Russia Confirms Participation in Peace Talks with Ukraine Amid Negotiation Tensions
The Kremlin announced on Friday that a Russian delegation is set to attend the second round of peace negotiations with Ukraine, scheduled for this coming Monday in Istanbul. However, Ukraine has yet to confirm its attendance at the meeting. Dmitry Peskov, the Russian presidential spokesman, shared during a press conference that the negotiators are prepared to depart for Istanbul and continue discussions starting from Monday morning.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had proposed this week's meeting for June 2 in Istanbul, with both sides stating they have prepared respective memorandums outlining their positions on various points to address the root causes of the ongoing crisis. Ukraine has requested to receive the memorandum with demands for the peace process in advance of the meeting.
Both parties have confirmed the drafting of a settlement memorandum, including conditions for a ceasefire along the front lines, following a phone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump on May 19. Peskov expressed optimism that both drafts, from Russia and Ukraine, will be discussed in the upcoming second round.
Despite the announcement, Ukraine maintains that it will only proceed with negotiations once it receives the Russian memorandum ahead of the Istanbul meeting. Andri Sibiga, Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister, stated, "We are waiting for them to deliver it beforehand of the meeting. This was also promised to the United States."
Furthermore, Ukraine insists on an unconditional ceasefire to create the necessary conditions for more comprehensive negotiations aimed at achieving a fair and lasting peace. Sibiga emphasized Ukraine’s openness to discussing a temporary truce, suggesting that negotiations could be beneficial, even if such a ceasefire lasts just a few days.
Expected to play a key role in ongoing negotiations, Andrei Yermak, head of the Ukrainian presidential office, reiterated the importance of receiving the Russian draft memorandum, stating, "We want to engage in constructive dialogue. That is why it is important to receive the draft from Russia. Four days is enough time to prepare and send the documents."
In response to Ukraine's request for advance delivery of the memorandum, the Kremlin dismissed these demands as non-constructive, indicating a reluctance to divulge the content of negotiations to the public. Peskov remarked, "All negotiations must be conducted behind closed doors," underscoring Russia's position.
Adding a new layer to the situation, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, currently on an official visit to Kiev, expressed optimism about the possibility of a historic meeting involving the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, and the United States. He suggested that the Istanbul talks could culminate in a summit led by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Fidan emphasized Turkey’s mediation efforts throughout the conflict, stating, "Either we look the other way as this war continues, or we achieve lasting peace this year. We have demonstrated that negotiations can yield concrete results. We want the momentum gained in Istanbul to continue."
With rising tensions and critical diplomatic maneuvers underway, the coming days will reveal whether a breakthrough will occur in the negotiations as both parties grapple with expectations and demands.
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