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Russia wants to resume negotiations on the war in Ukraine. A delegation is expected to be sent to Turkey for this purpose. Ukraine wants to learn more about the Russian side's demands in advance.
Despite the lack of agreement from Kiev, Russia plans to send a delegation to Istanbul to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. The delegation will be ready as early as Monday morning to continue negotiations, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. He hopes to also discuss memorandums prepared by both sides on ending the war.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced on Wednesday that the meeting will take place next Monday. Therefore, the delegation is expected to remain unchanged for the second round and will again be led by presidential adviser Vladimir Medinsky.
Ukraine still hesitates
According to the head of the Ukrainian negotiating delegation, Rustem Urnierov, Kiev is not against a meeting, but would like to see the Russian position paper beforehand. The Kremlin has so far refused, arguing that proposals should not be discussed publicly in advance. Ukraine said it had already conveyed its demands to Russia.
The first round of negotiations took place in mid-May. The meeting was originally scheduled for the previous day, but was later postponed by a day due to numerous disagreements, including the participation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. A major prisoner exchange was then agreed upon. According to initial statements from both sides, the second meeting should focus on a possible ceasefire.
Turkey wants direct negotiations
The Turkish government, for its part, has proposed a meeting between the presidents of the United States, Russia and Ukraine in Turkey. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan believes that it is possible that the two direct talks will culminate in a meeting between Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky. According to the proposal, the meeting should take place under the leadership of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
As Fidan stated, expectations for a ceasefire and peace have increased significantly. If all parties remain "at the negotiating table," progress can "certainly" be achieved, the Turkish foreign minister stressed.
The Kremlin immediately rejected the proposal. Peskov stated that Putin was ready in principle for high-level talks, but that results should first be achieved through direct negotiations between the two countries.
Turkey has regularly taken on the role of mediator in the war in Ukraine. Fidan spoke ahead of a meeting scheduled for Friday with Ukrainian President Zelensky in Kiev. He had previously held talks with senior government officials in Russia./ DW
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