Ukraine sets stage for vital peace talks as Russia delays
Ukraine announces its readiness for peace talks with Russia, scheduled to take place on 2nd June in Istanbul. However, Kyiv expects a constructive discussion and anticipates Russia will present a peace memorandum prior to 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 2nd June 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 stressed that Kyiv expects Russia to provide a memorandum regarding the peace agreement before 2nd June. "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. For Kyiv, "it is important" to receive this document, and Russia has ample time to prepare it.
According to him, the Russian side has received a document detailing Ukraine's position. Meanwhile, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhiy Tykhyi stated that Russia is delaying the delivery of its peace memorandum to Ukraine, likely due to concerns about its feasibility.
"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 manoeuvre by Russia?
Earlier on Thursday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov rejected Kyiv’s demand, arguing that Russia has not received any response from Ukraine regarding the Russian proposal for talks on 2nd June in Istanbul. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described this as another "manoeuvre" by Russia, aimed at rendering the discussions 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 2nd June in Istanbul. "As agreed, the Russian side promptly drafted a memorandum that sets out our views on all aspects of reliably overcoming the root 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 stance. "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 emphasised.
