Kyiv: As the clock ticks toward the much-anticipated June 2 peace summit in Istanbul, Ukraine has yet to confirm its attendance, leaving Russia and the world guessing about its next diplomatic move. Ukrainian officials have insisted they are still awaiting a detailed proposal from Moscow before committing to the dialogue.
President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the importance of meaningful negotiations and criticized Russia's lack of transparency and preparation. "We need serious steps toward peace, not another media spectacle," Zelensky stated, underlining the necessity of a ceasefire as a precondition for talks.
On the other side, the Kremlin has expressed willingness to engage directly and is reportedly preparing a memorandum that outlines terms for a temporary truce. However, these terms remain undisclosed. Among Moscow's primary demands is a firm assurance from the West that NATO will not expand further eastward a point the U.S. has shown some cautious understanding of, suggesting Ukraine’s NATO accession might be indefinitely deferred.
Meanwhile, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, following a recent visit to Kyiv, warned Moscow of sweeping repercussions if it fails to approach the peace initiative sincerely. He announced that the U.S. Senate is preparing to introduce a bipartisan sanctions package next week, which could impose a 500% tariff on goods from nations trading in Russian energy and raw materials.
U.S. President Donald Trump has also stepped into the diplomatic arena, expressing his intention to mediate a ceasefire. However, he voiced disappointment over ongoing Russian airstrikes, which continue to undermine diplomatic efforts. Talks are reportedly underway to organize a broader summit involving Ukraine, Russia, Turkey, and the United States an idea welcomed by both Zelensky and Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan.
With only days left before the Istanbul gathering, Ukraine remains tight-lipped about its decision, demanding greater clarity and sincerity from Moscow. As the international community watches with bated breath, hopes remain guarded that this round of talks might mark a step toward ending the devastating conflict that erupted following Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.