Ukraine has stood firm against pressures from both Russia and the United States, choosing not to commit to peace talks scheduled for June 2. The Ukrainian leaders emphasized the importance of first receiving the proposals that the Russian negotiators intend to present at the discussions.
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In a statement urging collaboration for peace between Russia and Ukraine, U.S. President Donald Trump encouraged both parties to work together to conclude the ongoing conflict that has persisted for three years. Following this, Russia proposed a meeting with Ukrainian officials next week in Istanbul.
In response, Ukraine reiterated its commitment to seeking peace while emphasizing the need for a memorandum detailing the Russian proposals, which had yet to be received. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on X, “For a meeting to be meaningful, its agenda must be clear, and the negotiations must be properly prepared.” This sentiment was underscored during discussions with Turkey’s foreign minister held in Ukraine.
President Zelensky further expressed concerns, noting that Russia appears determined to ensure that any potential meeting “brings no results.”
The ongoing conflict, noted as the most significant on the European continent since World War II, began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Expectations for the forthcoming talks remain modest, given the substantial differences in positions and the lack of progress in narrowing these gaps.
Despite these challenges, both parties seem eager to align with Trump’s efforts for a resolution. Ukraine is looking to secure additional military aid from the U.S., while Russia is hoping for a potential easing of sanctions. In Russia, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the Russian delegation plans to travel to Turkey and will be ready for talks with Ukraine on Monday morning, stating, “At the moment, everyone is focused on the direct Russia-Ukraine negotiations. A list of conditions for a temporary truce is being developed.”
Reports from Reuters indicate that President Vladimir Putin’s prerequisites for ending the war include a written assurance from Western leaders to halt the eastward expansion of NATO. Keith Kellogg, Trump’s envoy to Ukraine, remarked that Russia’s concerns regarding NATO’s enlargement are valid and noted that the United States does not wish to see Ukraine join the U.S.-led military alliance.
Peskov expressed satisfaction regarding Kellogg’s comments, saying, “We are pleased that these explanations by the president are understood, including in Washington.”
Turkey, who played host for an earlier round of talks on May 16—which resulted in no significant breakthroughs—has extended its role as a potential mediator once again. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan mentioned, “As long as (the sides) remain at the negotiating table, progress can surely be seen.” Should the talks in Istanbul proceed, the next logical step would be to organize a meeting between Trump, Putin, and Zelensky.
However, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, speaking alongside Fidan in a news conference, asserted the necessity of reviewing the Russian proposals beforehand to ensure the talks are “substantive and meaningful.” He did not specify Ukraine’s course of action should the proposals not arrive, nor did he outline a timeline for their receipt. “We want to end this war this year, and we are interested in establishing a truce, whether it is for 30 days, 50 days, or 100 days,” he stated.
Russia’s delegation at the Istanbul talks will be led by Vladimir Medinsky, a Kremlin aide who previously led the Russian team in earlier discussions.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
