Zelenskyy reveals plans for new round of negotiations with Russia in Istanbul
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Ukrainian and Russian delegations may soon hold new talks in Istanbul. Kyiv has prepared three key topics for discussion, according to the statement of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a meeting with Ukrainian ambassadors.
The head of state reminded that Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, proposed to Russia to hold a new meeting in Istanbul.
"The agenda of the meeting is clear to us — the return of prisoners, the return of children who were abducted by Russia, and preparation for a meeting of the leaders," Zelenskyy said.
He emphasized that a real outcome in terms of ending the war can only be achieved at a meeting of the leaders.
Zelenskyy called on the ambassadors to inform other countries about the necessity of this specific negotiation approach and agenda, as well as to ensure Ukraine receives the necessary support.
Negotiations in Istanbul
Ukraine and Russia have already held two rounds of peace talks in Istanbul. A key outcome of the meetings was large-scale prisoner exchanges. In particular, young and severely wounded Ukrainian defenders were able to return home.
At the same time, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently stated that Ukraine has proposed to Russia to hold a new round of negotiations this week.
On its part, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov noted that during the talks, Russia wants to discuss both the Ukrainian and Russian memoranda on ending the war.
