Moscow preparing for fresh Russia-Ukraine talks, Russian minister tells Rubio

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday that Moscow is preparing "concrete proposals" for the next round of direct talks with Ukraine. According to a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry, Lavrov also updated Rubio on progress made since the recent call between the presidents of the United States and Russia.

According to Lavrov, the proposals are part of continuous attempts by the US, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey to resurrect direct talks, which began in Istanbul on May 16.

"As you know, with support from the United States, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, it became possible to pave the way for the resumption of direct Russian-Ukrainian negotiations," the ministry stated. "The first round was held on May 16 in Istanbul. Pursuant to the agreements reached, the parties have exchanged 1,000 prisoners of war each."

The statement further said, "In addition, Moscow and Kiev agreed in Istanbul to prepare documents setting out the parties’ respective stances on achieving a sustainable settlement."

Lavrov added, "Our delegation, led by Vladimir Medinsky, is ready to present this memorandum to the Ukrainian delegation and provide the necessary clarifications during a second round of resumed direct talks in Istanbul next Monday, June 2."

KYIV WAITING ON MOSCOW'S MEMORANDUM

Lavrov also thanked Turkey for offering a venue for the peace talks. "I would like to once again express my gratitude to our Turkish partners for providing a hospitable venue for the talks, which Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan confirmed yesterday during his visit to Moscow," he said.

He urged broader support for the negotiations, "We hope that all those who are sincerely, and not just in words, interested in the success of the peace process will support holding a new round of direct Russian-Ukrainian negotiations in Istanbul."

Shortly after Russia’s statement, Ukraine confirmed it had shared its own draft of the peace memorandum. Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov said, "We are not opposed to further meetings with the Russians and are awaiting their ‘memorandum’, so that the meeting won’t be empty and can truly move us closer to ending the war."

"The Russian side has at least four more days before their departure to provide us with their documents for review," Umerov added.

STALLED CEASEFIRE HOPES

The May 16 talks marked the first official in-person dialogue between Russia and Ukraine in over three years since the start of the war in 2022. Although the meeting led to the exchange of 1,000 prisoners of war on each side, no ceasefire was agreed upon. Ukraine and its Western allies continue to push for an immediate end to hostilities, while Moscow says certain conditions must first be met.

The meetings on May 16 were the first formal face-to-face discussions between Russia and Ukraine since the conflict began in 2022, more than three years ago. A ceasefire was not agreed upon. However, it resulted in the exchange of 1,000 prisoners of war on each side. Ukraine and its Western allies continue to push for an immediate end to hostilities, while Moscow says certain conditions must first be met.