The Kremlin has announced that it expects a discussion between Russia and Ukraine regarding the stipulations for a ceasefire in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. This discussion is set to take place next week in Istanbul, Turkey. The role of the United States in mediating these talks has been acknowledged and appreciated by the Kremlin’s spokesperson.
Russia has proposed a second round of discussions with Ukraine, scheduled for the 2nd of June in Istanbul. Ukraine, however, seeks to review Russia’s peace proposals before sending its delegation to Turkey. This was stated by Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, on Friday.
Dmitry Peskov, the spokesperson for the Kremlin, stated that the Russian delegation is prepared to travel to Istanbul and is ready to commence talks with Ukraine on Monday. The focus is currently on the direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. “A list of conditions for a temporary truce is being developed,” Peskov informed reporters. However, the specifics of this memorandum will not be made public.
Earlier this week, we reported that President Putin’s conditions for ending the conflict in Ukraine include a requirement for Western leaders to formally commit to halt NATO’s eastward expansion. Responding to this, U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, recognized Russia’s concern over NATO’s eastward enlargement as legitimate. In his statement, he mentioned the United States does not desire to see Ukraine within the U.S.-led military alliance.
Peskov’s response to Kellogg’s statement emphasized Putin’s consistent message regarding Russia’s position on the unacceptability of NATO’s eastward expansion. “We are pleased that these explanations by the president are understood, including in Washington. And, of course, this is quite appealing to us in terms of the mediating role that Washington continues to play,” Peskov mentioned.
Russia initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, following eight years of conflict in eastern Ukraine between Russian-backed separatists and Ukrainian troops. This raises important questions about the prospects and implications of the forthcoming talks in Istanbul.