Direct Talks Between Russia and Ukraine Resume After Three-Year Pause
The first direct negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian officials since the breakdown of talks in 2022 have begun in Istanbul, as both sides revisit unresolved demands amid continued fighting on the ground
Russian and Ukrainian officials have begun direct negotiations in Istanbul. This talk is the first between the two sides since peace efforts collapsed in 2022.
Delegations take place at Dolmabache palace, in Istanbul.
Ukraine has sent a delegation led by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, however, expressed doubt over the outcome, saying the Russian team includes “no one who actually makes decisions”.
Russia’s delegation is headed by presidential adviser Vladimir Medinsky, who said the meeting builds on discussions that took place early in the war.
Ahead of Friday’s meeting, Medinsky said he held “productive” discussions with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who reiterated Ankara’s call for an urgent ceasefire.
Conflict Continues on the Ground
Despite the renewed talks, fighting in Ukraine continues.
Russian forces claimed on Thursday to have taken control of two villages in the Donetsk region.
Moscow now holds around 20% of Ukraine’s territory, including Crimea, which it annexed in 2014.
Local residents near frontlines remain under heavy bombardment as diplomatic efforts play out.
International responses
UK prime minister Kier Starmer has said allies must be willing to “follow through” on their “ultimatum” to Vladimir Putin if Russia continues to refuse to properly engage with peace talks.
The US secretary of state, Marco Rubio says that no real progress can be made without direct engagement between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.
Trump, speaking from the Middle East, confirmed he plans to meet Putin “as soon as we can set it up.”
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HeadlineDirect Talks Between Russia and Ukraine Resume After Three-Year Pause
Short HeadlineRussian and Ukrainian officials have begun direct negotiations in Istanbul.
StandfirstThe first direct negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian officials since the breakdown of talks in 2022 have begun in Istanbul, as both sides revisit unresolved demands amid continued fighting on the ground
Russian and Ukrainian officials have begun direct negotiations in Istanbul. This talk is the first between the two sides since peace efforts collapsed in 2022.
Delegations take place at Dolmabache palace, in Istanbul.
Ukraine has sent a delegation led by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, however, expressed doubt over the outcome, saying the Russian team includes “no one who actually makes decisions”.
Russia’s delegation is headed by presidential adviser Vladimir Medinsky, who said the meeting builds on discussions that took place early in the war.
Ahead of Friday’s meeting, Medinsky said he held “productive” discussions with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who reiterated Ankara’s call for an urgent ceasefire.
Conflict Continues on the Ground
Despite the renewed talks, fighting in Ukraine continues.
Russian forces claimed on Thursday to have taken control of two villages in the Donetsk region.
Moscow now holds around 20% of Ukraine’s territory, including Crimea, which it annexed in 2014.
Local residents near frontlines remain under heavy bombardment as diplomatic efforts play out.
International responses
UK prime minister Kier Starmer has said allies must be willing to “follow through” on their “ultimatum” to Vladimir Putin if Russia continues to refuse to properly engage with peace talks.
The US secretary of state, Marco Rubio says that no real progress can be made without direct engagement between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.
Trump, speaking from the Middle East, confirmed he plans to meet Putin “as soon as we can set it up.”
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