Ukraine signaled readiness to resume direct peace talks with Russia in Istanbul but insisted it would not send a delegation unless the Kremlin first delivers a memorandum detailing its position. The proposed meeting on June 2 follows renewed diplomatic pressure led by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has pushed both sides to pursue a negotiated truce in the war, now in its fourth year.
"In order for the next planned meeting to be substantive and meaningful, it is important to receive a document in advance so that the delegation that will attend has the authority to discuss the relevant positions," Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Friday at a joint news conference in Kyiv with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
Andrii Yermak, a top adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, echoed that sentiment in a separate statement posted Thursday on the Presidential Office's website: "Ukraine is ready to attend the next meeting, but we want to engage in a constructive discussion. This means it is important to receive Russia's draft. There is enough time - four days are sufficient for preparing and sending the documents."
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday that a Russian delegation, led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, would travel to Istanbul and was prepared to take part in the second round of negotiations. Medinsky had previously led Moscow's delegation during talks in Turkey on May 16, which ended without breakthrough.
Both Kyiv and Moscow appear eager to demonstrate cooperation with Trump's mediation effort. Ukraine is seeking additional U.S. military aid, while Russia hopes Trump might consider easing sanctions.
"We want to end this war this year. We are interested in establishing a ceasefire, whether it is for 30 days, 50 days, or 100 days. Ukraine is open to discussing this directly with Russia," Sybiha said Friday. He added that Kyiv had confirmed its willingness to engage during previous contacts with Russian negotiators.
The outlines of any potential deal remain unclear. Kyiv has embraced calls for an unconditional ceasefire supported by Western allies, while Moscow has reportedly pressed for terms more favorable to its battlefield position.
Fidan, who visited Moscow earlier this week before arriving in Kyiv, said Turkey was prepared to host another round of negotiations. "This is our view: as long as (the sides) remain at the negotiating table, progress can surely be seen," he said at the joint briefing.
Sybiha and Fidan also raised the possibility of a future summit involving Trump, Putin, and Zelenskyy, if the Istanbul talks proceed. Fidan suggested such a meeting could "crown" the ongoing mediation effort, though no date has been set.
