The anticipated second series of discussions between Russia and Ukraine hangs in uncertainty. Kiev has forwarded its draft proposals to Moscow in preparation for the June 2 meeting in Istanbul, a commitment both sides had agreed upon. However, the Kremlin has refrained from reciprocating. The Russian government insists on unveiling its memorandum on the day of the meeting itself, leaving no time for the Ukrainian side to prepare adequately.

"For a successful encounter, the agenda must be clear," proclaimed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on his social media profile. Yet, Moscow seems unhurried to halt the war; Russian Ambassador to the UN, Vasili Nebenzia, reiterated on Friday that Moscow remains committed to its goals and is prepared to persist indefinitely.

"Russia is determined to ensure that the next potential meeting yields no results," Zelensky accused on the same platform.

This Friday, the Ukrainian president welcomed Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who emphasized the critical nature of these discussions: "We have two choices: turn a blind eye to the ongoing war or achieve lasting peace this year."

The New York Times disclosed that Kiev's draft advocates for a ceasefire "by land, sea, and air" under international supervision. Meanwhile, Reuters reported that Moscow's document demands lifting certain sanctions, unfreezing foreign assets, and a written assurance from key NATO nations against accepting new members "eastward in Europe."

The Kremlin persists in its plan to reveal its draft only when both delegations convene behind closed doors in Istanbul, a tactic rejected by Kiev. Reports from the May 16 meeting in Istanbul revealed threats from Vladimir Medinski, head of the Russian delegation, including the conquest of additional regions beyond current Kremlin demands.

Ironically, the Russian government has already disclosed some demands in its draft this week. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov mentioned Ukraine's status as a non-aligned, neutral, and non-nuclear state.

This Friday, the U.S. Presidential Envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, expressed Washington's support for Russia's demand that Ukraine not join NATO: "It's a legitimate concern. We've repeatedly stated that Ukraine's entry into the Atlantic Alliance is not under consideration."

Nevertheless, the Kremlin refuses to send its proposal draft to Kiev ahead of peace talks. "We don't wish to publicly discuss details or exchange positions through the media. We believe these should be addressed through private contacts," stated Dmitri Peskov, spokesperson for Vladimir Putin, to the press on Friday.

Since Donald Trump assumed office, the Kremlin's strategy involves stalling with peace promises to prevent Washington or European capitals from taking decisive action in the Ukraine conflict. Trump threatened once more this week, promising a decision on Russia "within the next two weeks."

Moscow had warned of its intentions even before the U.S. president's inauguration: rejecting a conditional ceasefire and seeking an agreement fulfilling its initial invasion goals in Ukraine—what it euphemistically calls resolving "the initial causes of the conflict." This implies overthrowing the Ukrainian government and leaving the nation defenseless without Western military support.

Russian Ambassador Vasili Nebenzia reiterated on Friday that Moscow intends to achieve all its objectives, whether peacefully or militarily, and is prepared for a prolonged war: "Our armed forces are capable of sustaining and escalating military actions for as long as necessary."

Russian advances have slowed to a near standstill in the first half of the year, except for the reconquest of the Russian region of Kursk, occupied by Ukraine in August 2024. Yet, Putin remains intent on maintaining pressure at the front.

Nebenzia declared on Friday that Moscow would only consider accepting a ceasefire if Kiev ceases troop recruitment and the West stops supplying arms to Ukrainian forces.