Ukraine and russia talk peace amid tensions in Istanbul
Delegations from Moscow and Kyiv will hold talks on Thursday in Istanbul, Turkey, regarding the war in Ukraine. According to the Russian side, Turkey requested that the negotiations begin "in the afternoon."
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said during a briefing in Moscow that the talks in Istanbul were postponed to the afternoon at the Turkish side's request.
Reuters cited a source from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs who stated that the meeting between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul has not yet been scheduled.
The quoted source stated that since the meeting time has not been set, any postponement discussion is currently irrelevant.
The fate of Ukraine hangs in the balance. The world watches Istanbul
According to earlier information, Ukraine is to be represented in the talks in Istanbul by President Volodymyr Zelensky, Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, Presidential Adviser Ihor Zhovkva, and Defence Minister Rustem Umerov.
The Kremlin announced Wednesday evening that Russian leader Vladimir Putin will not be in Istanbul. His adviser, Vladimir Medinsky, will lead the Russian delegation. Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Deputy Defence Minister Alexander Fomin, and Admiral Igor Kostiukov, the head of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Russia, will also travel to Turkey.
Earlier, President Zelensky said he would only participate in talks with Russia if Putin were also present.
