The Voice News: Russia has proposed a second round of peace talks with Ukraine, suggesting a meeting on Monday in Istanbul to exchange written proposals for a ceasefire and potential end to the war, Ukrainian and Russian officials confirmed Thursday.
Why it matters:
Ukrainian officials believe Moscow’s proposal is partly aimed at easing mounting frustration from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently warned Russian President Vladimir Putin against escalating the conflict. On Tuesday, Trump stated that Putin was “playing with fire.”
Latest developments:
Shortly after the proposal by Vladimir Medinsky, Putin’s adviser and head of the Russian delegation, Ukraine submitted its own document to Moscow. The document outlines Ukraine’s roadmap for a ceasefire, negotiations, confidence-building measures, and a potential leader-level meeting.
“We gave the Russians our document and are now waiting for theirs,” a Ukrainian official told Axios.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov confirmed openness to further talks but insisted Russia must also present a formal proposal.
However, Ukraine’s document does not include its full terms for ending the war.
Background:
Medinsky proposed the new Istanbul meeting following a phone call with Umerov on Wednesday.
“We’re ready to begin meaningful talks on all points of a ceasefire agreement,” Medinsky said in Moscow.
President Volodymyr Zelensky and his advisers debated the proposal, with one Ukrainian source suggesting Russia could simply email its “peace memo.”
The Trump factor:
Trump has threatened sanctions or tariffs if Russia continues attacks on Ukrainian cities and avoids peace efforts. However, he has yet to act on those threats, explaining Wednesday:
“I don’t want to screw up the chance for a deal. I’m tough, but you have to know when to use that.”
He added:
“We’ll find out soon if Putin is stringing us along. If he is, we’ll respond differently.”
Trump also expressed disappointment over ongoing Russian strikes, saying:
“I don’t like rockets being fired into cities. I’m not going to allow it.”
Context:
The first round of peace talks occurred two weeks ago in Istanbul but achieved no breakthrough.
Last week, Putin reportedly told Trump he would soon submit a detailed “peace memo,” a move seen by White House officials as progress, given Putin’s previous vagueness. But Russia has not yet followed through and has continued bombing Ukrainian cities, irritating Trump further.
Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, is currently in discussions with Putin to determine whether Russia is genuinely interested in a deal.