UPDATE WITH MORE REMARKS BY UKRAINIAN TOP DIPLOMAT, CHANGE IN HEADLINE, LEDE
By Alperen Aktas
ISTANBUL (AA) – Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said that Kyiv is willing to continue peace talks with Russia in Istanbul, but stressed that Moscow must submit its memorandum with ceasefire proposals in advance, as previously agreed.
“We want to end the war this year and are ready to discuss a ceasefire – whether for 30, 50, or 100 days,” Sybiha said at a joint press conference in Kyiv with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
He stressed Kyiv wants Moscow's memorandum for the next meeting to be productive.
Sybiha emphasized that Ukraine accepted a US-led initiative for a ceasefire and now expects a clear and unconditional response from Moscow.
“The ball is in Russia’s court. They must say ‘yes’ to a ceasefire if they are serious about just, comprehensive and sustainable peace,” he said.
The Ukrainian top diplomat noted that Russia had also promised the document to the American side and must fulfill this commitment for the June 2 Istanbul meeting to be “substantive and objective.”
He also reaffirmed on X that Ukraine is ready to enter a durable ceasefire and pursue diplomacy, urging Russia to accept an unconditional halt to hostilities.
“Ukraine is ready to cease fire for a durable period of time in order to stop the killing and make diplomacy effective. Russia must agree to a full and unconditional ceasefire as well,” Sybiha said, thanking Türkiye for its role in facilitating peace efforts.
He emphasized that without Russia’s genuine commitment to peace, international pressure must increase. “As long as Moscow continues to reject ceasefire and meaningful peace efforts, the international pressure on it must continue to mount,” he added.
Sybiha also praised Türkiye’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and the return of Crimea, stating: “We thank Türkiye for supporting the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the rights of the Crimean Tatar people.”
He noted that he was briefed by Fidan on his recent visit to Moscow and described Ukrainian-Turkish relations as a “strategic partnership” that strengthens regional security in the Black Sea.
Earlier this week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow was prepared for a second round of peace talks in Türkiye and had finalized its position document. However, Ukrainian officials said the memorandum has yet to be delivered.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also confirmed that Russia has not sent its proposals either to Ukraine or to international partners, including the US.