Russia says it's ready for direct talks with Ukraine, yet not without conditions
Photo: negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul (Getty Images)
Russia said it is ready to continue negotiations with Ukraine on ending the war, but sets a condition that they must be held in the Istanbul format, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin told Russian media.
Galuzin claims that all conditions allegedly exist for developing the Istanbul negotiation track and that Moscow is open to direct talks with Ukraine.
“Turkish representatives have repeatedly confirmed their readiness to provide a venue for negotiations in Istanbul. All the conditions for developing the Istanbul track are in place,” he said.
The Russian deputy minister claimed that the main problem is allegedly the “lack of political will in Kyiv,” while the Ukrainian side avoids dialogue, hoping “to achieve peace by force.”
Negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in Türkiye
Ukraine and Russia held three rounds of negotiations in Istanbul in May, June, and July 2025.
At these talks, Ukraine demonstrated readiness for a ceasefire immediately and clearly outlined its priorities: cessation of hostilities, silence along the entire frontline, and an end to strikes on civilian infrastructure. However, Moscow did not agree to a ceasefire.
After the second round of negotiations, Russia handed Ukraine a memorandum.
In it, Russia demanded the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from four regions, the suspension of Western aid, the end of mobilization and martial law, the holding of elections, and the cessation of “sabotage activities” against Russia. Moscow continues to work on this memorandum to this day.
The main outcome of the negotiations was agreement on prisoner exchanges.
