Russian, Turkish FMs discuss preparations for upcoming Moscow-Kyiv talks

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan discussed preparations for the next round of direct bilateral talks between Moscow and Kyiv, scheduled to take place in Istanbul on June 2.

"The heads of the foreign ministries discussed organisational aspects of preparing for the next round of direct bilateral Russian-Ukrainian negotiations in Istanbul on June 2," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement following the conversation between the ministers, Caliber.Az reports. 

On May 16, Russia and Ukraine held their first direct talks in three years in Istanbul, where the two sides notably agreed to a large-scale exchange of prisoners involving a total of 1,000 people from each side.​​​​​​​

Both sides, during the talks facilitated by Türkiye, also agreed to continue negotiations for a truce.

Russia has also announced that it is preparing its own memorandum outlining its vision for a ceasefire following the initial round of discussions, but is yet to deliver it despite Putin's promise to do so following his last call with Trump. The Kremlin claims the document is nearly finished. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov proposed new talks with Ukraine on June 2 in Istanbul, where he said the memorandum would be presented.

By Sabina Mammadli