**Ukraine Stands Firm Ahead of Next Round of Peace Talks with Russia**
As the world waits with bated breath for a breakthrough in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, the Ukrainian government has made it clear that it will not attend the next round of peace talks without a draft of Russia’s proposed ceasefire memorandum. Presidential Office Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak announced on May 29 that Ukraine is ready to participate in the second round of negotiations with the Russian delegation in Istanbul on June 2, but only if Moscow shares its proposal for a ceasefire.
This comes after the two sides met in Istanbul on May 16, where they agreed on a 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange. However, the talks were largely inconclusive, with Russia reiterating its maximalist demands and sending a delegation of lower-level officials. Despite escalating attacks on Ukraine, Moscow has proposed June 2 as the date for the next round of talks.
**Russia’s Conditions for Ceasefire Remain Unclear**
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has stated that the Russian delegation is prepared to present its memorandum to the Ukrainian side and provide necessary clarifications during the next Istanbul meeting. However, Kyiv remains skeptical about Russia’s intentions, with Yermak saying that Ukraine wants to engage in a constructive discussion, but needs to receive Russia’s draft ahead of time.
This demand has not been met, with Reuters reporting that Putin’s conditions for ending Russia’s war against Ukraine include a written pledge by NATO not to accept more Eastern European members, lifting of some sanctions, and Ukraine’s neutral status, among other demands. These conditions have drawn rebuke from Ukrainian, European, and U.S. officials.
**International Community Showcases Support for Ukraine**
In a show of support for Ukraine, security advisors from the UK, Germany, France, and Italy are expected to attend the second round of peace talks in Istanbul. Additionally, US President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy Keith Kellogg has announced that he will be present at the meeting.
As tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to escalate, it remains to be seen whether Moscow will soften its stance and meet Kyiv’s demands for a ceasefire memorandum. One thing is certain, however: the world is watching closely as this critical conflict unfolds.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
