**Ukraine and Russia Discuss June 2 Peace Talks**
In a phone call on May 30, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss the upcoming peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. The meeting, scheduled for June 2 in Istanbul, is the second round of direct talks since 2022.
During the call, Zelensky emphasized that a ceasefire must be established before further progress can be made towards peace. “The killings must stop,” he said on social media after the phone call. Both leaders agree that the meeting cannot and should not be empty. The first session of talks, held in Istanbul on May 16, ended without an agreement on a ceasefire but led to the largest prisoner exchange of the war.
**Previous Talks Frustrating**
Zelensky expressed skepticism about the success of the upcoming talks due to what he described as Moscow’s deliberate inaction. He also questioned Russia’s commitment to finding a peaceful solution. “Unfortunately, it was the only achievement,” Zelensky said about the first round of talks, which resulted in a prisoner exchange but no ceasefire agreement.
**Ukraine Insists on Ceasefire**
Ukrainian officials have made it clear that they will not engage in talks without a concrete commitment to a ceasefire. Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak stated on May 29 that Kyiv is open to the talks but requires Russia to share their ceasefire memorandum ahead of the meeting.
**Russia’s Conditions**
Russia, however, has its own set of conditions for engaging in peace talks. Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced on May 28 that Ukraine must halt mobilization and stop receiving foreign military aid before a ceasefire can be considered. This condition has been met with skepticism by Ukrainian officials.
**International Pressure**
Despite the ongoing stalemate, the Turkish Presidential office called on both sides to resume talks without further delay. “Stating that discussing the potential ceasefire in the second round of talks planned to be held in Istanbul will pave the way for peace,” a statement from Erdogan’s office read.
**Path Forward Uncertain**
The path forward remains uncertain as Russia continues to make demands that go beyond a ceasefire, including a written pledge from NATO to stop expanding and recognition of Ukraine’s neutral status. Independent journalism is crucial in this situation, providing reliable information and analysis to help the public understand the complexities of the conflict.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
