On Tuesday, June 2, the second round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine will start in Istanbul, Turkey. Kyiv has already sent Moscow a document outlining the terms for a ceasefire, while the Russian side has promised to present its “memorandum” only during the in-person meeting.
The talks are taking place two and a half weeks after the first round on May 16, which did not result in a ceasefire. The main topics to be discussed will include the terms of a truce and ways to achieve a peace agreement.
Ukraine is proposing a complete and unconditional ceasefire, the return of all deported persons, international security guarantees, and the retention of the right to join NATO and the EU. The document also states that the contact line from 2014 is the starting point for negotiations, and that sanctions relief should be gradual and used for the country’s reconstruction.
The content of the Russian “memorandum” remains unknown, but according to Reuters, it includes demands for Ukraine’s neutral status, lifting of sanctions, and protection of Russian-speaking citizens. The Russian delegation is led by Vladimir Medinsky, an aide to Putin. The delegation also includes Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Chief of the General Staff’s Main Directorate Igor Kostyukov, and other military and diplomatic officials.
The Ukrainian delegation is headed by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. The team includes senior officials from the Foreign Ministry, the Security Service (SBU), the General Staff, and intelligence agencies.
The U.S. delegation is not officially participating in the second round, but national security advisers from the U.S., Germany, France, and the U.K. will hold separate consultations with both sides. Washington expects progress in the talks and has threatened to withdraw from the process if no results are achieved.
