Ukraine has called for a document outlining Russia’s peace deal proposals before sending a delegation to Istanbul for bilateral talks, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on Friday. The talks, proposed by Russia for June 2, are seen as a potential step towards ending the ongoing war, but Ukraine insists on receiving a clear proposal to ensure Moscow’s sincerity.
Russia’s Proposal and Ukraine’s Conditions
Russia, which launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine over three years ago, recently suggested a meeting in Istanbul to discuss peace. However, Kyiv has expressed hesitation, demanding assurances that Russia is genuinely committed to resolving the conflict. Ukrainian officials stated that a document from Russia is essential to ensure that the peace talks would be substantive and lead to meaningful progress.
Expectations for the Istanbul Talks
Despite the invitation for bilateral talks, expectations remain modest. The positions of the two sides remain significantly apart, and little progress has been made on narrowing the gap. At a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Sybiha emphasized the importance of receiving the proposed document in advance of the scheduled meeting.
Ukraine’s Willingness to Engage
Sybiha confirmed that Ukraine is open to direct talks with Russia but stressed the need for clear, written proposals. He reiterated Ukraine’s goal of ending the war this year, whether through a short truce or a longer-term solution. “We want to end this war this year,” Sybiha said, underscoring the urgency of the situation. Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate remains contingent on the sincerity of Russia’s intentions, as reflected in the awaited document.
International Involvement and U.S. Support
U.S. President Donald Trump has played a role in encouraging both Russia and Ukraine to engage in peace talks, hoping to broker a resolution. Trump’s envoy, Keith Kellogg, indicated that the June 2 talks would likely take place as planned. Both Kyiv and Moscow are eager to demonstrate their commitment to Trump’s peace efforts. Ukraine seeks more military aid from the U.S., while Russia hopes for an easing of economic sanctions.
Progress and Challenges in the Negotiations
Russia’s delegation at the Istanbul talks will be led by Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky, who previously headed the Russian team in May 2025 talks that ended without breakthroughs. Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan, who visited Moscow earlier this week, expressed his country’s willingness to host further talks and highlighted the potential for progress if both sides continue negotiating. Fidan also mentioned the possibility of a future summit involving President Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to facilitate a resolution.
