The Ukrainian delegation has prepared a comprehensive set of proposals for the meeting with representatives of the Russian Federation, which will take place on June 2 in Istanbul. It is known that the document to be presented by the Ukrainians outlines five key sections with specific subsections that are to serve as the basis for further negotiations.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Main Demands of the Ukrainian Side
Among the main positions, Ukraine insists on the unconditional return of all deported and illegally taken Ukrainian children, as well as on conducting a prisoner exchange based on the principle of “all for all.” A separate item in the document is the demand for security guarantees for Ukraine. In this context, the parties propose involving the international community in the negotiations and ensuring the implementation of the reached agreements through special guarantees.
It is noted that Ukraine does not agree to a neutral status. The document contains provisions according to which Ukraine retains the right to move towards membership in the European Union, while the issue of NATO membership will be resolved based on consensus within the North Atlantic Alliance. At the same time, no restrictions can be imposed on the number, deployment, or other parameters of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as on the presence of troops from partner foreign states on Ukrainian territory.
Approaches to Territorial Issues and Sanctions
The Ukrainian side refuses to recognize as Russian those territories that have been occupied by the Russian Federation. Territorial issues are to be discussed only after a complete and unconditional ceasefire, with the current line of confrontation serving as the starting point for further negotiations.
Regarding sanctions, Ukraine proposes a gradual lifting of restrictions on the Russian Federation only in stages and with the implementation of a mechanism for their reinstatement in case of violations. It is also anticipated that frozen Russian assets will either be used for the reconstruction of Ukraine or remain blocked until reparations are paid.
It is separately noted that there is a need to organize a direct meeting between the leaders of the two countries to agree on the key aspects of a final peaceful resolution to the conflict.
“No restrictions can be imposed on the number, deployment, or other parameters of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, nor on the deployment of troops from friendly foreign states on the territory of Ukraine”
According to Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, the Russian Federation has proposed that Ukraine hold a second round of negotiations in Istanbul on June 2. The Russian side has prepared its memorandum regarding the peace treaty, which will be presented by the assistant to the President of the Russian Federation.
At the same time, the Kremlin refused to provide Ukraine with its conditions for the negotiations, which has drawn criticism from Kyiv. President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that such a position from the Russian Federation indicates a desire to make the negotiations “empty,” but Ukraine is ready for dialogue provided there is proper preparation.
U.S. President Donald Trump also commented on the situation, emphasizing that he will need two weeks to determine whether Putin truly seeks to end the war in Ukraine. According to him, the Russian side “wants to do something,” but a concrete response will only be possible after signing the relevant agreement.