Selenskyj demands in Istanbul: ceasefire and returned children!

Selenskyj demands in Istanbul: ceasefire and returned children!

Istanbul, Türkei - Ukraine sends a delegation to Istanbul for direct negotiations with Russia, which are planned for tomorrow, 02.06.2025. President Wolodymyr Selenskyj clearly outlined the Ukrainian position before the meeting. This includes a complete and unconditional ceasefire, the release of prisoners and the return of kidnapped children. The delegation is led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerow. A Russian negotiation delegation is also on the way to Istanbul, which indicates a possible revival of the talks. This information was confirmed by Tagesschau

In the past few weeks, however, the peace negotiations are stagnating, and Selenskyj accuses Moscow of undermining the talks. Russia had announced a memorandum with conditions for peace, but was not presented. The negotiations follow the first direct discussions on May 16, which ended without progress in terms of ceasefire, but included a large prisoner exchange. Stern reports that Russia from Ukraine will be foregoing and regulations accept.

Current location and tension

Ukraine in return demands the withdrawal of the Russian army from its territory. Despite the upcoming talks, the Russian armed forces continue their attacks. In one night, for example, 472 drones were fired to Ukraine, which is the highest number so far. Meanwhile, Ukraine reacted with a drone attack on strategic Russian bombers in Siberia, which were 4300 kilometers from the front line.

The situation remains tense because Russia has mobilized 50,000 soldiers to prepare a possible major attack in the northeast, especially in the Sumy region. This dynamic raises questions about the seriousness of the negotiations and the willingness of both sides to actually find a permanent peace. DW emphasizes that the war lasts over two years and both sides are blamed with the failed negotiations.

Vladimir Putin claims that Selenskyj has issued a law that prohibited negotiations with Russia, which in fact does not apply. A decree of September 30, 2022 speaks of impossibility to negotiate with Putin, but does not mean a ban. Against the background of these complexities, the search for peace continues and it remains uncertain whether the upcoming conversations in Istanbul can lead to tangible results.