Russia declares readiness to resume talks with Ukraine in Istanbul

Russia has expressed its readiness to continue direct negotiations with Ukraine at any time, provided that Kyiv demonstrates political will.

A Russian diplomat stated that Moscow’s position on the matter remains unchanged - the Istanbul platform remains open, and Turkish partners have confirmed their willingness to host both sides for dialogue.

The representative emphasized that the initiative to resume talks remains relevant, and that if Ukraine shows interest, Moscow is prepared to resume discussions without delay.

Ukraine yet to respond to Moscow's proposal

The diplomat recalled that during previous rounds, Moscow had already submitted several proposals to Kyiv on organizing the negotiation process.

Among them were initiatives to establish three working groups that could meet in an online format. However, according to him, the Ukrainian side has not yet provided a positive response to these initiatives.

The Russian side continues to view the Istanbul platform as convenient and ready for dialogue, stressing that further progress depends entirely on Kyiv’s political decision.

Earlier, negotiations between Ukraine and Russia were held in Istanbul under Turkey’s mediation. After several rounds, the contacts were suspended, although Ankara has repeatedly reaffirmed its readiness to resume the process and provide a venue for new meetings.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that the planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Budapest had not been canceled but merely postponed to a later date.

Meanwhile, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said that Russia was exaggerating the significance of its actions in Ukraine, describing partial advances as "epochal." According to him, such claims do not reflect the real situation on the front line, particularly around Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region.