A Ukrainian delegation has arrived in Istanbul, where talks with Russia are scheduled to begin today, Suspilne reported, citing Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi.

As in the previous round of negotiations held on May 16, the Ukrainian delegation is led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.

Suspilne noted that the composition of the Ukrainian delegation remains unchanged, with one exception: this time, Oleksii Malovatskyi, head of the International and Operational Law Department at the General Staff’s Central Legal Directorate, is not participating.

Russia’s delegation also flew to Istanbul, TASS reported on June 1, citing a source. As before, the Russian side is led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky.

The talks are expected to begin at 1:00 p.m. local time.

Russia proposed holding a second round of direct talks in Istanbul on June 2. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow had prepared a memorandum outlining its position “on all aspects of a reliable resolution of the root causes of the crisis.” Ukraine did not immediately agree to the talks, insisting that Russia share the memorandum in advance. The Ukrainian delegation submitted its own memorandum to the Russian side ahead of the meeting.

background

• Ukraine says it’s ready for another round of talks — but it’s still waiting for the ceasefire memo Russia promised