While attending the summit of the Bucharest Nine and Nordic countries in Lithuania on June 2, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that the Ukrainian delegation is preparing for negotiations with Russia in Istanbul. He expressed doubts about the Russian side’s readiness for a constructive dialogue but emphasized the importance of addressing Ukraine’s critical concerns, reports Baltimore Chronicle with reference European Truth.
Among the top priorities, Zelensky named an unconditional ceasefire, resolving humanitarian problems—especially the return of abducted children—and the release of civilian hostages, journalists, and political prisoners. The president stressed the necessity of bringing all these people back home.
Ahead of the talks, scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Kyiv time, First Deputy Foreign Minister Serhiy Kyslytsia and Ukrainian delegation member Oleksandr Bevz held coordination meetings with representatives of Ukraine’s European partners—Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom.
The previous round of Ukraine-Russia negotiations took place in Istanbul on May 16, where both sides agreed on a “1000 for 1000” exchange and were expected to present their visions for a ceasefire. However, the Russian side later declined to submit their proposals, violating earlier agreements.
Earlier we wrote that Zelensky and Erdoğan hold key talks in Ankara.