Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire Talks Set for Istanbul: Kremlin Praises U.S. Mediation, NATO Expansion Key Issue

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The Kremlin has confirmed that Russia and Ukraine are expected to engage in crucial ceasefire negotiations next week in Istanbul, with a focus on hammering out a list of conditions for a temporary truce. The second round of talks, proposed by Moscow, is slated for June 2, but Ukraine has indicated it will only participate after reviewing Russia’s detailed peace proposals.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced that the Russian delegation will arrive in Istanbul and be ready for discussions on Monday morning. “At the moment, everyone is focused on the direct Russia-Ukraine negotiations. A list of conditions for a temporary truce is being developed,” Peskov said, though he clarified that the specifics of the memorandum will not be disclosed publicly.
The development comes as international attention remains fixed on efforts to de-escalate the war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The ongoing conflict has claimed tens of thousands of lives and destabilised Europe.
Reuters reported earlier this week that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s demands for ending hostilities include a formal commitment from Western leaders to halt NATO’s eastward expansion—an issue Moscow has long cited as a core security concern.
In a surprising statement on Friday, Keith Kellogg, U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy to Ukraine, acknowledged Russia’s apprehension over NATO’s expansion, calling it “fair” and stating that the U.S. does not support Ukraine’s inclusion in the military alliance.
Reacting to Kellogg’s remarks, Peskov said, “We are pleased that these explanations by the president are understood, including in Washington. And, of course, this is quite appealing to us in terms of the mediating role that Washington continues to play.”
As both sides brace for what could be a pivotal moment in the conflict, the upcoming Istanbul meeting may offer the first concrete path toward a ceasefire—provided the terms are acceptable to both nations.

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