Ukraine pushes for peace: Leaders meet in Istanbul talks
Ukraine is ready for peace and a permanent, unconditional ceasefire, announced Andriy Yermak, the head of Volodymyr Zelensky's office.
Main Points
- Ukraine is ready for an unconditional ceasefire.
- Key negotiations are taking place in Istanbul involving Ukraine, Russia, and Turkey.
- Representatives from the USA, the UK, France, and Germany are also participating in the discussions.
According to the Polish Press Agency, on Friday, Andriy Yermak, the head of the Ukrainian president's office, declared that Ukraine is prepared for peace and a permanent, unconditional ceasefire.
Yermak stated on platform X that prior to the upcoming talks between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul, positions had been aligned. He emphasized that Ukraine is prepared for peace, supports a lasting and unconditional ceasefire, and is open to holding high-level discussions and negotiations.
On Friday, another meeting is planned with the participation of representatives from Ukraine, Russia, and Turkey. The Ukrainian delegation is led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, and the Russian delegation by Vladimir Putin's advisor, Vladimir Medinsky. Earlier on Friday in Istanbul, a meeting took place with the delegations from the USA, Ukraine, and Turkey concerning ending the war in Ukraine.
International Talks
Andriy Yermak reported that Ukraine coordinated its position before the meeting with Russia. The head of Zelensky's office added that, along with Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, they held a meeting with the US envoy for Ukraine, Gen. Keith Kellogg.
They also met with the National Security Advisor to the UK Prime Minister, Jonathan Powell, the diplomatic advisor to the President of France, Emmanuel Bonne, and the Foreign and Security Policy Advisor to the Chancellor of Germany, Guenter Sautter.
Widespread criticism met Vladimir Putin's absence in Istanbul. Keir Starmer unequivocally pointed out that Putin does not want peace. The UK Prime Minister stated on Friday, as reported by PAP, that recent events further demonstrate Russian President Vladimir Putin's lack of genuine interest in pursuing peace negotiations in Ukraine. Mark Rutte and Ursula von der Leyen conveyed comparable views in their remarks.
