Ukraine's ready for next Russia talks — but with one key condition
Photo: Head of Zelenskyy's Office Andriy Yermak (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Ukraine is ready for the next negotiations with Russia. However, before the meeting, it wants to receive a so-called "memorandum" regarding a possible ceasefire from Moscow, says the Head of Zelenskyy's Office Andriy Yermak.
"Ukraine is ready to attend the next meeting, but we want to engage in a constructive discussion. This means it is important to receive Russia's draft," Yermak noted.
Recall that Russia proposed to hold a second round of talks on June 2 in Istanbul. Moscow says it will present a so-called "memorandum" there with its vision of a possible ceasefire.
Ukraine, on the other hand, states that it wants to receive Russian proposals before the next meeting.
"For the upcoming meeting to be substantive and focused, it is important to receive the document in advance so that the delegation attending has the authority to discuss the relevant positions," explained Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
Russian "memorandum"
On May 16, negotiations between Ukraine and Russia took place in Istanbul. For Ukraine, the priority of the meeting was a ceasefire. However, the Russian delegation did not agree to a truce.
At the same time, Russian representatives said that the parties should outline their vision of a ceasefire in writing. After that, Russia announced it was preparing the so-called "memorandum."
Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov recently reported that Ukraine has submitted its proposals to Moscow and is waiting for the same step from Russia.
More about the possible new round of negotiations in Istanbul is available in the RBC-Ukraine article.
