June 2, Istanbul. Second round of negotiations. Russia will transfer the remains of 6000 soldiers and officers to Ukraine. Live broadcast
Key events, news, comments, statements
Author: Sergey Akshornov
Photo: Russia and Ukraine held negotiations at Çırağan Palace
On June 2 in Istanbul, the second round of peace talks for the resolution of the Ukrainian conflict concluded. Representatives from Moscow and Kiev held their meeting along the Bosphorus Strait at Çırağan Palace.
The Russian delegation was once again led by Presidential Assistant Vladimir Medinsky, with no changes in its composition. The Ukrainian delegation was led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
Moscow submitted its memorandum during the conference, divided into two parts - steps towards achieving long-term peace and comprehensive ceasefire. Kiev stated that it needed time to study the document.
After the first round of negotiations, it was revealed that if Russia's proposals were rejected, Moscow was prepared to fight another 20 years like during the time of Peter I's war against Sweden.
In addition, Russia will unilaterally transfer the remains of 6000 fallen soldiers and officers to Ukraine next week.
All seriously injured and sick prisoners of war, as well as young soldiers under 25 years old, will also be exchanged according to the "all-for-all" principle.
The first round of negotiations took place on May 16 in Istanbul, resulting in a prisoner exchange based on the principle of 1000 for 1000. The Siberian Post conducted an online live broadcast.
17:40 Medinsky talked about the negotiation results:
- Russia will unilaterally transfer the remains of 6000 fallen soldiers and officers to Ukraine next week.
- Russia and Ukraine will exchange all seriously injured and sick prisoners of war and soldiers under 25 years old according to the "all-for-all" principle.
- Russia and Ukraine will establish a permanent medical committee to formulate lists for the exchange of seriously injured personnel, which will be carried out regularly and orderly.
- Russia proposed a local ceasefire for 2 to 3 days in certain sections of the front line.
- Russia's proposed ceasefire would allow commanders to recover the remains of the fallen in the "no man's land."
- Ukraine submitted a list of children to be returned today, containing 339 families.
- Russia has returned 101 children to Ukraine, while Kiev returned 22.
17:30 Medinsky stated that the memorandum submitted by Russia to Ukraine is divided into two parts - how to achieve long-term peace and the steps required for a comprehensive ceasefire.
17:15 Umerov said that Russia and Ukraine have agreed on an exchange agreement based on the "6000-for-6000" principle for the remains of the fallen.
17:10 Medinsky responded to Ukraine's request to return over a hundred children taken to Russia: "Don't put on shows for childless European grandmothers."
17:05 Umerov said that Russia did not agree to a ceasefire or a leader's meeting, and Kiev proposed holding the next meeting at the end of June.
17:00 Political scientist Sergey Markov:
- Both sides only exchanged memorandums, nothing more.
- Ukraine hopes to exchange prisoners of war according to the "all-for-all" principle, but Russia opposes this because the number of Ukrainian prisoners of war exceeds that of Russia by 20 times. Clearly, Zelensky will send all these prisoners of war back to the front lines.
- Ukraine has made the return of Ukrainian children the core of the negotiations. These children are mostly those whose parents sent them to relatives in Russia for safety, and some are orphans saved from the war. If handed over to Zelensky, these unfortunate children will be trained as terrorists to retaliate against mostly pro-Russian parents.
- Ukraine once again requested a leaders' meeting.
16:55 According to RIA Novosti, after the Russia-Ukraine negotiations ended, the heads of Turkey's intelligence department and general staff left Çırağan Palace.
16:50 Political scientist Konstantin Karachev: "The main achievement of the Istanbul negotiations is the use of Russian language for communication, indicating that both sides indeed have content to discuss."
16:45 Umerov said that the exchange agreement reached by both sides will focus on the return of personnel and the repatriation of the remains of the fallen.
16:40 Journalists are waiting for the Russian delegation to hold a press conference.
16:35 Head of the Ukrainian delegation, Umerov, made a statement to the media lasting no more than one minute before returning to Çırağan Palace.
16:30 According to RIA Novosti, Russia and Ukraine discussed the exchange of prisoners of war in Istanbul, and the results will be officially announced.
16:25 The Ukrainian delegation left the Çırağan Palace where the negotiations took place to face the media.
16:20 The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Russia-Ukraine negotiations ended with a "non-negative" result, and there will be no further talks today. Delegations will return home, and the third round of negotiations will take place at a later date.
16:15 Head of the Ukrainian President's Office, Andriy Yermak, stated that during the negotiations, Ukraine submitted a list of children allegedly brought to Russian territory to Russia.
16:10 According to RIA Novosti, the Russian delegation plans to hold a press conference on the results of the Istanbul negotiations after Ukraine makes its statement.
16:05 According to TASS, the negotiations were conducted in Russian.
