Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed Friday that preparations are underway for a second round of direct talks between Russia and Ukraine, building on the momentum of the May 16 peace negotiations in Istanbul.
He stated that Russia’s draft memorandum of peace is at an “advanced stage” and will be presented to Ukraine in the upcoming round, regardless of further developments on the ground.
Speaking at a diplomatic conference in Moscow, Lavrov welcomed Ukraine’s confirmation of participation in the next meeting, calling it a “positive development” in a conflict that has dragged on for over three years.
“We are finalizing the draft of our peace memorandum,” Lavrov said. “Our objective remains the same — to secure long-term guarantees for Russian-speaking populations and address the systemic issues fueling this conflict.”
Venue Speculation and Vatican Rejection
While speculation swirled over potential venues for the next meeting, the Vatican was ruled out by Lavrov, who said it would be “unrealistic” for two Orthodox-majority nations to resolve critical matters on a Catholic platform. He described such a setting as “inappropriate”, although the Kremlin has yet to announce a confirmed venue, stating it will do so “in due time.”
Background: Progress in Istanbul
The first round of renewed peace talks was held in Istanbul on May 16, 2025, marking the first direct diplomatic engagement between Moscow and Kyiv in more than three years. That meeting produced a significant prisoner exchange deal involving 1,000 detainees from each side, and a draft framework for a potential ceasefire was introduced.
Russia’s Conditions and Firm Stance
Lavrov made clear that Russia will not accept a simple ceasefire unless it addresses what Moscow considers the root causes of the conflict. He reiterated demands for the revocation of Ukrainian laws that Russia claims discriminate against Russian-speaking communities, and said Russia will not allow those populations to remain under the governance of what he described as the “Zelenskyy junta.”
“Peace must mean security, dignity, and cultural rights for all Russian-speaking citizens of Ukraine,” Lavrov said.
Outlook
The forthcoming second round of talks represents a significant step in the ongoing diplomatic process, but deep disagreements remain, particularly over the status of Ukraine’s internal policies, territorial integrity, and security guarantees. With both sides under mounting domestic and international pressure, the direction of the talks may determine whether the conflict moves closer to a negotiated resolution — or a prolonged stalemate.
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U.S.-mediated talks on the Russia–Ukraine war concluded in Geneva on Thursday, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy describing the outcome as showing “more readiness” for further trilateral diplomacy covering security, economic and political elements of a potential settlement.
Amid ongoing conflicts and geopolitical tension, 2025 became a year defined not only by confrontation but also by a series of diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing violence, easing humanitarian crises and opening paths to long-term stability.
Tensions in the region remained high on Tuesday (10 March), as the United States and Iran exchanged increasingly sharp warnings, including threats over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supplies.
Global oil prices surpassed $119 a barrel on Monday (9 March, 2026), an almost four year high, as the Middle East conflict rumbled on.
China has urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve their dispute through dialogue after Chinese envoy Yue Xiaoyong met Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, as fighting between the two neighbours entered its eleventh day.
Entry and exit across the state border between Azerbaijan and Iran for all types of cargo vehicles, including those in transit, will resume on 9 March, according to a statement by the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan.
Iran named Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his father Ali Khamenei as supreme leader on Monday (9 March), signaling that hardliners remain firmly in charge, as the week-old U.S.-Israeli war with Iran pushed oil above $100 a barrel.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, has addressed the U.N. Security Council, saying the world must consider how effective its engagement with the Taliban-run country is as millions face hunger.
British MPs have rejected a proposal to introduce an Australia-style ban on social media for under-16s, opting instead to give ministers flexible powers to impose restrictions on platforms.
Australia has granted humanitarian visas to five Iranian women footballers who sought asylum, fearing persecution after refusing to sing their national anthem at an Asia Cup match.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 10th of March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. President Donald Trump called his recent phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin “very good.” The two leaders spoke on Monday about the situation in Iran and other international issues.
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