Russia and Ukraine to Resume Peace Talks in Istanbul on June 2

Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced on Wednesday that Ukraine anticipates receiving a formal peace "memorandum" from Russia on June 2, marking a potentially pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict. Umerov emphasized his country’s readiness for further dialogue, stating that Ukraine is awaiting detailed proposals from Moscow in advance of the next round of talks, which could serve as a significant step towards ending the war.

"We are not opposed to further meetings with the Russians and are awaiting their memorandum, so that the meeting won't be empty and can truly move us closer to ending the war," Umerov wrote in a public statement. He highlighted that the Russian delegation has several days before their scheduled departure to deliver their document, underlining the importance of substantive preparation so negotiations can yield concrete progress.

The Ukrainian side has already provided its own proposal, reflecting Kyiv’s priorities, to Vladimir Medinsky, head of the Russian delegation. The exchange of documents is intended to set the stage for the next face-to-face session, lending hope to observers that the dialogue will move beyond rhetoric and towards actionable steps.

The last direct discussions between Ukrainian and Russian delegations took place in Istanbul on May 16, marking the first high-level contact since March 2022. The renewal of such direct talks is seen by many as a sign of cautious optimism amid ongoing hostilities.

On Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov confirmed Russia’s readiness to continue negotiations, proposing that the next set of talks be held in Istanbul on June 2. Lavrov called on all parties invested in peace to support this renewed diplomatic effort, expressing hope that fresh discussions could lay the foundation for a sustainable settlement.

Shortly after his statement, Lavrov spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss preparations for the proposed talks, as well as the progress made since the May 19 agreements between President Vladimir Putin and President Donald Trump. Lavrov indicated that Russia is finalizing its proposals for the upcoming session, signaling Moscow’s intention to approach the next meeting with concrete offers.

Meanwhile, Secretary Rubio reiterated Washington’s support for a swift resolution, highlighting President Trump’s commitment to assisting both sides in narrowing their differences. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, both countries reaffirmed their dedication to maintaining a constructive and respectful dialogue at the diplomatic level.

As the June 2 deadline approaches, expectations are mounting that these renewed efforts—supported by international actors—could represent a turning point in the search for peace. However, it remains to be seen whether the forthcoming talks in Istanbul will result in tangible progress towards ending the conflict.