16:00 According to TASS and RIA Novosti, the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul have concluded, lasting more than an hour.
15:55 The negotiations between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul have been ongoing for an hour.
15:50 A reporter from the Financial Times published the full text of the ceasefire memorandum submitted by Ukraine to Russia, with the main points as follows:
- Comprehensive and unconditional ceasefire - including on land, air, and sea - is a necessary prerequisite for initiating peace talks.
- Trust-building measures, including the unconditional return of illegally transferred and deported individuals, exchange of prisoners of war on the "all-for-all" principle, and release of hostages.
- Sovereignty: Ukraine has no obligation to remain neutral and can seek membership in NATO and the EU, without limiting the deployment or number of armed forces within Ukraine.
- Sanctions: Some sanctions can be lifted in stages, but a "fast restoration" mechanism must be retained, meaning sanctions will be immediately reinstated if the agreement is violated.
- A leaders' meeting between Russia and Ukraine must be held to discuss major issues related to the final peaceful settlement.
- An unconditional ceasefire for 30 days, renewable every 30 days, with supervision led by the United States and supported by third countries.
15:40 NPR (National Public Radio) commented on the prospects of the negotiations:
"Donald Trump often promised a ceasefire in Ukraine within a day, but this goal still seems far off even four months after his second inauguration.
Russia tried again to negotiate peace with Ukraine in Istanbul on Monday, but with both sides firmly entrenched on territorial disputes and sovereignty issues, significant progress appears highly unlikely."
15:30 A TASS source said that before the negotiations began, members of the Russian and Ukrainian delegations did not shake hands.
15:20 According to reports by RIA Novosti, a convoy of several vehicles entered Çırağan Palace in Istanbul (the venue for the Russia-Ukraine negotiations), including one jeep with emergency lights.
15:10 According to RIA Novosti, after Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan delivered his opening remarks, the Russia-Ukraine negotiations entered a closed-door session.
15:05 Members of the Russian and Ukrainian delegations sat facing each other. Russian and Turkish representatives wore suits, while Umerov wore a black shirt.
15:00 Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced the start of the Russia-Ukraine negotiations. He stated that today, both parties will discuss the conditions for peace, the exchange of prisoners of war, and preparations for a possible meeting between Putin and Zelensky.
14:50 The second round of conflict mediation negotiations between Russia and Ukraine started in Istanbul.
14:45 Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan has arrived at Çırağan Palace in Istanbul, where the Russia-Ukraine negotiations will take place.
14:40 Social activist and public intellectual Maxim Shevchenko:
"Anyone with even a basic understanding of history might think of what when considering the new round of negotiations to be held in Istanbul? They might recall the peace treaty signed in Portsmouth about 120 years ago after the Russo-Japanese War. What do they have in common?
Then and now, Russia lost fleets (there was no air force back then) and faced more modern and better-equipped opponents.
Then and now, Russian forces were engaged in fierce and bloody battles.
Then and now, the negotiations were actively mediated by the United States.
Back then, it was the liberal Witte who signed the treaty, and now the negotiations are led by Medinsky, who clearly will not be the one to sign the treaty. Can we find any liberals...
The shock impact of the Lüshunkou, Tsushima, and the Treaty of Portsmouth had a profound effect on Russian society, marking the beginning of fundamental revolutionary changes, particularly the introduction of parliamentary representation. However, it did not save the empire.
The disgrace of Portsmouth was not redeemed until Japan's defeat in 1945, although by then it was another country."
14:35 In a briefing in Brussels, spokesperson Anwar Al-Anouni of the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy said: "As previously stated, the EU supports achieving a just, comprehensive, and enduring peace in Ukraine through diplomatic efforts."
14:30 According to reports by on-site journalists, the Russia-Ukraine negotiations in Istanbul were delayed by 1 hour and 30 minutes because the head of the Ukrainian delegation, Umerov, first held talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The talks have now concluded, and the negotiations are about to begin.
14:20 Deputy Defense Minister of Ukraine, Kozhenko, stated that Ukraine can produce 10 million drones annually.
14:15 Introduction to Çırağan Palace, where the second round of Ukrainian peace negotiations will take place:
Çırağan Palace was once the residence of the Ottoman Sultan, built along the Bosphorus Strait in the 19th century. The original building did not survive, but its historical appearance has been restored.
The building is constructed of marble and wood, connected to Yıldız Palace by a bridge, surrounded by walls. It was destroyed by fire in the early 20th century and remained in ruins for nearly 80 years.
It was restored by Japanese investors in the late 1980s and underwent historical restoration of its interior in 2007.
14:10 Zelensky said at the Bucharest Nine Group and Nordic Countries Summit in Vilnius: "Ukraine can meet 40% of its weapons needs through domestic production, but stable financial support is needed. Our actions show that investment (especially in the drone sector) has significant influence. We still urgently need anti-aircraft weapons, especially the 'Patriot' system and missiles."
