Ukraine sets terms for June peace talks with Russia in Istanbul
Ukraine declares its readiness for peace talks with Russia, which are set to take place on June 2 in Istanbul. However, Kyiv expects a constructive discussion and for Russia to present a peace memorandum before the meeting.
What do you need to know?
- When will the talks take place? The second round of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia is scheduled for June 2 in Istanbul.
- What are Ukraine's expectations? Kyiv expects Russia to present a peace memorandum before the meeting.
- What are Ukraine's concerns? Ukraine fears that Russia may present an unrealistic ultimatum, which could hinder the peace process.
Will Russia present a peace memorandum?
Yermak emphasized that Kyiv expects Russia to present a memorandum regarding the peace agreement before June 2. "Ukraine is ready to attend the next meeting, but we want to engage in a constructive discussion," said the head of the Ukrainian president's office, adding that for Kyiv, "it is important" to receive this document, and Russia has enough time to do so.
According to him, the Russian side received a text detailing Ukraine's position. Meanwhile, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhiy Tykhyi stated that Russia is delaying delivering its peace memorandum to Ukraine, likely out of concern that it is impossible to fulfill.
"The Russians' fear of sending their 'memorandum' to Ukraine suggests that it is likely filled with unrealistic ultimatums, and they are afraid of revealing that they are stalling the peace process," wrote Tykhyi on the X platform.
Another maneuver by Russia?
Earlier on Thursday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov rejected Kyiv’s demand, arguing that Russia had not received any response from Ukraine regarding the Russian proposal for talks on June 2 in Istanbul. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described this as another "maneuver" by Russia, aimed at making the talks between both sides "pointless."
What are the positions of both sides?
On Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Moscow had proposed to Ukraine to conduct another round of peace talks on June 2 in Istanbul. "The Russian side, in accordance with the arrangements, quickly developed an appropriate memorandum outlining our position on all aspects of reliably eliminating the causes of the crisis," Lavrov said, referring to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Also on Wednesday, Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov announced that Ukraine had submitted a document to the Russian delegation reflecting its own position. "I handed over our document to the head of the Russian delegation, which reflects the Ukrainian position. They received this document. We reaffirm Ukraine’s readiness for a full and unconditional ceasefire and continued diplomatic engagement," he emphasized.
