"Our delegation has left for Istanbul, and the talks are expected to begin tonight," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on 23/7. This is the third direct negotiation between Russia and Ukraine in Turkey this year.
Previously, specialist delegations from both sides held two rounds of talks on 16/5 and 2/6, but neither resulted in a ceasefire agreement. Peskov expressed skepticism about a positive outcome for this round, given the seven-week hiatus.
"No one expects an easy path. This will be a very difficult dialogue. The goals of the two sides are completely opposite," he said.
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Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov in Moscow, Russia, on 23/6. Photo: Reuters |
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov in Moscow, Russia, on 23/6. Photo: Reuters
The Russian delegation is led by Vladimir Medinsky, an aide to President Vladimir Putin. The Ukrainian delegation is headed by National Security and Defense Council Chairman Rustem Umerov.
The dialogues in Turkey previously facilitated the exchange of thousands of prisoners of war and the bodies of fallen soldiers. However, they haven't achieved a breakthrough toward a ceasefire or a resolution to the three-year conflict.
US President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum to Russia on 14/7, giving them 50 days to accept an agreement to end the conflict with Ukraine or face increased tariffs and sanctions.
However, sources close to the Kremlin suggest Putin remains unfazed by the warning. They indicate Russia intends to continue the war in Ukraine until Moscow achieves its stated objectives, which include addressing the root causes of the conflict.
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Russian (left) and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul, Turkey, on 2/6. Photo: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine |
Russian (left) and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul, Turkey, on 2/6. Photo: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine
The "root causes" Russia cites include the "demilitarization and denazification" of Ukraine, protecting the Russian-speaking community in the Donbass region, countering NATO's eastward expansion, and ensuring Kyiv's neutrality. Recently, Russia declared its intent to maintain control over four annexed Ukrainian provinces, a move Kyiv firmly rejects.
On 22/7, Peskov affirmed, "We intend to continue pursuing our interests, ensuring their protection, and completing the tasks set from the beginning."
Earlier this week, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine's negotiation proposal includes the return of prisoners of war and children taken to Russia, as well as preparations for direct talks between himself and President Putin. The Russian leader has previously declined to meet with Zelensky.
Thuy Lam (Reuters, AFP, TASS)
