Russia has proposed a new round of direct peace talks with Ukraine for June 2 in Istanbul, following a prisoner exchange of 1,000 for 1,000 earlier in May 2025. In a phone call on Wednesday, May 28, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov discussed Moscow’s latest proposals with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, referencing efforts to implement agreements from the May 19 call between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump.
How is the U.S. responding diplomatically?
According to a State Department readout, Rubio welcomed the prisoner swap and repeated Trump’s message that “constructive, good faith dialogue” is the only way to end the war. Lavrov said Russia was preparing “concrete proposals” for the Istanbul meeting and had updated Rubio on the implementation of prior commitments made between Trump and Putin.
How could stalled progress affect U.S. involvement?
President Donald Trump recently signaled that U.S. participation in the peace process may not continue indefinitely.
“Until the document is signed, I can’t tell you,” Trump said.
Trump indicated the U.S. could respond differently if Russia stalls. “We’re going to find out whether or not [Putin] is tapping us along or not,” he said.
Despite mounting pressure from Kyiv and European allies, Trump has declined to impose new sanctions on Moscow.
“If I think I’m close to getting a deal, I don’t want to screw it up by doing that,” Trump said Wednesday.
What is Trump’s stance on Putin and the war?
Trump has recently taken a sharper tone toward Putin as Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities intensify. He also expressed disappointment over civilian casualties.
“A couple of nights now where people were killed in the middle of what you would call a negotiation,” Trump said.
What are Russia’s key demands?
According to officials familiar with the talks, Putin’s peace terms include a NATO pledge not to admit more Eastern European nations, partial sanctions relief, and a commitment to Ukrainian neutrality. These conditions have drawn skepticism in Kyiv and across Europe, where leaders worry the proposals could undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and reward Russian aggression.
Where do the talks stand now?
U.S. officials say the next two weeks will be key to determining whether Russia is serious about negotiations. Rubio’s involvement signals increased U.S. engagement ahead of the Istanbul talks. However, Moscow has yet to deliver its promised peace memorandum, raising concerns among Ukrainian, American and European officials.
U.S. officials say the next week leading up to the proposed June 2 summit will be critical in gauging Russia’s intentions.
