The second round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine began today, Monday, June 2, 2025, in Constantinople. Both Ukraine and Russia have committed to presenting the roadmaps each side has prepared, outlining their plans and terms for achieving a ceasefire and long-term peace. At the start of the meeting, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who is mediating between the two delegations, stated that “the eyes of the entire world are on these talks” and expressed belief that today’s meeting would yield “specific” results, bringing everyone closer to peace. According to Minister Fidan, the two delegations in Constantinople will discuss another prisoner exchange and the potential meeting between the leaders of Russia and Ukraine, Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The meeting, originally scheduled for 13:00 but starting just before 15:00 (Greek time), is being held behind closed doors, with both sides expected to make statements to the press afterward. These negotiations follow the last encounter between the warring parties on May 16 in Constantinople. Shortly after the start of the second round of talks, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stated that Kyiv expects a ‘real outcome from today’s meeting in Constantinople: a ceasefire, prisoner exchange, return of children, and a summit-level meeting.’
Constantinople: Peace Talks Begin Between Russia and Ukraine
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