Embassy Comment

On June 2, 2025, the second round of direct talks between Russia and Ukraine took place in Istanbul, following their resumption on May 16, 2025, at the initiative of President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin.

The Russian delegation presented Ukrainian representatives with a memorandum outlining a proposed framework for resolving the crisis in Ukraine and explained its key points.

The document consists of three sections that set out the main parameters for a comprehensive settlement of the conflict. It is based on addressing the root causes of the crisis, acknowledging the situation on the ground, and establishing conditions for a ceasefire and the subsequent steps toward resolution.

The development of conditions for long-term peace, rather than a temporary truce, was named as a fundamental point for Russia.

Several humanitarian agreements were reached, including a goodwill gesture by Russia to return the remains of 6,000 fallen Ukrainian soldiers. The parties also agreed to exchange more than 1,000 seriously wounded, ill, and young servicemen under the age of 25 from each side.

Russia also proposed short-term local ceasefires (2-3 days) in various areas to facilitate the retrieval of bodies and provide aid to the wounded.

President Vladimir Zelensky publicly rejected the initiative later that same day.

A third round of talks is tentatively scheduled to take place in Istanbul in the latter part of June.

These developments clearly show which side is truly committed to ending the bloodshed.

More information is available at: http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/77099