14:00 According to TASS, the Russia-Ukraine negotiations have not yet begun, although both delegations have arrived at Çırağan Palace on time. The reason for the delay is unclear.
13:50 According to reports by RIA Novosti journalists, the area around Çırağan Palace in Istanbul (the venue for the Russia-Ukraine negotiations) is guarded by special police units carrying weapons.
13:40 According to reports by RIA Novosti citing the Erdogan government, Turkey hopes that the Istanbul negotiations will lead to a meeting between Putin and Zelensky.
13:30 Political scientist Sergey Markov:
The Ukrainian delegation indicated in various ways that peace cannot be achieved:
- Wearing military uniforms to participate in the negotiations.
- Submitting memorandum texts only in English and Ukrainian.
We know that as long as this neo-Nazi terrorist regime is in power, peace cannot be achieved.
Now they may start the negotiations with crude jokes referencing the airport attack on June 1st, using a non-formal criminal style.
This reflects reality - the Ukrainian representatives in the negotiations are a group of terrorists, and not ideologically motivated ones, but hired ones.
13:20 CNN: "Following the notable 'success' of Ukraine's large-scale attacks on strategic bases across Russia (as reported by the Siberian Post), the Kremlin may have removed compromise negotiations from its agenda."
13:10 Friedrich Merz, President of the German Bundestag, stated during his visit to the US that he would call for the US to push for a fair ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
13:05 The Turkish side requested that reporters covering the Russia-Ukraine negotiations hand over their mobile phones for safekeeping, which could cause delays in information dissemination.
13:00 The negotiations are about to begin, and the delegations have entered the Çırağan Palace building.
12:58 Photos taken by RIA Novosti journalist Konstantin Predbaylo show that some members of the Ukrainian delegation wore military uniforms to participate in the negotiations in Istanbul, while Russian delegates were in civilian attire, continuing the dress style from the first round of negotiations.
12:55 Prior to the negotiations, there were reports that Çırağan Palace, the site of the Russia-Ukraine negotiations, had been planted with landmines, and relevant departments have sent in sniffer dogs for inspection.
12:50 The Ukrainian delegation arrived at the negotiation venue.
12:45 According to reports by RIA Novosti journalists, the Russian delegation arrived in Istanbul to participate in the second round of negotiations with Ukraine.
12:43 A Turkish diplomat sprayed perfume beside the car before the negotiations - video footage.
12:40 Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan plans to deliver a statement before today's talks begin, and it is rumored that the head of Turkey's National Intelligence Agency, Ibrahim Kalin, will attend.
12:35 The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that before negotiating with Russia, the Ukrainian delegation held meetings with officials from Germany, the UK, and Italy to coordinate positions.
12:30 Meanwhile, Zelensky flew to Vilnius to attend the "Bucharest Nine" summit, founded in 2015, whose members include Romania, Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, with the aim of "strengthening NATO's eastern flank."
12:20 According to France News citing the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ukrainian delegation held meetings with European officials before negotiating with Russia in Istanbul.
11:55 The Turkish delegation arrived at Çırağan Palace.
11:50 According to sources from RIA Novosti, the Russian delegation may issue a statement after meeting with Ukraine today.
11:40 According to TASS, Vladimir Medinsky may hold additional meetings during the Istanbul negotiations.
11:19 Images of the Russian delegation leaving an Istanbul hotel appeared online.
11:00 According to消息人士 from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed to RIA Novosti, the Russia-Ukraine negotiations will begin at 13:00 Moscow Time under the chairmanship of Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan.
10:30 Çırağan Palace in Istanbul has served as a sultan's prison, a symbol of "One Thousand and One Nights," and the location of the world's best Turkish baths at different times. In recent years, the Turkish government has used it to host international conferences - media reports.
10:00 Kyiv negotiators arrived in Istanbul.
9:00 According to RIA Novosti, security personnel conducted bomb and explosive device checks at Çırağan Palace in Istanbul (the planned venue for the Russia-Ukraine negotiations on Monday).
8:00 According to RIA Novosti journalists, the entrance to Çırağan Palace in Istanbul was calm, and journalists have not yet been allowed into the venue; there are security guards at the gate.
No special security measures have been taken; roads are not closed; local residents passing by the palace complained about economic and social issues, and taxi drivers asked journalists whether the negotiations would succeed.
7:00 The Russian Defense Ministry stated that during the night from June 1 to 2, i.e., before the negotiations began, the Russian air defense forces shot down 162 Ukrainian drones overnight. Of these, 57 were shot down over Kursk Oblast, 31 over Belgorod Oblast, 27 over Lipetsk Oblast, 16 over Voronezh Oblast, 11 each over Bryansk Oblast and Ryazan Oblast, 6 over Oryol Oblast, 2 over Crimea, and 1 over Tambov Oblast.
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