Ukrainian President Zelensky announced on Sunday (June 1st) that Ukraine will participate in the Russia-Ukraine negotiations in Istanbul, Turkey on Monday (June 2nd).
The date and location of this negotiation were proposed by Russia a few days ago, but Ukraine had not responded until now. Russia stated that during the negotiations, a memorandum of peace will be presented to Ukraine outlining Russia’s stance on resolving the root causes of the Russia-Ukraine crisis.
After meeting with his officials on Sunday, Zelensky posted several meeting photos on the social media platform X, stating, “We are doing everything possible to protect our independence, our country, and our people. I outlined recent missions and clarified our position before the Istanbul meeting on Monday.”
“Our key points include a comprehensive and unconditional ceasefire, the release of prisoners, and the return of kidnapped children. In order to establish a reliable, lasting peace and security, the highest level of meetings must be prepared. The crucial issues can only be resolved by the leaders of Russia and Ukraine,” Zelensky stated. “On Monday, our delegation will be led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.”
According to a document seen by Reuters, Ukrainian negotiators will present a blueprint for a lasting peace solution to Russia during the talks on Monday (June 2nd).
The blueprint includes at least a 30-day comprehensive ceasefire, followed by the release of all prisoners and the repatriation of Ukrainian children from territories controlled by Russia. Subsequently, President Zelensky of Ukraine and President Putin of Russia will hold a meeting.
The blueprint also suggests that with the involvement of the United States and Europe, Russia and Ukraine will strive to finalize terms that both parties can agree on to completely end this three-year-old war.
This conflict marks the largest in Europe since World War II. Ukrainian officials stated earlier this week that they had already sent this blueprint to Russia ahead of the Istanbul negotiations. The terms outlined in the document for a Ukrainian peace agreement are essentially similar to those previously proposed by the country. These terms include not limiting Ukraine’s military capabilities post-peace agreement, international non-recognition of Russia’s sovereignty over the occupied parts of Ukraine, and compensation for Ukraine.
The terms listed by Ukraine differ significantly from the demands Russia had publicly made in the past weeks, and it is expected that the contents of the memorandum Russia will present to Ukraine will also be markedly different.