Kinshasa, June 1st, 2025 (CPA).- The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced on Sunday that a Ukrainian delegation, led by his Minister in charge of Defence, will be in Istanbul on June 2nd for talks with Russia, according to international media reports. ‘The delegation will be led by Mr Oumerov, as was the case for the first round of negotiations in May. Ukraine’s priorities are to obtain a complete and unconditional ceasefire, as well as the return of Ukrainian prisoners and children whom Kiev accuses Moscow of having abducted,’ has declared Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine.
‘I have also defined our positions ahead of Monday’s meeting in Istanbul,’ he has added.
Under pressure from the US, the two countries have held a round of negotiations in Istanbul on May 16th to end the conflict launched by Russia’s assault in February 2022. However, they have not been successful, and Russia has proposed a second round. Ukraine had so far left its participation in doubt.
Opposition
Volodymyr Zelensky had notably accused Moscow of sabotaging the negotiations by refusing to provide in advance its ‘memorandum’ detailing its conditions for a peace agreement.
Despite diplomatic efforts, Ukraine and Russia remain at odds. Russia is demanding that Ukraine permanently renounce joining NATO and cede the five regions it claims to have annexed. These conditions are unacceptable to Kiev, which is demanding the outright withdrawal of Russian troops from its territory in return. Moscow also refuses the unconditional ceasefire demanded by Kiev, Washington and the Europeans. Volodymyr Zelensky has also called for ‘preparations for a meeting at the highest level’, i.e. with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He has already proposed a meeting with Vladimir Putin, but the Kremlin leader has not responded. ACP/