NewsUkraine-Russia peace talks resume in Istanbul with mediators

Ukraine-Russia peace talks resume in Istanbul with mediators

The head of the Russian delegation, Vladimir Medinsky, stated that the talks with Ukraine in Istanbul are a continuation of the peace process from 2022.

Russia and Ukraine resume peace talks in Istanbul
Russia and Ukraine resume peace talks in Istanbul
Images source: © Getty Images | Burak Kara
Kamila Gurgul

Many of the pieces of information provided by Russian state media or Kremlin officials are likely not true. Such reports may be part of an information warfare by the Russian Federation.

Vladimir Medinsky, heading the Russian delegation, emphasized that the talks with Ukraine in Istanbul are seen by Russia as a continuation of the peace process from 2022. The aim of these talks is to establish a lasting peace and address the fundamental causes of the conflict - Medinsky stated during a speech at the Russian General Consulate in Istanbul.

Mediators from the USA and Turkey

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, informed that the delegation talks might take place Thursday evening or Friday. Representatives of the USA and Turkey are to participate in the negotiations in Istanbul as mediators.

Vladimir Putin had already proposed to the authorities in Kyiv to resume negotiations, which were interrupted at the end of 2022. Medinsky did not answer journalists' questions after his statement.

The fate of Ukraine at stake? Talks in Istanbul

The Kremlin announced Wednesday evening that there will be no Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Istanbul. The Russian delegation will be headed by his advisor Vladimir Medinsky. Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Deputy Defence Minister Alexander Fomin, and the head of the main directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Russia, Admiral Igor Kostiukov, will also travel to Turkey.

Previously, President Zelensky had said that he would participate in talks with Russia only if Putin were also there. Ultimately, on Thursday, he announced that a delegation would represent him.

The United States is represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoys Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg.

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