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.