Zelenskyy picks leader for Ukraine's next negotiation team
Photo: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Ukraine will participate in the second round of negotiations with Russia in Istanbul, with the Ukrainian delegation led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, according to the Telegram channel of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Zelenskyy held a meeting with the heads of security and diplomatic agencies ahead of the second round of international talks, which will take place on Monday in Istanbul.
According to the president, Ukraine’s main priorities are: a full and unconditional ceasefire, the release of all prisoners, and the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.
The head of state also emphasized that Ukraine is doing everything possible to ensure the protection of the country’s independence, security, and sovereignty.
"I set the tasks for the near future. I also defined the positions ahead of the meeting in Istanbul on Monday," Zelenskyy said.
The Ukrainian delegation at the negotiations will be led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
The president stressed that key issues can only be resolved at the highest level, so Ukraine is also preparing for a potential leaders’ meeting.
Recall that during the first round of talks with Russia on May 15, the Ukrainian delegation was also headed by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
At that time, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pointed out that the delegation sent by Russia to the Istanbul talks showed Moscow’s lack of seriousness toward genuine dialogue.
New round of peace talks in Istanbul
On May 16, direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia on ending the war took place in Istanbul. During the meeting, the parties agreed on a prisoner exchange format of 1,000 for 1,000 (which has already been carried out) and presented their proposals for a possible ceasefire.
Additionally, after a phone conversation between US President Donald Trump and Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, the dictator announced that Russia is ready to work with Ukraine on a "memorandum" that would, among other things, include a ceasefire.
Earlier this week, the Russian side proposed holding a second round of talks in Istanbul, specifically on Monday, June 2.
Yesterday, Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak stated that Ukraine is ready for the next round of negotiations with Russia. However, before the meeting, Ukraine wants to receive from Moscow a so-called "memorandum" on a possible ceasefire.
Zelenskyy also commented on the situation, noting that for the upcoming meeting not to be empty, it is necessary to understand its agenda and prepare adequately for the negotiations. However, according to him, Russia is doing everything to make this meeting fruitless.
