Ukraine Ready to Resume Peace Talks with Russia in Istanbul
Kyiv demands clarity on Kremlin’s peace proposal before negotiations recommence.
KYIV: Ukraine has expressed readiness to resume direct peace talks with Russia in Istanbul, scheduled for Monday, as confirmed by a senior adviser to President Volodymyr Zelensky.
This development follows a period of uncertainty regarding Kyiv’s attendance at the proposed meeting by Moscow.
Andrii Yermak, an adviser to President Zelensky, stated that Ukraine requires the Kremlin to provide a promised memorandum detailing its terms for ending the ongoing conflict.
Yermak emphasized the need for this draft document to facilitate a constructive discussion, asserting that four days would be sufficient for Russia to prepare and send the necessary documents.
Ukrainian officials, alongside their European allies, have accused the Kremlin of delaying peace efforts while attempting to press its military advantages on the battlefield.
Kyiv’s Western partners, including the United States, are advocating for an unconditional ceasefire, a proposal that Ukraine has supported, but which the Kremlin has not fully embraced, seeking terms that more closely align with its strategic interests.
On Friday, Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister, reiterated the demand for clarity from Russia regarding its proposals ahead of the upcoming talks.
Sybiha conveyed Ukraine’s intention to conclude the war within the year, expressing openness to a ceasefire arrangement, whether it be temporary for 30, 50, or 100 days.
Additionally, Sybiha and Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan discussed the prospect of a future meeting that could involve Presidents Zelensky and Vladimir Putin, potentially with the participation of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Fidan remarked that the ongoing discussions in Istanbul could culminate in such a high-level meeting.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that a Russian delegation would travel to Istanbul and is prepared for the second round of discussions, reaffirming Russia’s commitment to this engagement.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had previously invited Ukraine to conduct direct negotiations on the designated date, indicating that the meeting would serve to present Moscow’s outline for addressing what it refers to as the root causes of the war.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov noted that while Ukraine does not oppose further dialogue with Russia, such discussions would be deemed unproductive if Moscow does not clarify its positions.
Umerov reported that he had personally communicated Ukraine’s stance to Russian officials.
In a significant development earlier this month, low-level delegations from both nations engaged in their first direct peace talks in three years in Istanbul on May 16. These discussions lasted for two hours and, despite no major breakthroughs, resulted in the largest prisoner exchange of the conflict, releasing 1,000 captives from each side.
Fidan expressed optimism that this successful exchange demonstrates that negotiations can yield tangible results, stating, "There are two paths in front of us.
Either we will turn a blind eye to the continuation of the war, or we will reach a lasting peace within the end of the year."
This development follows a period of uncertainty regarding Kyiv’s attendance at the proposed meeting by Moscow.
Andrii Yermak, an adviser to President Zelensky, stated that Ukraine requires the Kremlin to provide a promised memorandum detailing its terms for ending the ongoing conflict.
Yermak emphasized the need for this draft document to facilitate a constructive discussion, asserting that four days would be sufficient for Russia to prepare and send the necessary documents.
Ukrainian officials, alongside their European allies, have accused the Kremlin of delaying peace efforts while attempting to press its military advantages on the battlefield.
Kyiv’s Western partners, including the United States, are advocating for an unconditional ceasefire, a proposal that Ukraine has supported, but which the Kremlin has not fully embraced, seeking terms that more closely align with its strategic interests.
On Friday, Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister, reiterated the demand for clarity from Russia regarding its proposals ahead of the upcoming talks.
Sybiha conveyed Ukraine’s intention to conclude the war within the year, expressing openness to a ceasefire arrangement, whether it be temporary for 30, 50, or 100 days.
Additionally, Sybiha and Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan discussed the prospect of a future meeting that could involve Presidents Zelensky and Vladimir Putin, potentially with the participation of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Fidan remarked that the ongoing discussions in Istanbul could culminate in such a high-level meeting.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that a Russian delegation would travel to Istanbul and is prepared for the second round of discussions, reaffirming Russia’s commitment to this engagement.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had previously invited Ukraine to conduct direct negotiations on the designated date, indicating that the meeting would serve to present Moscow’s outline for addressing what it refers to as the root causes of the war.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov noted that while Ukraine does not oppose further dialogue with Russia, such discussions would be deemed unproductive if Moscow does not clarify its positions.
Umerov reported that he had personally communicated Ukraine’s stance to Russian officials.
In a significant development earlier this month, low-level delegations from both nations engaged in their first direct peace talks in three years in Istanbul on May 16. These discussions lasted for two hours and, despite no major breakthroughs, resulted in the largest prisoner exchange of the conflict, releasing 1,000 captives from each side.
Fidan expressed optimism that this successful exchange demonstrates that negotiations can yield tangible results, stating, "There are two paths in front of us.
Either we will turn a blind eye to the continuation of the war, or we will reach a lasting peace within the end of the year."
