8 hours agoUkraine, Russia Start Peace Talks in Istanbul
Periskopi(a year ago)
(a year ago)Russia and Ukraine have launched a third round of peace talks in Istanbul. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his expectations are not high, saying detailed talks on a ceasefire are not on the agenda. Today's meeting should focus on progress in the return of prisoners of war and [...]
Russia and Ukraine have launched a third round of peace talks in Istanbul.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his expectations are not high, saying detailed talks on a ceasefire are not on the agenda.
Today's meeting should focus on progress in the return of prisoners of war and Ukrainian children kidnapped by Russia, as well as on preparing for a presidential meeting, Zelensky told diplomats Monday.
The previous two rounds of talks, organised in Istanbul on 16 May and 2 June, failed to produce concrete progress in a ceasefire. They ended with only one agreement on the exchange of prisoners and the repatriation of remains of soldiers.
The meetings were prompted by US President Donald Trump's pressure. The third round comes after Trump voiced disappointment with Moscow for efforts to end the war and threatened sanctions.
The Ukrainian team will be led by former Defence Minister Rusem Umerov, who has since been appointed head of the National Security and Defence Council. The Russian delegation will again be led by presidential adviser and former Culture Minister Vladimir Medinsky.
While Kiev insists on an unconditional ceasefire to allow talks to end the conflict, Russia is upholding its maximum demands, including the total withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the eastern Moscow annexed regions. /Periscopi/
