Ukraine Presents Peace Plan at Istanbul Negotiations
Ukrainian officials are scheduled to present a comprehensive peace roadmap to Russian representatives during talks in Istanbul on June 2, 2025. This proposed plan outlines a phased approach aimed at concluding the ongoing conflict between the two nations.
Key Elements of the Peace Roadmap
- 30-day full ceasefire: Immediate cessation of hostilities for one month.
- Prisoner exchange and repatriation: Release of all prisoners and return of Ukrainian children taken to Russian-controlled territories.
- Presidential summit: A proposed meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
- Multilateral negotiations: Involvement of Ukraine, Russia, the United States, and European nations to finalize a lasting settlement.
Unchanged Ukrainian Conditions
Ukraine’s terms for peace remain firm, emphasizing:
- No restrictions on Ukraine's military capabilities post-conflict.
- Rejection of Russian sovereignty claims over occupied territories.
- Demands for reparations from Moscow.
- Land dispute negotiations commencing from current front lines.
Challenges in Negotiations
The substantial gap between Russia’s public demands and Ukraine’s conditions continues to hinder progress, casting uncertainty on the possibility of an immediate breakthrough. While Russia has proposed a second round of face-to-face talks in Istanbul next week, Ukraine awaits formal proposals from the Russian side, which have yet to materialize.
International Perspectives and Next Steps
International influence remains evident, with calls for dialogue from global leaders encouraging both Moscow and Kyiv to find a resolution. President Zelenskyy affirmed Ukraine’s commitment to peace and confirmed sending a delegation to Istanbul for continued negotiations.
This upcoming dialogue marks a critical phase in efforts to resolve Europe’s largest conflict since World War II.
