Ukraine has rejected pressure to attend the next round of peace talks with Russia scheduled for June 2 in Istanbul, demanding to see a written peace plan before agreeing to participate. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said no meeting would happen unless Russia clearly outlined its negotiation agenda.
Both Moscow and Washington are urging Ukraine to join the talks, but Kyiv insists it will not show up without seeing Russia’s official proposals. Zelenskiy wrote, “For a meeting to be meaningful, its agenda must be clear.” He accused Russia of trying to make the talks fail before they begin.
This move comes ahead of proposed face-to-face talks next week and is seen as a major condition for Ukraine’s involvement. The delay adds tension to already fragile peace efforts.
Russia Pushes Talks, Ukraine Says ‘No Document, No Deal’
The Kremlin confirmed its delegation will be in Istanbul for talks and is ready to negotiate on Monday morning. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the Russian team is finalizing “a list of conditions for a temporary truce.”
But Ukraine says talk of peace means nothing without written details. Turkish officials have offered to mediate, but so far, no compromise has been reached. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated, “As long as the sides remain at the table, progress can surely be seen.” However, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha made it clear that Kyiv will not attend blindly.
“Without the Russian document, the meeting will not be substantive or meaningful,” Sybiha added. He did not say what Kyiv’s final decision would be, but stressed that Ukraine wants to end the war this year.
Trump’s Peace Pitch Divides Kyiv and Moscow
The situation also reflects the growing influence of U.S. President Donald Trump, who has pushed both sides to negotiate. While Kyiv seeks military support from Washington, Russia hopes Trump will lift sanctions. This political backdrop is affecting how both sides approach the Istanbul meeting.
Trump’s envoy, Keith Kellogg, even admitted that Russia’s fears about NATO’s eastward expansion are valid. That statement has fueled debate on whether Ukraine will be forced to abandon its NATO ambitions as part of a deal.
Russia’s ambassador to the U.N., Vassily Nebenzia, said Moscow would consider a ceasefire if the West stopped arming Ukraine and if Kyiv stopped recruiting soldiers.
Yet without seeing a written Russian peace plan, Ukraine insists it will not be part of the talks. Until then, the future of peace remains uncertain.
Ukraine Rejects Russia Talks Without Written Peace Plan
Ukraine’s refusal to attend without a written peace plan keeps the June 2 Istanbul meeting in doubt. As Ukraine rejects Russia talks without a written peace plan, hopes for a truce grow dim. The coming days will reveal whether Russia sends the required document or if another peace effort falls flat.
