A meeting between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations began in Istanbul. About this informs Turkish state agency Anadolu.
The negotiations started somewhat late — earlier it was planned that they would start at 12:30 Kyiv time. Before the main part of the negotiations, the Ukrainian side held a tripartite meeting with representatives of the USA and Turkey.
The Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey Hakan Fidan addressed the delegations with a welcome speech:
“This meeting is the first direct contact between Ukraine and the Russian Federation since 2022. We must use this opportunity to move forward on the path to peace. Every day of delay means the loss of new lives. It is critical to cease fire as soon as possible. We have an opportunity to achieve a ceasefire at the same time as negotiations.
We will determine together, according to our preferences, what steps we will take. It is also very important that these talks form the basis for the leaders’ meeting. We firmly believe that peace can be achieved through negotiation. Turkey is committed to ending the war and establishing peace. We are also ready to make any possible contribution to achieving peace.”
The spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Heorhiy Tykhy, emphasized that the main priority of the Ukrainian delegation is to achieve a complete, unconditional and sustainable ceasefire. According to him, this condition will be an indicator of how ready the Russian side is for constructive participation in the negotiations in Istanbul.
The head of the Office of the President and a member of the delegation Andriy Yermak also commented on the beginning of the negotiations:
“The Russians want to build associations with 2022. But all that connects the negotiations with this is the city of Istanbul. And nothing else. All attempts by the Russians to tie today to 2022 will not work.”
