Ukrainian Defense Minister Urges Russia to Provide Terms for Peace Talks Ahead of Istanbul Meeting
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov has urged Russia to provide a memorandum outlining its conditions for negotiation ahead of a proposed meeting in Istanbul. This request follows Moscow's invitation to advance talks and aims to ensure that future discussions not only occur but also yield significant outcomes.
In a statement on social media platform X, Umerov expressed that Ukraine does not oppose further dialogue with the Kremlin but emphasized the necessity for the Russian side to deliver its memorandum promptly. "We expect their memorandum so that the meeting is not empty and we can truly move towards the end of the war," he stated, underlining the critical need for meaningful engagement.
Umerov highlighted that Kiev had already submitted its own position on the negotiations to Moscow, reiterating that the Russian side has a limited timeframe—at least four days before their scheduled departure for Istanbul—to provide the necessary documentation for Ukrainian analysis. "Meetings between the parties must produce results. Therefore, every meeting must be adequately prepared," he added, reflecting a sentiment shared by Ukrainian leadership.
The Defense Minister noted that during previous discussions in Istanbul on May 16, Russia had ruled out a ceasefire without the resolution of what they consider fundamental issues in the ongoing conflict. However, he expressed optimism that pressure from European leaders, as well as from US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, contributed to the Kremlin's proposal for a second meeting amidst previous delays in presenting their requirements.
Despite these developments, Umerov voiced concerns about Moscow's ongoing delays, accusing them of attempting to prolong the conflict even as they make territorial gains in northeastern and eastern Ukraine. This situation adds an element of urgency to the upcoming talks, underscoring the need for proactive engagement from both sides.
On the diplomatic front, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio communicated with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, emphasizing that the cessation of hostilities in Ukraine can only be achieved through genuine dialogue with Kiev. This interaction was part of Rubio's notable call on the eve of the peace discussions, which also celebrated the recent exchange of 1,000 prisoners between the warring parties, a development that may signal an opening for further negotiations.
Rubio expressed disappointment with Russian President Vladimir Putin and indicated that he would wait two weeks to assess whether Moscow has a legitimate intention to end the conflict before considering the imposition of new sanctions. "I believe I am close to reaching an agreement and I do not want to ruin it by doing that," he remarked, reflecting a strategic approach to the burgeoning discussions.
The upcoming talks in Turkey, scheduled for next Monday, are poised to be a crucial juncture in the ongoing conflict as both parties navigate the complexities of achieving lasting peace.
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