**Russia Presents “Specific Proposals” for Next Round of Peace Talks with Ukraine**
In a move that could potentially bring an end to the conflict in Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has presented specific proposals to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio for the next round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Lavrov made these presentations during a phone call with Rubio on May 28, just one day after Moscow proposed holding negotiations in Istanbul on June 2. This follow-up meeting is set to take place after the first round of talks ended abruptly on May 16.
**Lavrov Updates Rubio on Implementing Trump-Putin Agreements**
In addition to presenting new proposals, Lavrov also briefed Rubio on implementing agreements made between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump on May 19. During this phone call, Trump reiterated his commitment to ending the conflict in Ukraine and expressed Washington’s willingness to help bring the sides closer together.
**Tensions Rise as Russia Rejects Ceasefire**
Despite these commitments, tensions remain high, with Russia refusing to agree to a ceasefire and instead pushing for maximalist demands. Trump has been criticized for his increasingly critical tone towards Putin in recent days, while also rejecting calls from Kyiv and European partners to impose additional sanctions on Moscow.
**U.S. Officials Pressured to Take Action**
The pressure is mounting on U.S. officials to take action against Russia’s aggression. Kyiv and its European partners have urged the U.S. to impose fresh sanctions to pressure Moscow into agreeing to a truce. However, Trump has so far refused to do so, saying he wants to “screw it up” by imposing new sanctions.
**Putin’s Demands Spark Controversy**
Reuters reported that Putin’s conditions for ending Russia’s war against Ukraine include a written pledge from NATO not to expand eastward, the lifting of some sanctions, and Ukraine’s neutral status. These demands have sparked controversy, with many questioning why Moscow is insisting on such terms.
As tensions rise, it remains to be seen whether these peace talks will yield any progress or simply become another stalemate in this ongoing conflict.
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