In a surprising turn during the second round of peace talks, Russia proposed a 2–3 day ceasefire in select frontline areas to recover bodies for “decent Christian burials.” Russia offered to return 6,000 deceased Ukrainian soldiers and proposed a major POW exchange. A permanent medical commission for future exchanges was also suggested. Despite looming threats of Oreshnik missile strikes after Ukraine’s “Spider’s Web” operation, Russia submitted a peace memorandum—raising questions: genuine peace overture or a strategic pause before escalation?
