Russian officials arrive in Moscow on Monday
Russia, Ukraine Reportedly Set for Second Round of Talks
Moscow and Kyiv are gearing up for a second round of negotiations in Istanbul aimed at ending the prolonged conflict between the two nations. Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov confirmed that Russia is preparing to send a delegation, with discussions set to commence on June 2, 2025 [1][2][3].
Peskov expressed hope that the memorandums drafted by both parties to end the war will be discussed during the talks [1]. Initially announced by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, the delegation, led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, remains unchanged from the previous round [2].
Rustem Umerov, head of the Ukrainian negotiating delegation, has indicated that Kyiv is amenable to meetings but insists on reviewing Russia's position paper first [1]. While Ukraine claims to have already forwarded a list of demands [1], Moscow, thus far, has refused to share their own proposal, arguing against premature disclosure [1][2].
The first round of talks took place on May 16, 2025, after a postponement due to disagreements over several key issues, including Vladimir Putin's participation [1]. The initial meeting culminated in a large prisoner exchange [1]. The impending talks, the second in the series, are expected to primarily focus on a ceasefire [1].
Notably, sources report that Russia's memorandum may contain demands such as Ukraine withdrawing from occupied territories, a moratorium on NATO expansion, the resolution of frozen assets, and the protection of Russian-speaking Ukrainians [2]. Ukrainian officials have stressed the need for substantive diplomacy, with the upcoming meeting called upon to yield tangible results [1].
As both sides prepare for the next round, concerns regarding Russia's conditions for peace and transparency of their proposals continue to surface [1][2][3]. The Kyiv delegation is yet to receive Russia's document and has expressed skepticism over Moscow's intentions [1][2].
In conclusion, while both nations are gearing up for to continue talks in Istanbul in early June, it remains to be seen whether common ground can be found amid disagreements over Russia's maximalist demands and the transparency of its proposals [1][2][3].
- Amidst the ongoing war-and-conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, the second round of political talks focused on finding a resolution to the prolonged issue, will be held in Istanbul on June 2, 2025.
- These talks will involve discussions about general news topics, particularly the memorandums drafted by both parties aimed at ending the war, with both sides expressing concerns about transparency and Russia's maximalist demands.
