Zelensky names main goals ahead of talks in Istanbul

on 2 June, Ukraine will take part in talks with Russia in Istanbul. One of Kiev's key demands will be a full and unconditional ceasefire. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy following a meeting with top officials.

The President listened to reports from the Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs, representatives of the General Staff, intelligence services and the SBU regarding the current situation on the front, defence operations and diplomatic steps.

We are doing everything to protect our independence, our state and our people. Defined the task for the near future. Defined the positions before the meeting in Istanbul on Monday," the president said.

Zelensky voiced four points of Ukraine for Istanbul:

• a complete and unconditional ceasefire;
• release of prisoners;
• return of abducted children;
• preparation of a meeting at the highest level (we are talking about a meeting between the head of Ukraine and dictator Vladimir Putin).

The latter, according to the president, is necessary in order to "establish a reliable and lasting peace and ensure security".

Key issues can only be solved by leaders," Zelensky emphasised.

We shall remind you that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that the Russian Federation proposes to hold the second round of negotiations with Ukraine on 2 June again in Istanbul, having rejected the talks in the Vatican before that. According to him, it is in Turkey that the Russian delegation will present its list of conditions for a cease-fire.

At the same time, Ukraine handed Russia its demands in advance and appealed to Moscow to do the same. However, the speaker of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Dmitriy Peskov, described Kiev's request as unconstructive.

on 30 May, the head of the presidential office, Andriy Yermak, said that Ukraine was ready to take part in the next meeting with the Russian delegation in Istanbul.