Overview

• Russia says it will hold direct negotiations on June 2 in Istanbul but has only shared its draft terms with the United States.
• President Putin’s absence from the meeting fuels skepticism over the Kremlin’s commitment to a negotiated settlement.
• Ukraine has signaled it will not attend the talks until it receives and reviews the Russian memorandum in full.
• Both sides have stepped up drone and missile strikes across the frontline while Moscow is reported to be preparing a major summer offensive.
• The Trump administration is pressing for an immediate ceasefire through a 22-point plan that both Moscow and Kyiv have yet to embrace.