct negotiations in Istanbul regarding a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, exchanging memorandums. The core content of the Russian memorandum includes the conditions for the final resolution of the Ukraine crisis, a plan for a 30-day comprehensive ceasefire, and the steps and timeline for signing a peace treaty.