Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga stated that after the conclusion of the second round of negotiations in Istanbul, it became clear that Russia is not striving for peace. According to Sybiga, despite providing Ukraine with a document outlining the vision for ending the war, the Russian side did not offer any response – neither during the meeting nor afterward.
This is reported by Kyiv24
“Russia did not respond to our document, which outlines Ukraine’s vision for ending the war. We sent it before the meeting. During the meeting, our delegation asked the Russians for their thoughts. They provided nothing. Neither during the meeting nor afterward. We demand a response from Russia. Every day of their silence proves their desire to continue the war.”
Negotiations in Istanbul: Key Outcomes
Andriy Sybiga noted that the Russian delegation limited itself to merely repeating old ultimatums during the meeting, which, in his opinion, do not bring the parties closer to real peace. The minister emphasized that this contradicts Russia’s previous promises, particularly to the United States, regarding the presentation of constructive and realistic proposals in Istanbul. Due to the lack of dialogue, the Istanbul format of negotiations has effectively turned into a discussion solely about prisoner exchanges.
Sybiga expressed his conviction that Russia is deliberately ignoring substantive formats for a ceasefire. He stressed that this position is, in his opinion, a significant argument for international partners to impose new sanctions against the Russian Federation in the near future.
Continuation of the War and the Position of the International Community
As stated by First Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Serhiy Kyslytsya, the Russian delegation did not accept the idea of a complete ceasefire, despite Ukraine’s call for an unconditional cessation of hostilities. The Ukrainian side emphasizes the necessity of an immediate and unconditional halt to combat actions, a position supported by the United States, which initiated negotiations between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. However, Moscow refuses such conditions.
It is known that the Russian delegation handed over its memorandum to the Ukrainian side only during the Istanbul negotiations on June 2. Currently, Kyiv is studying these proposals but emphasizes the need for a clear response and real steps towards achieving peace.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated at the end of May that within two weeks he would determine whether Russian leader Putin intends to end the war in Ukraine. According to Trump, the Russian side “wants to do something,” but the final answer will only be known after the signing of the relevant agreement.