Peskov: Ukraine has not yet responded to Russia's proposal for talks on June 2

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday that Russia is still awaiting a response from Ukraine regarding the proposal to hold the next round of peace talks in Istanbul on June 2. 

Russian officials proposed holding a second round of direct negotiations a day ago, with the aim of presenting Ukraine with a memorandum that includes what are being described as key elements for "overcoming the root causes" of the conflict, Reuters reported.

When asked about the suggestion of Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, who asked Russia to immediately submit the memorandum, Peskov denied the idea and called it "unconstructive."

"Here, you either need to confirm your willingness to continue negotiations or do the opposite," Peskov said.

Preliminary talks held on May 16 failed to produce a ceasefire agreement, which Moscow has announced is impossible to reach before certain preconditions are met.