Ukraine is set to present a detailed peace proposal to Russia during June 2 talks in Istanbul, aiming to end the ongoing three-year conflict—the largest in Europe since World War II. According to a document obtained by Reuters, the roadmap begins with a minimum 30-day ceasefire, followed by a prisoner exchange and the return of Ukrainian children taken to Russian-held areas. It also calls for a direct meeting between President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The framework, which has been shared with Moscow ahead of the talks, maintains Kyiv’s longstanding conditions: no limits on Ukraine’s future military capabilities, no recognition of Russian sovereignty over occupied territories, and financial reparations from Russia. The document also states that the current front line will serve as the starting point for negotiations on territorial issues.
U.S. President Donald Trump has urged both sides to pursue a negotiated settlement. Meanwhile, Russia has proposed another round of direct talks next week in Istanbul, although Kyiv is still waiting for Russia’s official response or memorandum outlining their terms.
Despite deep differences between Ukraine’s and Russia’s positions, Zelenskiy affirmed Ukraine’s commitment to peace and confirmed that an official delegation will attend the Istanbul meeting. The proposal seeks to involve not just the two warring nations but also the United States and Europe in brokering a final settlement.
This latest diplomatic effort comes amid continued international pressure to end the war, which has reshaped global geopolitics and devastated large parts of Ukraine. The talks in Istanbul are viewed as a pivotal step toward potential de-escalation.