Too early to discuss third round of talks with Russia, Ukrainian MFA says

At a briefing on June 10, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi stated, as reported by RBC-Ukraine, “It is still too early to discuss any preparations for a third round of talks between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. Fortunately, the exchange process is ongoing. It is very complicated, but it continues. Yesterday marked the first stage, and we hope these stages will proceed over the coming days,” the diplomat said.

He also noted that the exchange of the bodies of fallen servicemen remains one of the key issues being addressed.

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson emphasized that Ukraine continues to urge its partners to increase pressure on Russia.

“If this pressure had been applied earlier, the Istanbul talks might have already produced results. Instead, with little to no pressure, the meetings have been largely empty. There is a humanitarian track, but that has been ongoing — and since the Russians are also interested in it, it functions mutually. However, for any progress on the political or diplomatic front, pressure is essential; there are no alternatives. Only then will it become clear whether Russia is willing to move toward peace,” Tykhyi stressed.

The first round of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul took place on May 16, 2025, followed by the second on June 2.

• According to Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, during the second meeting in Istanbul on June 2, Russia put forward a set of old ultimatums in response to Ukraine's constructive proposals that could bring a just peace closer. During the negotiations, it was possible to agree only on an exchange of prisoners, but not on a ceasefire.