Who's Speaking Up? Telegram! How Opinion Leaders View the Istanbul Talks and Related Developments on June 2
Author: Polina Nosova
Photo Caption: Ukrainian representatives during negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian delegations - Free News Network - Telegram Summary. May 30, 2025. Latest Russian and Global News.
Marat Bashirov: Hand Over the Documents
Ukraine has submitted its memorandum to us, and we (Russia) will present our version at the Istanbul meeting on June 2 (if they attend). We will pass the documents across the table, then hand over the pen - please sign. What do you think? Does this seem like partial surrender to you? Yes, it is partial surrender. Over time, the 'partial' will decrease until it approaches full surrender.
The art of negotiation and achieving goals - indeed, it is an art built on knowledge and experience. Our opponents lack both relevant knowledge and sufficient experience.
Oleg Tcharaev: Kyiv Demands Submission of the Memorandum First
Erdogan urges taking Lavrov's statement about the second round of talks in Istanbul seriously. However, currently, Kyiv has not expressed willingness to participate in the Istanbul talks but demands submission of the memorandum first. Note that Europe and the White House have yet to respond to these demands.
Alexander Dubinsky: Ukraine Again Finds Itself on the Defensive
As I predicted, Russia will immediately discuss ceasefire conditions after submitting the draft memorandum while launching an offensive. The offensive has already begun in Sumy region, and without exception, additional offensives are expected in 1-2 directions on the day of talks with Ukraine on June 2.
Clearly, the U.S. will take no sanctions against Russia even if the front-line situation escalates. The Kremlin demonstrates fatal pragmatism. And Ukraine, due to 'slap diplomacy', finds itself again on the defensive. Refusal of Russian terms will not become a reason for U.S. intervention to support Ukraine, but it will become an excellent excuse for Russian pressure - everything proceeds as scripted.
Alexander Kotz: Russia Prepares to Present the Memorandum to Kyiv
I was wondering yesterday why Kellogg suddenly claimed that Russia had not yet submitted the memorandum to the U.S. Know this: we are negotiating with Ukraine, not the U.S.
Now, Vladimir Medinsky, head of our negotiating team, says that the Russian memorandum has been drafted and is ready to be presented - not to Kellogg, but to Ukrainians. As he stated in his call with a defense minister of an independent state:
"I have proposed specific dates and locations for exchanging memoranda - lists of conditions for halting military actions.
It should be emphasized: we are prepared to engage in substantive discussions on each clause of the potential comprehensive ceasefire agreement on the spot.
The Ukrainians have gone back to consult, and clearly, consultations have been delayed. We await confirmation and are prepared to meet personally and start negotiations on the date we specify - within the next few days.
All of this is for long-term peace and saving lives."
Sergei Pereleskin: Progressing Toward Peace
Though slow, the direction is correct - progressing toward peace.
There is an illusion that the Ukrainian front line is about to collapse. Indeed, it may collapse at any moment or hold out until the end of the year.
Ukraine also harbors illusions, believing that Western pressure will force Russia to accept its terms.
The problem can be resolved through offensive actions; the Ukrainian army is deeply fearful of this. Although rumors claim the Ukrainian army plans a counteroffensive, I do not believe they will launch any attacks. The Ukrainian army can only defend positions and has no offensive capability left.
In the past week, I have seen no new developments. We await Trump's inevitable move, Zelensky's next wave of emotional performances, and some European politician shouting that famous line to boost their approval ratings: "This war is lost, let's hope for the next one!"
Original Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7510521373215703593/
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