**Russia Moves Closer to New Round of Talks with Ukraine**
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has made significant progress in preparing “concrete proposals” for a new round of direct talks with Ukraine. According to a statement on the Russian foreign ministry’s website, Lavrov spoke to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the implementation of agreements between the Russian and U.S. presidents during their telephone call a week ago.
The statement emphasized that Russia is committed to achieving a sustainable peace settlement through these direct talks. Earlier, Lavrov had said that the next round of negotiations should take place in Istanbul on June 2. This development comes as Ukraine continues to experience significant challenges due to the ongoing conflict with Russia.
**Exchange of Views between Russia and Turkey**
In addition to his conversation with Rubio, Lavrov also spoke by telephone to his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan. The Russian foreign ministry reported that this exchange was focused on efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict. However, no further details were provided about the nature of their discussion.
**What Does This Mean for the Conflict?**
This recent development indicates that Russia is actively pursuing a diplomatic solution to the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. While progress has been made in preparing proposals for new talks, it remains unclear what specific steps will be taken or how effective these negotiations will be. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with many hoping that this could mark a turning point towards finding a lasting peace settlement.
The fact that Russia is engaging in diplomatic efforts suggests that Moscow recognizes the need for a resolution to this conflict. However, it remains to be seen whether their proposals will be met with enthusiasm by Ukraine and its international partners, or if more concessions are required to bring about a sustainable peace.
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