**Kremlin Awaits Response from Ukraine on Peace Talks Proposal**
The Kremlin is still waiting for a response from Ukraine regarding Russia’s proposal to hold the next round of peace talks in Istanbul on June 2. According to Reuters, Russian President Vladimir Putin had proposed this new round of direct negotiations with Ukraine, aiming to present them with a memorandum outlining the key elements for “overcoming the root causes” of the conflict.
This latest development comes after previous talks on May 16 failed to reach an agreement on a ceasefire. Moscow has stated that a ceasefire is impossible to achieve before certain conditions are met. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov had called on Russia to produce its version of a potential settlement immediately, rather than waiting until next week.
**Kremlin Spokesman Comments on Ukraine’s Response**
When asked for comment on Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha’s suggestion that Russia should hand over the memorandum immediately, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the idea as “non-constructive.” Peskov stated that Kyiv needs to either confirm its readiness to continue negotiations or do the opposite. So far, Moscow has not received a reply from Ukraine on this proposal.
**Deeper Analysis**
The stalemate in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine is a worrying sign for both parties involved. The conflict has been ongoing since 2014, with both sides experiencing significant losses and human suffering. The failure to reach an agreement on a ceasefire suggests that the issues at hand are complex and deeply entrenched.
It’s worth noting that this latest proposal from Moscow comes amidst growing international pressure on Russia to find a solution to the conflict. Western powers have been critical of Russia’s actions in Ukraine, and there is increasing speculation about potential economic sanctions if progress is not made.
**What’s Next?**
The world will be watching closely for Kyiv’s response to this proposal. Will they accept the offer and engage in further negotiations? Or will they reject it, citing concerns over Moscow’s intentions? The outcome of these talks will have significant implications for regional stability and international relations.
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