Kremlin Anticipates Next Weeks Ceasefire Negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul

On Friday, the Kremlin announced its expectation that Russian and Ukrainian negotiators would discuss the terms for a ceasefire during their upcoming talks in Istanbul next week.

Russia has suggested that the second round of negotiations with Ukraine take place on June 2. However, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated on Friday that Ukraine wishes to review Russia’s proposals for a peace agreement before dispatching its delegation to Turkey.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the Russian team would be heading to Istanbul and would be prepared for discussions with Ukraine by Monday morning.

«Currently, all attention is directed towards the direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. A set of conditions for a temporary ceasefire is in the works,» Peskov informed the media. He noted that the specifics of the memorandum will remain confidential.

Earlier this week, Reuters reported that President Putin’s prerequisites for concluding the conflict in Ukraine include a written assurance from Western leaders to cease the eastward expansion of NATO.

Keith Kellogg, the U.S. envoy to Ukraine during Donald Trump’s administration, remarked on Thursday that Russia’s apprehensions about NATO’s eastward growth were «reasonable,» and stated that Washington does not plan to extend an invitation to Ukraine to join the military alliance.

In response to Kellogg’s comments, Peskov pointed out that Putin has consistently asserted the necessity to halt NATO’s expansion.

«We are gratified that the president’s explanations are being understood, including in Washington. This is certainly favorable for us regarding the mediating role that the U.S. continues to play,» Peskov added.