Ukraine pushes for lasting peace in pivotal Istanbul talks
Ukraine declares its readiness to reach a lasting, unconditional ceasefire. Key negotiations are taking place in Istanbul with the participation of the Ukrainian high-level delegation.
What do you need to know?
- Ukraine is ready for peace and a permanent ceasefire. The head of the Ukrainian President's Office, Andriy Yermak, confirmed this during negotiations in Istanbul.
- High-level meetings. The talks involve representatives from Ukraine, Russia, and Turkey, as well as advisers from the USA, the UK, France, and Germany.
- Key talks in Istanbul. Meetings took place on Friday involving delegations from the USA, Ukraine, and Turkey. Discussions including Russia are also planned.
What are the positions of Ukraine and Russia?
In Istanbul, the first direct talks in three years between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations are taking place on Friday, led by the Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan. The Ukrainian delegation is headed by Defence Minister, Rustem Umerov, while the Russian delegation is led by Vladimir Medinsky, an adviser to Vladimir Putin.
Ukraine has declared its readiness for a permanent and unconditional ceasefire. Andriy Yermak, head of President Volodymyr Zelensky's office, emphasised that the Ukrainian delegation is prepared for high-level talks.
"Coordinated positions ahead of the meeting between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul. Ukraine is ready for peace and a lasting, unconditional ceasefire. We are also ready for high-level meetings and negotiations," Yermak wrote on 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 advisers from the United Kingdom, France, and Germany are also present. Friday's discussions also included foreign ministers from the USA, Ukraine, and Turkey.
The next meeting in Istanbul will gather representatives from Ukraine, Russia, and Turkey. The Ukrainian delegation is headed by Defence Minister, Rustem Umerov, while the Russian delegation is led by Vladimir Medinsky, an adviser to Vladimir Putin. The aim of the talks is to end the war in Ukraine and achieve lasting peace.
