Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has told Ukraine that it must surrender and be totally absorbed into Russia if it wants peace.

Writing on Telegram, President Vladimir Putin's close ally published what he called a “soft Russian formula for peace,” comprised of seven points that would see Ukraine pay compensation to Moscow and give up its entire territory.

Once considered a potential beacon for a more liberal Russia with stronger connections to the West, the formerly mild-mannered Medvedev has shifted towards increasingly authoritarian and anti-Western stances since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Known as a frequent user of social media, he has garnered notoriety for his inflammatory and provocative remarks and threats, now adopting significantly more hawkish positions than Putin.

Dismissing attempts at finding a peaceful resolution, Medvedev has insisted on Ukraine's submission, citing a supposed lack of willingness from the Ukrainian side to negotiate. 

His proposed solution, which he called “calm,” “quite realistic” and “humane for everyone,” would see Ukraine admit military defeat and become a part of the Russian Federation. Furthermore, it would require the United Nations to recognise “the Nazi character” of Kyiv, and see its state apparatus dismantled, including the parliament.

Under his plan, Ukraine would also be forced to pay reparations to Russia, “including payments to the relatives of the dead citizens.”

Since 2020, Medvedev has served as the Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council. However, despite his senior position, many experts focused on Russia do not view Medvedev with seriousness, suspecting that he assumes the role to ensure his safety within the Russian power circles, particularly given his prior liberal stance. Some have also speculated that Medvedev's outbursts are orchestrated to portray Putin as more composed by comparison.