MOSCOW, May 29 (Alliance News): Russia has proposed a new round of peace talks with Ukraine to take place in Istanbul next Monday, but Kyiv insists it will only agree if Moscow submits its peace plan in writing ahead of the meeting.
Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov stated that Ukraine is not opposed to further negotiations, but emphasized that diplomacy must be “substantive” and produce concrete outcomes.
“We are awaiting their memorandum,” Umerov posted on X, urging Russia to provide its proposal at least four days in advance.
This comes as the devastating war enters its third year, with no ceasefire in sight.
Despite growing international pressure and increased diplomatic efforts in recent months, Russia has so far refused to commit to an unconditional ceasefire or back down from its demands, including Ukraine’s abandonment of its NATO aspirations and surrender of occupied territories — terms Kyiv has deemed unacceptable.
The last direct talks between Russia and Ukraine took place in Istanbul on May 16 but ended without progress. Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov confirmed a new delegation led by Vladimir Medinsky would present a written memorandum during the June 2 session. Lavrov said he had briefed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the upcoming proposal.
The White House, under President Donald Trump, has been actively pushing for a resolution. However, Trump voiced growing frustration with Russia’s actions, particularly recent missile attacks on Ukrainian cities.
“I’m very disappointed,” Trump said, but held back on new sanctions, suggesting he didn’t want to derail a potential peace deal.
He added he would decide within two weeks whether he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin is serious about ending the war.
Despite an earlier breakthrough resulting in a 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange, Russia has continued airstrikes across Ukraine, while Ukrainian drones have targeted Russian territory in response.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Moscow of stalling and undermining the process. Speaking in Berlin alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, he said, “They will constantly look for reasons not to end the war.”
Zelensky also warned of a large Russian buildup of over 50,000 troops near the northeastern Sumy region, where Russia has taken control of several settlements. Moscow claims the offensive is to create a “buffer zone” within Ukrainian territory.
The Kremlin dismissed a recent proposal by Zelensky for a trilateral summit involving Trump, Putin, and himself, stating that any high-level meeting would require prior concrete agreements between the negotiating teams.
