U.S. Urges Russia to Pick up Recent Ukraine Deal

• The United States ambassador to the United Nations emphasized that the latest proposal for ending the conflict in Ukraine is the most viable option for Russia, urging President Vladimir Putin to accept it.
• Diplomatic negotiations continue with both Russia and Ukraine exchanging accusations; Kyiv insists on reviewing Russia’s peace initiatives before committing to further discussions.
• International leaders express skepticism about a swift resolution, stressing the importance of a ceasefire and a comprehensive peace agreement to prevent further escalation.

The US envoy to the United Nations stated on May 29 that the current diplomatic offer to resolve the Ukraine conflict represents the most realistic pathway for Russia, urging President Vladimir Putin to endorse it. According to John Kelley, acting US deputy ambassador, prolonging hostilities serves no one’s interests and could lead to the US reconsidering its engagement if Russia persists in its aggressive stance.

He also highlighted that additional sanctions against Russia remain on the table, signaling continued pressure. Meanwhile, the Kremlin announced it is awaiting Kyiv’s response to its proposal for renewed peace talks scheduled for June 2 in Istanbul. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov noted that no reply has been received yet, and emphasized the need to wait for Ukraine’s official response.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s top adviser, Andriy Yermak, expressed Ukraine’s readiness to participate in the upcoming negotiations but insisted that Kyiv first needs to see Russia’s detailed peace proposals. “Ukraine is prepared for the next round of talks, but we require a constructive approach and clarity on Russia’s draft,” Yermak stated. Peskov dismissed this as a “non-constructive” stance.

Kyiv claims to have already submitted its vision for peace to Moscow. Zelenskyy accused Russia of engaging in “yet another deception” by delaying the release of its peace plan, which was promised over a week ago but has yet to be seen by Ukraine, its allies, or even Turkey, the host of the initial negotiations. “Despite assurances, Russia continues to deceive,” Zelenskyy asserted in his nightly video address.

UN officials also weighed in, with Undersecretary General Rosemary DiCarlo expressing cautious optimism that negotiations could still yield results. However, recent escalations, including a surge in attacks over the weekend, have dampened hopes and underscored the fragile state of peace efforts. “Further escalation risks worsening civilian suffering and jeopardizing ongoing diplomatic initiatives,” she warned.

DiCarlo called for sincere, good-faith efforts to restore dialogue and emphasized that a comprehensive peace process will require patience and time. “The people of Ukraine cannot afford to wait indefinitely,” she stressed, advocating for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire as a crucial step toward peace.

Russia announced it intends to present a formal “memorandum” outlining its terms for peace during the June 2 meeting. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov confirmed that Moscow’s delegation, led by Vladimir Medinsky, is prepared to share its position and clarify Russia’s views on resolving the crisis comprehensively. Medinsky, who previously led negotiations during Russia’s invasion, will articulate Russia’s stance on all core issues.

The United States has maintained diplomatic channels, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaking with Lavrov over the weekend and welcoming updates on prisoner exchanges. Rubio reiterated that a genuine, good-faith dialogue remains the only viable path to ending the conflict. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump indicated he would decide within two weeks whether Russian President Vladimir Putin is genuinely interested in peace, hinting at the possibility of shifting US policy based on Moscow’s actions.

As the diplomatic efforts unfold, the international community remains cautiously hopeful but increasingly aware of the complexities involved in reaching a sustainable peace in Ukraine.

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