Ukraine's peace proposal details emerge as Istanbul talks begin
The second round of negotiations between Ukrainian and Russian delegations has begun in Istanbul, Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported. Meanwhile, journalists have published Ukraine's framework document outlining its vision for ending the war.
Financial Times correspondent Christopher Miller published a photo of the document that Kyiv presented to Moscow. Officially titled "Ukraine-Russia Negotiations Framework," it consists of five parts. As previously reported, it was indeed drafted in both Ukrainian and English.
The first part of the document outlines key principles of the agreement and the negotiation process — complete and unconditional ceasefire in the air, on land, and at sea; confidence-building measures (return of all abducted children and prisoner exchanges based on the "all for all" principle); non-repetition of aggression; security guarantees and involvement of the international community; and Ukraine's sovereignty.
At the same time, Russia's territorial gains since February 2014 should not be recognized by the international community, though the current line of contact serves as a starting point for negotiations, which should only take place after a ceasefire.
Regarding sanctions against Russia, Ukraine has agreed to their removal, but in phases and only gradually. Meanwhile, frozen Russian sovereign assets should be used for Ukraine's reconstruction or remain frozen until reparations are paid.
Additionally, the document specifies the need for monitoring the ceasefire regime by the United States and third countries, and a future meeting between the leaders — Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin.
During this meeting, they are to agree on key aspects of the final peace settlement, including territorial issues, compensation and reconstruction of Ukraine, and the procedure for concluding the final peace agreement.
Negotiations in Istanbul
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Russia proposes to hold a second round of talks with Ukraine on June 2 again in Istanbul, having previously refused to hold talks in the Vatican. According to him, it is in Türkiye that the Russian delegation will present its list of conditions for a ceasefire.
At the same time, Ukraine conveyed its demands to the Russian Federation in advance and appealed to Moscow to do the same. However, Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin, called Kyiv's request unconstructive.
On May 30, the head of the Presidential Office, Andriy Yermak, stated that Ukraine is ready to participate in the next meeting with the Russian delegation in Istanbul. This time, the Ukrainian negotiating team will again be headed by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
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