Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that Ukraine will send a delegation to Istanbul for direct peace negotiations with Russia scheduled for June 2.
In a statement released via his official Telegram channel, Zelensky announced that Defense Minister Rustem Umerov will lead the Ukrainian delegation. “We are doing everything we can to protect our independence, our state, and our people,” Zelensky stated.
Russia Expected to Present Peace Proposal
Ukrainian officials have requested that the Kremlin submit a memorandum outlining its proposed conditions for ending the war ahead of the talks. Moscow has indicated that it plans to present this memorandum during the negotiation session.
The upcoming meeting marks the second round of direct talks between Ukraine and Russia this year. The previous talks, held on May 16 in Istanbul, failed to reach a ceasefire agreement but led to a prisoner exchange deal, with both sides agreeing to release 1,000 war prisoners each.
U.S. and International Pressure Mounts for a Resolution
Amid renewed diplomatic efforts, the United States has warned Russia against prolonging the conflict. John Kelley, acting U.S. deputy representative to the United Nations, told the UN Security Council on May 29 that the latest peace proposal represents the best possible outcome for Russia and urged President Vladimir Putin to accept it.
Kelley cautioned that the U.S. may reconsider its negotiation efforts if Russia chooses to continue the war, calling the invasion “catastrophic.” He also emphasized that further sanctions against Russia remain on the table.
The Kremlin confirmed it was awaiting Kyiv’s formal response to its invitation for talks, reaffirming readiness for negotiations in Istanbul on June 2.
