Istanbul hosts crucial Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations
The talks between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations regarding the war will commence on Friday, as reported by the independent Russian portal Meduza. According to previous announcements, the consultations were supposed to start on Thursday.
What do you need to know?
- When and where will the talks take place? The talks between Russia and Ukraine will begin on Friday in Istanbul. They were originally planned for Thursday but were postponed.
- Who will participate in the talks? The delegations from Russia and Ukraine will participate in the talks, along with mediators from the USA and Turkey.
- Who leads the delegations? The Ukrainian delegation is led by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, while the Russian delegation is headed by Vladimir Putin's advisor, Vladimir Medinsky.
An advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that the Ukrainian delegation will arrive in Istanbul on Thursday evening. However, the talks are set to start the following day.
Representatives from the USA and Turkey are expected to participate as mediators in the talks in Istanbul.
Zelensky with Erdogan
According to Ukrainian media, Zelensky, who met with Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkey on Thursday, has already concluded his visit to Ankara and headed to Tirana, where he will attend the European Political Community Summit. He had earlier announced plans to travel to Albania on Friday with the Turkish leader.
The Ukrainian delegation at the talks in Istanbul will be led by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, while the Russian delegation will be headed by Vladimir Putin's advisor Vladimir Medinsky.
Talks in Istanbul. Who will sit at the table?
The Kremlin announced on Wednesday evening that Russian leader Vladimir Putin will not be in Istanbul. The Russian delegation will be led by his advisor Vladimir Medinsky. Also travelling to Turkey will be Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Deputy Defence Minister Aleksandr Fomin, and Chief of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Russia, Admiral Igor Kostyukov.
Earlier, President Zelensky had stated that he would participate in the talks with Russia only if Putin was also present. Ultimately, on Thursday, he conveyed that he would be represented by a delegation.
The United States will be represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoys Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg.
