Ukraine ready for talks with Russia in Istanbul, pushes for ceasefire – Ukraine's FM
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Ukraine is ready for the third round of negotiations with Russia in Istanbul and insists on a ceasefire, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said during a joint press conference with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot in Kyiv.
The Foreign Minister noted that Ukraine strives to achieve a just and comprehensive peace.
"There have been two rounds, two meetings in Istanbul. We received positive dynamics after these meetings regarding the exchange of prisoners. This process continues, also in the context of other confidence-building measures, such as the return of civilians and children," said Sybiha.
Therefore, according to him, this process is important and must continue.
"President Zelenskyy has stated that we are ready. Ukraine is not an obstacle to peace, never has been and never will be. We insist on a ceasefire. And it is very important that these meetings, if a possible date is agreed upon, be substantive. That the other side have a mandate to discuss the most crucial issues — ending the war, achieving a ceasefire," the minister noted.
At the same time, he emphasized that this is not yet happening.
"Therefore, one of the proposals was for us to be able to discuss such strategic issues and to hold a meeting at the level of Zelenskyy-Putin with the participation of President Trump, European leaders, and President Erdoğan. And we believe that such a development would undoubtedly influence the further dynamics of the ceasefire process," Sybiha added.
Ukraine-Russia talks in Istanbul
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced today that Ukrainian and Russian delegations will hold a third round of negotiations in Istanbul later this week. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 23.
He emphasized that the new talks with the Russian side will focus on the return of prisoners of war, the return of children deported by Russia, and preparations for a leaders' summit.
According to Zelenskyy, only at a leaders' meeting can concrete results be achieved for peace between Ukraine and Russia.
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow wants to discuss memorandums on ending the war that were previously exchanged between the sides during negotiations.
