Russia Proposes to Hold Second Round of Russia–Ukraine Talks on June 2 in Istanbul

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov proposed to hold the second round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine on June 2 in Istanbul, Orda.kz reports.

Lavrov has stated that Russia initiated the proposal and will provide clarifications in a memorandum to be offered to Kyiv. He has also noted that the document outlines Moscow’s position “on all aspects of reliably overcoming the root causes of the crisis.” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed that Russia’s memorandum will be presented by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky at the next round of talks on June 2 in Istanbul.

At the same time, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said on May 28 that Kyiv is still waiting for Russia’s ceasefire memorandum, which was expected after the May 16 peace talks in Istanbul.

Umerov noted that the international community anticipated swift action from Moscow but accused Russia of intentionally delaying. He credited public pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, European leaders, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with pushing Moscow to complete its draft, though it has yet to be delivered.

Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha urged Russia not to stall further:

Lavrov claimed that both sides had agreed to prepare written proposals, and said Russia's draft outlines steps to resolve what it calls the “root causes” of the conflict.

Demands reportedly include Ukraine's withdrawal from occupied territories, halting NATO ambitions, and lifting some sanctions. The document also addresses frozen Russian assets and protections for Russian-speaking Ukrainians. Meanwhile, Russian authorities have faced criticism from U.S. officials over delays.

Trump, for his part, hinting at new sanctions, asserted that Russia was "playing with fire":

What Vladimir Putin doesn’t realize is that if it weren’t for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD, <...> He’s playing with fire! 

Against that backdrop, Russian President Putin's conditions for ending hostilities emerged: 

• NATO Expansion Halt: A written guarantee from Western leaders to cease NATO's eastward expansion, particularly concerning Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova.
• Sanctions Relief: The lifting of a significant portion of Western sanctions imposed on Russia. 
• Territorial Recognition: Acknowledgment of Russian sovereignty over the annexed regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. 
• Neutral Status for Ukraine: Ukraine's formal declaration of neutrality and abandonment of plans to join NATO

The talks could again be held under Turkish mediation, for which Lavrov expressed gratitude to Ankara. The Russian delegation will once again be led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, while Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov is expected to head the Ukrainian delegation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed skepticism toward Russia's demands, emphasizing Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He has also proposed a trilateral summit involving himself, President Putin, and U.S. President Donald Trump to facilitate direct dialogue.

The first round of direct negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv in three years took place in Istanbul on May 16. The meeting was initiated by Russian President Vladimir Putin and lasted about two hours. It concluded with a prisoner exchange using a “1000 for 1000” formula, the presentation of ceasefire proposals, and a principal agreement to continue the dialogue.

From May 23 to 25, Russia and Ukraine conducted the largest prisoner exchange to date. On the first day, both sides exchanged 270 soldiers and 120 civilians.

On the second and third days, they exchanged 307 and 303 soldiers, respectively.

Original Author: Rustam Muratov