Russia Signals Readiness for Ceasefire Amid UN Security Council Discussions

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Russia expressed willingness for a potential ceasefire at the United Nations Security Council. Russian Ambassador to the UN, Vasili Nebenzya, outlined several conditions for halting the conflict, emphasizing in a statement released by the Russian Foreign Ministry that Western countries should stop arms shipments to Kyiv during any ceasefire period, and Ukraine must immediately end its mobilization efforts.

Second Round of Talks Scheduled in Istanbul on June 2

Representatives from Russia and Ukraine are set to resume negotiations on June 2 in Istanbul, marking the second round of talks aimed at ending the war. These direct talks restarted this month after a long pause since 2022, initiated by Moscow.

Nebenzya highlighted that a ceasefire would provide space to work toward a sustainable resolution by addressing the root causes of the conflict. Russia insists understanding these causes is essential before considering any ceasefire.

In contrast, Ukraine advocates implementing a 30-day ceasefire first, based on a U.S. proposal, to be followed by in-depth conflict analysis. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy insists the ceasefire should come without any preconditions.

Russia’s Preconditions: Halt Western Military Support and Ukraine’s Mobilization

Nebenzya insists that Western military aid to Ukraine must cease, and Ukraine should stop mobilizing troops immediately. Ukraine, facing intense Russian attacks, has firmly rejected these demands.

Amid escalating Russian offensives, Moscow claims Ukraine would exploit any ceasefire to regroup and strengthen its forces.

Russia described the upcoming Istanbul talks as a “turning point,” testing how committed both parties are to ending the conflict.

Ukrainian Officials Respond with Strong Criticism

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned Russia’s stance as “arrogant,” criticizing Moscow’s military power claims and dismissing Nebenzya’s conditions as disrespectful to peace efforts. Sybiha urged increased pressure on Russia, stating, “They don’t understand normal diplomacy or sanctions language; it’s time to respond accordingly.”

Zelenskyy Engages with Turkish Leaders on Peace Talks

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy recently met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and spoke by phone with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. While Zelenskyy left his participation in the June 2 negotiations open, he thanked Turkey for facilitating peace efforts, particularly highlighting Turkey’s role in freeing 1,000 Ukrainian captives from Russia.

Zelenskyy stressed that securing the release of all Ukrainians held by Russia remains a top priority.

Fighting Continues Despite Diplomatic Efforts

Despite the diplomatic talks, Russian attacks persist. Reports indicate rocket strikes in Ukraine’s southern Sumi region caused damage to residential areas and depots, injuring at least one person. Explosions were also reported in Kharkiv, Donetsk, Mykolaiv, and Vinnytsia.

Meanwhile, Russia’s TASS news agency reported injuries to at least ten people in Ukraine’s Kursk region during drone attacks attributed to Ukraine. These claims cannot be independently verified.

Zelenskyy Meets U.S. Senators to Boost Sanctions and Support

President Zelenskyy met with U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal to discuss increasing pressure on Moscow. He praised a bipartisan sanctions initiative backed by 82 senators and reiterated the need for stronger measures to compel Russia to negotiate peace.

Zelenskyy accused Russia of mocking diplomatic efforts and using talks to disguise preparations for further attacks, emphasizing ongoing Russian assaults on Ukrainian communities.

U.S. Senators Discuss Military Sales and Sanctions

During their Kyiv visit, Senators Graham and Blumenthal also met Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal to explore expanding trade, focusing on military sales. Graham expressed optimism about U.S. defense companies supplying weapons to Ukraine and other nations supporting Ukraine through arms purchases.

The senators are preparing a new bipartisan sanctions package, but its approval remains uncertain in the U.S. House of Representatives. Graham is cautious to avoid harming efforts aligned with former President Donald Trump’s political interests.

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