Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Russia sets NATO freeze and Ukrainian neutrality as prerequisites for June 2 Istanbul talks

A formal NATO freeze on eastward expansion underpins the Kremlin’s stringent demands ahead of June 2 talks in Istanbul

Image
Image
Image
Image

Overview

  • Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov officially proposed a second round of direct negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul on June 2 to present Moscow’s peace memorandum.
  • The Kremlin insists on a written Western commitment to halt NATO’s eastward expansion and on Ukraine’s neutral status as preconditions for any ceasefire.
  • Ukrainian officials report over 50,000 Russian troops amassed near Sumy as they await Russia’s memorandum and express willingness to negotiate in any format.
  • German Chancellor Friedrich Merz pledged to co-produce long-range weapons with Ukraine and remove range limits to strengthen Kyiv’s defense capabilities.
  • US President Donald Trump has refrained from imposing new sanctions on Russia, saying he fears they could jeopardize the forthcoming diplomatic session.