Russia and Ukraine take tentative steps toward peace in Istanbul talks
Published June 2nd, 2025 - 05:39 GMT The proposal also focuses on the sick, the wounded, and young soldiers aged 18 to 25. A major exchange involving 6,000 prisoners is reportedly under negotiation.
ALBAWABA- In Istanbul, a new round of Russian-Ukrainian peace talks, mediated by Turkey, has introduced cautious but potentially meaningful humanitarian measures, with negotiators emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable peace.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan opened the tripartite meeting between Ankara, Moscow, and Kyiv, describing the primary objective as strengthening prospects for a ceasefire and preparing for eventual leadership-level discussions. — Anadolu العربية (@aa_arabic) June 2, 2025
The meeting focused on assessing current conditions, enhancing the prisoner exchange process, and laying the groundwork for a future summit between the Russian and Ukrainian heads of state.
Ukrainian Defense Minister and chief negotiator Rustem Umerov stressed that resolving the core disputes would ultimately require direct dialogue between Presidents Zelensky and Putin. He revealed that Ukraine had recently shared a draft memorandum to end the conflict but had not received a response from Moscow.
During the session, the Russian delegation presented a formal document outlining a proposed ceasefire and broader roadmap for peace. Umerov said Kyiv would need about a week to evaluate the Russian offer. He emphasized Ukraine's humanitarian priorities, particularly the return of all Ukrainian prisoners, including children.
The proposal also focuses on the sick, the wounded, and young soldiers aged 18 to 25. A major exchange involving 6,000 prisoners is reportedly under negotiation.
Ukraine has suggested holding a follow-up meeting between June 20 and 30. Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oncu Keçeli commented that the talks, although brief, ended without adverse outcomes, a sign of sustained diplomatic engagement.
Russian chief negotiator Vladimir Medinsky confirmed that the ceasefire proposal, which was delivered via Turkish mediation, consists of two parts. The first outlines Russia's long-term peace vision, while the second presents options for implementing a full ceasefire.
Although the content remains undisclosed officially, Russian media reports indicate the memorandum calls for national elections in Ukraine, withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from contested regions, recognition of Russian sovereignty over several territories, including Crimea and Kharkiv, and a commitment to Ukrainian neutrality, as reported by Al Arabiya. Also Read Ukraine launches major drone strike on Russian strategic airbase
The plan also includes restrictions on foreign military activity in Ukraine, a return to economic cooperation (notably in gas transit), and the lifting of sanctions on Russia.
Ukraine, however, insists on an unconditional 30-day ceasefire before progressing to deeper negotiations.
Meanwhile, a separate humanitarian effort is underway: a short truce of 2–3 days is being discussed to retrieve the bodies of 6,000 fallen soldiers. Russia has also received a list of 339 children whose return Ukraine is demanding, and Medinsky confirmed those cases are currently being reviewed for potential reunification with their families.
The talks concluded after approximately one hour. Though no formal agreement was reached, both sides acknowledged the value of continued dialogue.
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