Representatives of Kiev and Moscow are holding their first direct negotiations since 2022
Delegations from Russia and Ukraine have started their first direct peace talks since April 2022. The meeting in Istanbul, Türkiye, follows a renewed offer from Russian President Vladimir Putin to resume dialogue and international calls for a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing conflict.
As the talks were planned to take place on Thursday, the Kremlin delegation had been waiting for its counterpart to arrive for the whole day. Vladimir Zelensky named his delegation later in the evening. It is expected to consist of 12 delegates and be led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
On Sunday, Putin stated that only negotiations could lead to “some kind of new truce and a new ceasefire.”
“We are set on serious negotiations with Ukraine. Their aim is to eliminate the root causes of the conflict and to achieve a long-term lasting peace for a historical perspective,” the Russian leader said.
The offer met a mixed reaction from Kiev and its backers, who continue to insist that any negotiations must be preceded by the establishment of at least a 30-day truce. However, Putin’s proposal was backed by US President Donald Trump, who urged Kiev to “immediately” accept it.
Following Trump’s comments, Kiev seemingly shifted its position, and Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky proclaimed his readiness to participate in the meeting, while reiterating the truce demand.
Kiev had earlier stated that the only official from Moscow that Zelensky would talk to is Putin. However, the Russian president has made no indication that he is planning to travel to Türkiye.
Late on Wednesday, Putin named Russia’s delegation for the proposed talks. The team is being led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, who headed Moscow’s side during negotiations with Kiev in 2022. The delegation also includes Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Deputy Defense Minister Aleksandr Fomin, and the head of Russia’s military intelligence, Igor Kostyukov.
In addition to the negotiators themselves, Putin unveiled a team of experts who will also participate. It is composed of several senior military and civil officials, as well as diplomats.
“We are ready for a discussion and resumption of the Istanbul talks. We are ready for possible compromises,” Medinsky told journalists in Istanbul, while still waiting for the talks to commence.
“We are in a working mood,” the presidential aide added, noting that the delegation includes “senior officials from all the relevant governmental agencies.”
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Trump described the upcoming Russia-Ukraine talks as “very important.”
