Ukraine signals readiness for peace amid pivotal Istanbul talks
Ukraine declares its readiness to reach a lasting, unconditional ceasefire. Key negotiations are taking place in Istanbul with the participation of a high-level Ukrainian delegation.
What do you need to know?
- Ukraine is ready for peace and a permanent ceasefire, as the head of the Ukrainian President's Office, Andriy Yermak, confirmed during negotiations in Istanbul.
- High-level meetings. The talks involve representatives from Ukraine, Russia, and Turkey, as well as advisors from the U.S., the UK, France, and Germany.
- Key talks in Istanbul. Delegations from the U.S., Ukraine, and Turkey met on Friday, and discussions with Russia are also planned.
What are the positions of Ukraine and Russia?
The Ukrainian and Russian delegations' first direct talks in three years are taking place in Istanbul on Friday. The Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, is leading the Turkish delegation. Defence Minister Rustem Umerov heads the Ukrainian delegation, while Vladimir Medinsky, an advisor to Vladimir Putin, leads the Russian delegation.
Ukraine has declared its readiness for a permanent and unconditional ceasefire. Andriy Yermak, head of President Volodymyr Zelensky's office, emphasized that the Ukrainian delegation is prepared for high-level talks.
"We coordinated our positions with our colleagues ahead of today’s meeting with the russian delegation in Istanbul. The Ukrainian side reaffirmed its commitment to peace efforts, highlighting the constructive steps taken in recent weeks and months," Yermak wrote on the platform X.
Who is participating in the negotiations?
Key international figures are participating in the talks in Istanbul. Among them are Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, and the U.S. envoy for Ukraine, General Keith Kellogg. Security advisors from the United Kingdom, France, and Germany are also present. Foreign ministers from the U.S., Ukraine, and Turkey also participated in Friday's discussions.
The next meeting in Istanbul will gather representatives from Ukraine, Russia, and Turkey. Defence Minister Rustem Umerov heads the Ukrainian delegation, while Vladimir Medinsky, an advisor to Vladimir Putin, leads the Russian delegation. The talks aim to end the war in Ukraine and achieve lasting peace.
