Russia proposes new peace talks date; awaits Ukraine's response
Russia has proposed a specific date and location for the second round of talks with Ukraine, during which proposals for a memorandum to reach a peace agreement will be exchanged, according to Vladimir Medinsky, Putin's advisor. The meeting is expected to take place in the coming days.
What you need to know
- Russia has proposed a date and location for the second round of talks with Ukraine to discuss reaching a peace agreement.
- Putin's advisor, Vladimir Medinsky, emphasized that Russia is waiting for a prompt response from Ukraine.
- The USA has received peace proposals from Ukraine and is awaiting Russia's plan.
What are Russia's expectations?
Medinsky, who led the Russian delegation during the initial talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul in mid-May, emphasized that Russia is waiting for a response and expects Kyiv to provide it "as soon as possible." He added that he discussed this issue over the phone with Ukraine's Defense Minister, Rustem Umerov.
- I read a message published by global agencies that Umerov supposedly called me about the memorandum, which we supposedly have not prepared yet, and that the Russians are in no hurry. I will comment on this: that’s how it was, only the other way around. I called Umerov today and proposed an exact date and location for the meeting to exchange memorandums. We are ready to start a substantive discussion on each point of the agreement concerning the future ceasefire - said Medinsky.
- The Ukrainian side is consulting this proposal. We are waiting for their confirmation as quickly as possible, and we are ready to meet personally on the agreed date - in the coming days - and begin working - added the advisor to the Russian leader.
The USA is waiting for Russia's move
On Tuesday, the special envoy of the US President for Ukraine, Gen. Keith Kellogg, said on Fox News that the USA has received proposals from Ukraine regarding achieving peace, and now it is Russia's turn to present its plan. He added that once the USA receives proposals from both sides, they will be able to compare them and organize the next meeting dedicated to peace talks.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced that a trilateral meeting involving US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Vladimir Putin would only be possible after concrete agreements between Ukraine and Russia are reached.
- Such a meeting must be the result of concrete agreements between both delegations, the Russian and Ukrainian - said Peskov, adding that the next round of negotiations to end the war in Ukraine could potentially be held in Istanbul again.
