This was stated by John Kelly, Acting Deputy Permanent Representative of the United States to the UN
The United States of America has threatened to withdraw from the negotiation process if Russia continues its aggression in Ukraine. This information was announced by John Kelly, Acting Deputy Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations, during a meeting of the UN Security Council.
Kelly stated: “If Russia decides to continue this destructive war, the United States will be forced to consider withdrawing from the negotiations. This does not mean that we are abandoning our principles or allies – on the contrary, it will be evidence that Russia is unwilling to cooperate to achieve a peaceful resolution.” He emphasized the US readiness to work with all parties to the conflict, including European partners and the UN, to achieve peace, starting with an immediate ceasefire.
Kelly also stressed that the proposed agreement is the best option for Russia and called on Vladimir Putin to accept it. Otherwise, Russia may face serious consequences such as economic losses, depletion of military resources, deterioration of international reputation, and threats to national security. The diplomat also noted that new sanctions against Russia are still under consideration.
“President Trump clearly stated: there are no military solutions in this war. It was a strategic mistake and should never have started,” Kelly emphasized.
He also highlighted the shared responsibility for the war, urging both sides – Russia and Ukraine – to make difficult decisions to establish peace. If one side refuses, it will bear responsibility for the consequences.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced that the second round of negotiations is scheduled for June 2 in Turkey. However, the next day Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow has not yet received a response to this proposal.
Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Brusilo noted that preparations for the next negotiations with Russia are ongoing, but the negotiation team has not yet been formed.
Negotiations in Istanbul: Details
On May 16, a meeting of the Ukrainian and Russian delegations took place in Istanbul. The Ukrainian side was represented by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, as well as first deputies of the heads of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Security Service of Ukraine, Main Intelligence Directorate, and other representatives. The Russian delegation was led by Vladimir Medinsky, who had already participated in negotiations in 2022, along with deputies of the heads of the Russian Foreign Ministry and Ministry of Defense, and the chief of the General Staff’s Main Directorate.
The negotiations were mediated by Turkey, and as a result of the meeting, several agreements were reached:
- an exchange of 1,000 prisoners from each side as a confidence-building measure;
- agreement on the intention to exchange written proposals regarding the conditions for a possible ceasefire;
- agreement to hold another meeting “in principle.”
At the same time, it became known that Russia demanded the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from territories it has not captured, and also threatened to occupy the Kharkiv and Sumy regions if refused. This demand was presented as a precondition for a ceasefire regime. The Russian side also declared its readiness to continue the war for years.
