Lithuania skeptical new round of Ukraine-Russia talks will break deadlock
Photo: Kęstutis Budrys, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys stated that significant results are unlikely to be achieved during the second round of direct talks between Russia and Ukraine, informs LRT.
He said the outcome depends on the intentions and mood of the Russian delegation. If they arrive with the same attitude as last time, "we know how it ended."
"There was no real desire to conduct negotiations, and therefore, no tangible results related to the ceasefire. It is quite likely that the same will happen this time," Lithuanian Foreign Minister said.
Budrys emphasized the need for a ceasefire that is "unconditional and immediate."
"Only simultaneously with the ceasefire can normal, full negotiations on ending the aggression take place. Such talks must ensure the participation of both the US and Europe," the Minister noted.
Budrys emphasized that there must be real results. What we see now is "merely a simulation."
"Will Monday show that this is not a simulation? Most likely not, and that is why Ukrainians need even greater support," he said.
Ukraine-Russia talks
Recently, Russia proposed a second round of talks on June 2 in Istanbul. On May 30, Ukraine confirmed its readiness to join the dialogue.
However, before the meeting, Ukraine demands that Moscow provide a preliminary memorandum outlining the conditions of a possible ceasefire. Russia is delaying the delivery of the document. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes Russia does not want a ceasefire but rather to continue the war. Meanwhile, the US delegation will not attend the second round of talks.
As a reminder, the first round of negotiations between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations took place on May 16 in Türkiye.
