Newsletters
Russia-Ukraine peace talks are expected to resume in Istanbul next week as Türkiye prepares to host the second round of negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv delegations, Turkish presidential administration officials told the Russian media outlet RIA Novosti.
Türkiye expects the Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul for upcoming negotiations, with security measures fully prepared. The Turkish side anticipates that the Russia-Ukraine peace talks will contribute to achieving a cease-fire.
"As you have seen from the statements of Mr. President (Recep Tayyip Erdogan), we expect the parties to gather again in Istanbul for negotiations that will serve to ensure a cease-fire and sustainable peace in the region. Türkiye's doors are always open," a presidential administration representative stated.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced that the Moscow delegation is prepared to present a memorandum on settlement to the Ukrainian side during the second round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul on June 2.
The Kremlin confirmed Russia has not yet received Ukraine's response to the proposal for June 2 negotiations.
Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, who heads the Russian delegation, previously stated that Moscow and Kyiv agreed to present their vision of a possible future cease-fire. Medinsky also expressed Russia's readiness to continue Russia-Ukraine peace talks.
White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt expressed hope that Russia and Ukraine will conduct direct talks next week in Istanbul.
"We hope that Russia and Ukraine will engage in direct negotiations next week in Istanbul. We believe this meeting will take place. This is a meeting that the President (Donald Trump) has encouraged and called for these two sides to meet and conduct direct negotiations," Leavitt stated.
The United States will not send a delegation to Türkiye for these Russia-Ukraine peace talks, according to Leavitt. "We will let you know if the President plans to send his representative. At this point, I don't see that happening," she added.
The previous round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks took place on May 16 and concluded with agreements on prisoner exchange following a "1,000 for 1,000" formula and presentations of both sides' visions for possible future ceasefire arrangements. Both parties expressed satisfaction with the meeting outcomes.
Russian President Vladimir Putin initially proposed resuming direct negotiations without preconditions in Istanbul on May 15. The Russian delegation arrived in Istanbul on May 15, with the meeting occurring the following day and lasting nearly two hours.
U.S. Deputy U.N. Representative John Kelley warned Russia of additional sanctions if it refuses the Russia-Ukraine peace talks, stating there is no military solution to the conflict.
Speaking at a U.N. Security Council session, Kelley emphasized that the current proposed agreement represents the best possible outcome for Russia.
"There is no military solution to this conflict. The agreement currently being offered is the best possible outcome for Russia. President Putin should accept the agreement. The alternative of continuing the war serves no one's interests," Kelley stated.
Turkish authorities have not commented on the possible participation of Turkish representatives in the potential Russia-Ukraine peace talks scheduled for June 2, according to presidential administration sources speaking to RIA Novosti.
"If necessary, our relevant departments will make this information public," a Turkish presidential administration representative stated.
The Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul represent continued diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict through negotiation rather than military means.
1 min read
3 min read
