As military tensions escalate, the United States, Turkey, and Ukraine are preparing for negotiations with Russia. The U.S. supports a diplomatic resolution to the war and expects concrete outcomes from the upcoming meeting of delegations in Istanbul on June 2. Ukraine has expressed its readiness to participate but insists that clear proposals from Russia must precede the talks and emphasizes the need for a substantive dialogue. The Kremlin has confirmed its participation and is reportedly drafting a memorandum on a temporary ceasefire, while also demanding guarantees on NATO non-expansion—a condition former President Donald Trump is allegedly willing to consider.
U.S.: Mediation and Trump’s Position
US President Donald Trump saidthat he supports ending the war between Ukraine and Russia through negotiations rather than continued warfare. The Trump administration has reaffirmed that the planned talks in Istanbul will break the current deadlock and move both parties closer to a peaceful resolution.
Trump warned issued a warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying he was "playing with fire" by continuing aggression against Ukraine. He added that the U.S. may consider additional measures if Putin fails to take the peace process seriously.
Ukraine: Awaiting Russian Proposals and Pushing for a Trilateral Summit
Ukraine has reaffirmed its readiness to engage in talks with Russia on June 2 in Istanbul but insists that the Kremlin provide clear proposals before the meeting begins. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that negotiations must be meaningful and result-oriented.
Zelensky suggested a trilateral summit involving himself, Trump, and Putin to achieve a comprehensive peace agreement. Turkey has endorsed the idea, offering to host the meeting following the initial round of talks.
Russia: Preparing for Talks and Making Demands
The Kremlin ultimately its willingness to participate in the June 2 negotiations. Russian officials are drafting a memorandum outlining terms for a temporary ceasefire, although the document has not yet been shared with Ukraine. Reports indicate that the contents of the Russian proposal will not be made public ahead of the meeting.
Russia is also demanding written guarantees from Western countries that NATO will cease its eastward expansion. Trump’s advisor Keith Kellogg stated that Trump is prepared to offer such a guarantee if it leads to an end to the war.
Turkey’s Role and Global Reactions
Turkey continues to position itself as a potential mediator, maintaining communication with both sides. During a visit to Kyiv, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said that a three-way summit involving the leaders of Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan could be the next step after the Istanbul talks—and might bring the war to a close by the end of the year.
“We sincerely believe that the first and second rounds of direct negotiations in Istanbul could culminate in a meeting between Mr. Trump, Mr. Putin, and Mr. Zelenskyy under President Erdoğan’s leadership. We can either turn a blind eye to the continuation of this war or reach a lasting peace by the end of the year… Expectations for a ceasefire and peace are growing,” said Hakan Fidan.
Military Situation: Fighting Intensifies
Russia continues active hostilities in eastern Ukraine, especially in the Sumy region, where more than 50,000 Russian troops are reportedly concentrated. In response, Ukraine is conducting drone strikes on Russian targets. A recent Russian missile strike near Kyiv resulted in the deaths of three Ukrainian children, sparking outrage both domestically and internationally.
Photo: glavcom.ua
Author: Inna Mikhno