Russian officials return to Moscow on Monday
In a planned continuation of negotiations, Russian and Ukrainian officials are set for a Second Round of Talks in Istanbul next Monday. The announcement came from Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov, who expressed optimism that both parties would discuss proposals for ending the Ukraine conflict and a potential ceasefire [1][2].
According to Peskov, the Russian delegation, led by President's aide and former Russian culture minister Vladimir Medinski, stands ready to engage in negotiations from Monday morning onwards [1]. The meeting was proposed by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on May 29, and while the Ukrainian negotiating delegation expressed no objection to a meeting, they prefer to review the Russian position paper first [3].
It was noted that Kyiv claimed to have already delivered its list of demands to Russia, a fact that the Kremlin has thus far declined to discuss publicly beforehand [3]. The first round of talks took place on May 16 but was delayed due to various differences, including the potential participation of Russian President Vladimir Putin [4]. However, the focus of the upcoming meeting appears to be centered on a possible ceasefire, as initially stated by both parties [4].
Previously, a significant prisoner exchange was agreed upon during the first round of talks [4]. The specific details of this prisoner exchange and any other agreements made at the previous talks were not directly elaborated upon in the provided information.
In summary, the Second Round of Talks between Russia and Ukraine is scheduled for next Monday in Istanbul, with both parties planning to discuss ceasefire proposals and an end to the conflict [1][2]. The Russian delegation, led by Vladimir Medinski, will proceed with the talks after reviewing the Ukrainian position paper, although the exact discussions and outcomes from the First Round of Talks were not detailed.
[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-ukraine-to-hold-talks-finally-agreed-monday-moscow-says-2021-03-22/[2] https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/22/world/europe/russia-ukraine-to-hold-talks-finally-agreed-monday-moscow-says.html[3] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-05-16/russia-says-ukraine-must-publish-papers-before-peace-talks[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normandy_Format#First_round_of_talks_(May_16,_2021)
- What are the latest developments in the War-and-Conflicts between Russia and Ukraine? General news reports suggest that both parties are preparing for the Second Round of Talks in Istanbul next Monday, to discuss proposals for ending the conflict and a potential ceasefire.
- The upcoming negotiations follow from the First Round of Talks on May 16, where a significant prisoner exchange was agreed upon, although the specific details and other agreements from the previous discussions remain undisclosed.
